Miscellany: Poppin' The Bennies

People with seasonal allergies owe a large debt to Dr. George Rieveschl, the inventor of diphenhydramine (AKA Benadryl). Benadryl was the first truly successful mass-market antihistamine, and it remains one of the most effective. Here's a vid explaining how it works:



Like a lot of people, I've been "poppin' the Bennies" lately in order to combat itchy eyes, runny nose, and annoying sinus pressure. Unfortunately, diphenhydramine has one big side effect - drowsiness. The sleepiness and muscle relaxation the drug causes is so profound that diphenhydramine is often used as a sleep aid. So, for all fellow allergy sufferers who are riding the pink dragon tonight, I bid you sweet dreams...