Benadryl - Diphenhydramine - 2013

[RandomSand]

Just bought Diphenhydramine HCI 50mg tabs in a pharmacy in Pattaya. Local Brand name is Codiphen.

Diphenhydramine a anti-histamine that causes drowsiness so I'm using it as a sleeping tablet.

Remarks: Wonderful sleep. Very refreshing. Woke up very slightly groggy. Seems to be 12-15 hrs until out of system fully. Best not to drive until 15+ hrs have elapsed after dose.

edit: Link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diphenhydramine

Edited January 28, 2013 by RandomSand

[brewsterbudgen]

Benadryl cough syrup is great as a sleep aid. Unfortunately it's no longer available in Thailand, although some pharmacies still have it 'under the counter'. Codiphen is great!

[Sheryl]

In the US, diphenhydramine is approved for OTC sale and there are several brands marketed as sleep aids.

Benadryl cough syrup is still availabe in Thailand and OTC.

Brewsterb. may be thingking of Benadryl CD, a syrup which contains codeine as well as benadryl and is thus classed as a narcotic. That's still available but only from a hospital pharmacy on doctor rx.

[brewsterbudgen]

In the US, diphenhydramine is approved for OTC sale and there are several brands marketed as sleep aids.

Benadryl cough syrup is still availabe in Thailand and OTC.

Brewsterb. may be thingking of Benadryl CD, a syrup which contains codeine as well as benadryl and is thus classed as a narcotic. That's still available but only from a hospital pharmacy on doctor rx.

Thanks Sheryl. Why is codeine so restricted here in Thailand? In the UK many OTC painkillers are combinations of codeine (12 mg) and paracetamol or ibruprofen and they are very effective! I stock up when I go home to the UK, as the OTC analgesics here are not nearly as effective.

[Sheryl]

I don't know the history in Thailand, but in the US ALL codeine is restricted as a result of past abuses. (Used to be sold in OTC cough syrups and teenagers drank it to get high).

[RandomSand]

Just a quick note about Diphenhydramine HCI 50mg tabs...

Took on two consecutive nights and felt totally whacked when I woke up on the third day.

I noticed that my heart was not beating very strong and could feel all my blood settling in my legs as a sat down.

Scared me a bit if I'm honest so I went for a brisk walk to get my heart beating.

Felt better the nest day.

[lopburi3]

All opium poppy based products are frowned upon in Thailand AFAIK. It can also easily be converted into morphine and heroin so from poppy onward is a serious concern. An overview of the UK/French history in Asia/opium might give an indication why it is viewed as evil.

[Sheryl]

50 mg is a high dose, given your problems suggest you try the 25mg strength

[NomadRip]

Do you have any idea what the other local brand names are here for Benadryl / Diphenhydramine? I'm having a heck of a time finding it here in Bangkok. I've been told everything from "No, we don't carry that" to "You have to get it from a hospital" specifically when I asked for Codiphen after reading this thread.

I think I've asked at least 15 pharmacies now, and they mostly act like I'm asking for heroin. I'm just looking for 25mg tablets of diphenhydramine, not anything with Coedine in it. I know the U.S. problems with that stuff. And I likewise see they make several varieties with psuedoephedrine, which I also do not want.

I thought it was widely-sold here, but I may be losing something in translation. Zrytec is easy to find, but doesn't work quite as well, in my opinion.

[Sheryl]

It is sold as:

Benadryl

Codiphen

Dibendryl

Sedatab

Sedi

and a few other brands as well.

Sounds like you were dealing with non-pharmacists. Undoubtedly they had it on the shelves behind them but didn't know it, happens all the time.

Go to a large pharmacy (not a Boots or Watsons, a proper pharmacy) and show them the generic name written down, should be no problem. If you are in the Sukhumvit area, try the one near Soi 2 sort of opposite the expressway. They have "real" pharmacists on staff there much of the time (which is less common than you'd think).

[NomadRip]

Thanks! I'll try those names and that advice and see what I come up with.