Benadryl 14 hrs. before exam?

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I have a really really bad sleeping schedule. Lately I have been sleeping at 4 am and my exam is going to be at 8 am. I KNOW that I'll have about 3 hours of sleep before the nclex. Although, I'm not a big antihistamine taker I just think that my critical thinking skills won't be as sharp if I dont have enough sleep.

Does anyone here think that's a bad idea?

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Specializes in Pediatrics Only.

If you are planning on doing this, I suggest you try it a few days beforehand.

You dont want to be so dosed up from Benadryl that you sleep right through the exam. Expecially if your body is not used to you taking it- you dont want to throw something into it the night before the exam not knowing how you'll react and how you will feel the next day.

By doing it a few days beforehand, you'll know how you feel after taking it, if you feel as sharp as you should, etc.

Good luck with your NCLEX!

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Maybe try working out in the afternoon. That should get you tired enough to sleep.

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I know this is in NO WAY comparable to the NCLEX, but I had a final this past semester I was studying for and I took Benedryl because I was allergic to my sisters dog and we had been over their for Mother's Day weekend.

I could not stay awake to study at all on Saturday or Sunday (my exam was Monday). It knocked me out for 2 whole days. I didn't know what the heck was wrong with me. I just thought I was sick of studying and worn down. Then I figured it out because I took it again later that week and I was out again for a while.

I just thought I would let you know. I'm sure it effects everyone differently, but it did a number on me.

Good luck, I hope you get some good sleep and study time!!!

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I took my nclex today. I woke up at 7 and went out the whoooole day. I got home at 7pm and knocked outonly to be waken up by my good friend to wish me luck at 9 pm. I couldnt sleep for the longest time and I decided that I shouldnt take benadryl at all. SO I just didn't bother looking at the clock for the rest of the night so I wouldn't know what time it was. haha.

Anyways, I took the nclex and the computer shut down at 75 questions. I'm feeling guilty for not feeling bad about the exam (I'm reading stories here about people panicking). I walked out there happy that I just got the test over with.

It's going to be the longest 48 hours ever!

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Specializes in Adult Acute Care Medicine.

Congrats on completing the exam! Let us know when you find out that you passed!

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Hello..

I just took the exam last June 6 in Guam and I passed! The night before the exam was the hardest for me because my anxiety of not able to sleep is really high...I also thought of taking Benadryll but my friend told me it causes a little hangover and dizziness in the morning...so i decided not to take it...i borrowed this meditation tape of my friend...i played it at around 10pm and listen to the very relaxing music of the meditation and I fell asleep...I woke up at around 5am and it was a nice and peaceful restful sleep!!! So I was really thankful that I was able to overcome my anxiety...and I PASSED!

Good luck to you and hope you get a restful sleep before the big day

God BLess!!

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I passed. =)

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