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Benadryl and Xanax: A Deadly Combination
As a faith-based drug and alcohol treatment center, we know that a lot of people either experiment with combining medications or don’t realize the harm it can do.
While people may be aware of the dangers of binge drinking or abusing drugs like cocaine or heroin, not everyone thinks twice about the effects of mixing over-the-counter and prescription medications like Benadryl and Xanax. Mixing Xanax and Benadryl can be particularly harmful; this combination is known for causing adverse side effects and even overdose.
What Is Benadryl?
Benadryl is the generic brand name for diphenhydramine, which is an antihistamine used to treat allergies, hay fever, and cold symptoms. Benadryl can treat symptoms like rashes, itching, runny nose and cough. It’s also used for colds because it can help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Benadryl works by blocking histamines, which are chemicals that your immune system releases in an attempt to rid itself of an allergy. As an antihistamine, Benadryl is specifically designed to alleviate symptoms caused by these chemicals.
Although this over-the-counter medicine can help alleviate uncomfortable symptoms, it can be dangerous in high doses. Some possible side effects of Benadryl include:
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Stomach pains
- Blurred vision
- Dry throat
- Confusion
- Irregular heartbeat
Because of its main ingredient, diphenhydramine, Benadryl is addictive. As an over-the-counter medicine, many people have access to it in tablets, capsules, and liquid form. People who develop an addiction to it may need professional help to quit. A medically monitored detox like the one we offer at Faith in Recovery can help people wean off of Benadryl and begin recovering.
What Is Xanax?
Xanax, or alprazolam, is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia. It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which work by targeting nerve activity in the central nervous system to produce calming effects. Xanax works by enhancing an inhibitory transmitter in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which blocks certain brain signals and reduces nerve activity in the brain. Individuals who suffer from overactive nerves, like those with anxiety disorders, can benefit from Xanax.
Like many other benzos and prescription drugs, however, Xanax is addictive and can cause serious side effects when abused.
Some adverse side effects of Xanax include:
- Dizziness
- Hallucinations
- Slurred speech
- Loss of coordination
- Issues with memory
- Trouble breathing
Although these symptoms usually occur when Xanax is taken in extreme doses, people who develop a tolerance to it will take a higher dosage more often in order to experience the same effects. This can quickly turn into dependency. Prescription pill addiction treatment is often the most effective form of help for people with a Xanax addiction.
Can You Take Benadryl And Xanax at the Same Time?
No, you should not take Benadryl and Xanax together. Taking Xanax and Benadryl together can intensify side effects like dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, inability to concentrate, and lack of coordination. Combining Benadryl and Xanax can be especially dangerous for the elderly. Like many drug reactions, the effects of either medication can be intensified or their combined side effects could cause a horrible chain of physical reactions. The number one reason you should not take Xanax and Benadryl together is that they’re both addictive. A person who becomes accustomed to frequently taking both together may require residential addiction treatment to quit.
As a Christian rehab center, we know the dangers of mixing Benadryl and Xanax and how they can disrupt a person’s life.
If you or someone you know has developed an addiction call us today at 888-280-4763 to find out more about our faith-based levels of care..
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