To be on the safe side, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist how long to wait after you finish taking Benadryl before you reach for a drink. 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.

Is It *Really* That Bad To Mix Alcohol and Allergy Meds? A Pharmacist Weighs In

• This can be life-threatening with antihistamines that cause drowsiness, and alcohol can also cause drowsiness.
• Understanding the specific interactions between different types of antihistamines and alcohol can help you stay safe while taking these medications.
• Side effects may include belching, headaches, itchy eyes, diarrhea, and breathing problems.
• Amanda Stevens is a highly respected figure in the field of medical content writing, with a specific focus on eating disorders and addiction treatment.
• However, only health professionals can decide whether nasal corticosteroids are right for you.

Because he is a member of a support group that stresses the importance of anonymity at the public level, he does not use his photograph or his real name on this website. Muscle relaxants and alcohol both suppress your central nervous system, which controls the functions of your heart, lungs, and brain. It’s possible that if you use them together, antibiotics may be less effective at clearing up the infection that you are being treated for. John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine.

Q 1: What is angioedema?

A diagnosis is https://ecosoberhouse.com/ usually confirmed if the symptoms disappear once the person stops taking the medication. Swelling will resolve, but it can take a few weeks after stopping the medication. Swellings due to allergic reactions to foods or drugs are sometimes severe and dramatic, but usually resolve within 24 hours. Decongestants are less likely to interact with alcohol, but it’s still important to be cautious and avoid drinking too much while taking any medication. If you’re struggling with allergies and medication, Nao Medical is here to help.

• First-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), are known to cause drowsiness as a primary side effect.
• Because you can purchase Benadryl at pharmacies and grocery stores without a prescription, you might think it’s safe to use in any situation.
• Some naturopathic practitioners believe it has antihistamine effects.
• In addition, alcohol in combination with these medications also impairs good judgment.

Q 3: Where does angioedema occur?

This means that they are prone to causing drowsiness, confusion, and compromised thinking. Drinking alcohol and taking Benadryl makes it harder to control body movement well for people of all ages. You may have heard that you shouldn’t drive or use machinery if you take Benadryl (alone or with alcohol). This warning is because of the risks of CNS depression from the drug. drug addiction However, some people may think it’s a good idea to use it as a sleep aid.

If you’re getting a headache or extreme drowsiness, it might be a good idea to check in with your doctor. That said, if you experience seizures, hallucinations, confusion, or difficulty breathing, it’s time to get emergency medical attention. Your treatment team will determine how to safely manage the two conditions simultaneously.

If you are looking for an alternative allergy treatment that is safer to use with alcohol, nasal corticosteroids like Flonase or Nasonex are recommended. These medications are used as needed, can be used regularly during allergy season, and do not typically cause drowsiness or negatively interact with alcohol. Researchers note that alcohol worsens the sedative effects of H1 antihistamines, but this does not happen with H2 antihistamines. mixing alcohol and drugs causes an effect called This shows that the interaction between antihistamines and alcohol involves the blood–brain barrier and whether the drugs cross it.

Which Conditions Are Treated With Antihistamines?

If too much alcohol builds up in your system, it can increase your risk of an alcohol overdose. Thyroid gland disease and some types of inflammatory arthritis are more common in people with hives (urticaria) and angioedema. Swelling lasting longer than this may be due to another cause and should be seen by a doctor. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. Medications that treat coughing may also contain alcohol, and if you drink while taking them, you are consuming more than you realize. Angina (ischemic chest pain) is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.

• This can not only impair your ability to function and increase the likelihood of accidents but can also lead to unconsciousness.
• Combining both alcohol and cetirizine is unlikely to cause severe drowsiness.
• This means that, unlike H1 antihistamines, H2 antihistamines do not react with alcohol in the same way as H1 antihistamines, as these medications are unable to reach the CNS.
• To avoid these undesirable symptoms, check your local area’s pollen counts, often available from online weather service portals.

What Are the Short-Term Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Allergy Medicine?

Guaifenesin (Mucinex) is an expectorant that thins mucus to help relieve chest congestion. Quercetin is an antioxidant flavonoid found in many plants and foods. It may block the pathways that trigger the release of histamine into the bloodstream. Quercetin is available as a nutritional supplement and is found in foods such as apples, berries, red grapes, red onions, black tea, cranberries, and blueberries. The amount of time angioedema takes to resolve will depend on the cause. If the cause of the angioedema is found, then steps can be taken to fix the issue and the episodes of swelling should stop.