Dimenhydrinate

Dimenhydrinate is a close chemical cousin to diphenhydramine HCl. The only differences are potency (50mg dimenhydrinate = 25mg diphenhydramine) and delay of action (dimenhydrinate must break down to diphenhydramine in the body before it is active, therefore diphenhydramine produces effects sooner). Diphenhydramine is found in most OTC sleep aids and allergy preparations, such as Benadryl. It is primarily a H₁-antagonist, but also possesses an antimuscarinic effect. It is also used in some drugs to produce an antiemetic effect, however the development of the chemical Meclizine has overtaken it in antiemetic drusg due to the fact that Meclizine doesn't produce a drowsiness effect.

Other uses

Recreational drug users sometimes take more than the recommended dose of dimenhydrinate in order to attain an intense hallucinogenic and deleriant effect. The physical effects of recreational doses (blurred vision, weakness, twitching, sleepiness and, paradoxically, insomnia) are usually unpleasant for most people. The mental effects are described by many as "dreaming while awake" and can be quite disturbing and, at times, dangerous.