Allergy medicine and alcohol: Are they a safe combination?

If your allergy med of choice is diphenhydramine, also known as Benadryl, the answer is an emphatic NO. The same rule goes for other first-generation allergy medications such as chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), clemastine and hydroxyzine . Women, in general, have a higher risk for problems than men. When a woman drinks, the alcohol in her bloodstream typically reaches a higher level than a man’s even if both are drinking the same amount. This is because women’s bodies generally have less water than men’s bodies.

It only helps to reduce symptoms in your body by blocking histamine which is just a nitrogenous compound. In acute treatment, you will be monitored by doctors, nurses, and other medical staff around the clock. The dangers of injury and death are heightened when someone attempts to operate a motor vehicle or machinery while intoxicated from both substances. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically appear within eight hours of your last drink.

You should be warned not to exceed recommended dosages and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness. If your doctor prescribes these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment to safely take this combination. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor. Benadryl is a prescription medication that can effectively treat a myriad of conditions like allergies and the common cold, but it can quickly procure dangerous results when abused. Overdosing on the drug can lead to fatalities in itself, but the risk of death increases significantly when you pair it with alcohol.

Can you take Benadryl and cetirizine together?

By enrolling in a professional recovery program, you can access comprehensive, specialized, and evidence-based treatment. This process starts with acute treatment, where the alcohol and diphenhydramine are removed from your body. You will also be administered medications during this phase to help alleviate the withdrawal symptoms and any health issues that could arise. On the surface, Benadryl and caffeine seem to perform two completely different functions.

Our representatives work solely for AAC and will discuss whether an AAC facility may be an option for you. Our helpline is offered at no cost to you and with no obligation to enter into treatment. Tramadol and Alcohol Mixing tramadol and alcohol can be very dangerous. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Learn more about the risks and how to get help.Drugs If you or a loved one is struggling with drug abuse, you’re not alone. Learn more about the most commonly misused drugs.Addiction Treatment Going to a rehabilitation program greatly increases your chance of long-term recovery. Learn more about your options.Addiction Resources If you have more questions about addiction, we’ve gathered resources to help you and your loved ones. If you’re taking more than one OTC or prescription drug or supplement, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can let you know if your other medications contain alcohol and if it’s safe to take them with Benadryl.

Alcohol Drug Interactions Learn about the potential interactions between alcohol and other drugs…. Even without combining Benadryl with alcohol, you shouldn’t drive or operate machinery. Benadryl can depress the central nervous system, affecting a person’s ability to stay alert. Excessive alcohol use is a problem in the same way.8 Combining these drugs is much more dangerous because of this additional risk. Sedation and disorientation may cause problems with their motor abilities. Combining Benadryl with alcohol is also more likely to induce a state of unconsciousness in these people.

Why Should Diphenhydramine And Alcohol Not Be Mixed

Keep in mind that Benadryl itself is not known to increase blood pressure. There were no specific reports of herbs interacting with Benadryl. However, it’s still important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products during Benadryl treatment. The manufacturer of Benadryl has not reported any interactions with other medications. However, it’s possible that new interactions may be recognized in the future.

AddictionResource aims to present the most accurate, trustworthy, and up-to-date medical content to our readers. Our team does their best for our readers to help them stay informed about vital healthcare decisions. Generally, it is not advisable to drink while using antihistamines for seasonal allergy treatment. However, longitudinal research would be required in people who consume high levels of Benadryl and alcohol to know whether this has any effect on the risk of dementia.

Normal Side Effects of Benadryl

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Benadryl is also used to treat motion sickness, to induce sleep, and to treat certain symptoms of Parkinson’s https://sober-house.net/ disease. In the previous sections, we talked about the negative effects of the Benadryl and alcohol mixture. You already know how dangerous it is to drive a vehicle when you are drunk. Alcohol makes it harder to get your attention while driving and it may even make you sleep.

• Benadryl is not known to interact with Claritin , Vistaril , or Zyrtec .
• Combining Trazodone and Benadryl can increase the risk or severity of drug-induced QT prolongation, which can trigger tachycardias or increased heart rate.
• Acetylcholine is necessary for learning and memory, so blocking its action may temporarily impair these processes.
• That’s why professional treatment is an absolute necessity; it can reverse the deadly course of multiple substance abuse.
• Alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically appear within eight hours of your last drink.

Trazodone is a type of antidepressant that’s sometime prescribed for insomnia. Here are some frequently asked questions about Benadryl and possible interactions. It’s possible for drugs to interact with supplements such as vitamins and herbs. Benadryl may have other interactions, such as with supplements, foods, vaccines, or even lab tests.

Always Follow The Doctor’s Advice

These medications do not typically cause drowsiness or other side effects that are intensified by alcohol consumption. Mixing alcohol and medicines puts you at risk for dangerous reactions. Protect yourself by avoiding alcohol if you are taking a medication and don’t know its effect. To learn more about a medicine and whether it will interact eco sober house cost with alcohol, talk to your pharmacist or other health care provider. Sunshine Behavioral Health strives to help people who are facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions. It does this by providing compassionate care and evidence-based content that addresses health, treatment, and recovery.

Benadryl is a well-known medicine used for curing symptoms of allergy, however, if you mix Benadryl and alcohol, the effects could be lethal. However, if you take blood pressure medication, you’re encouraged to talk with your doctor before taking Benadryl. Taking Benadryl with blood pressure medication could cause your blood pressure to decrease to a level that’s too low.

The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and Benadryl

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Mixing Benadryl with alcohol may be particularly dangerous for females, as consuming smaller amounts of alcohol could trigger adverse interaction effects. In addition, using this drug with alcohol or overdose without any reason may cause a high risk. Also, it is in the class of over-the-counter medicines that you can get easily from pharmacies.

Can Diphenhydramine Be Mixed Safely With Alcohol?

When sedated, some people are more likely to lose consciousness. For these people, mixing alcohol with Benadryl is the perfect recipe to become unconscious. This situation can also be dangerous due to the possibility of falling from higher places and other dangerous accidents.