Can you take Mirtazapine and Benadryl together?

This article will discuss the concomitant use of Mirtazapine (Remeron) and Diphenhydramine (Benadryl). We will discuss the potential risks of taking this combination and what alternatives are available to manage your symptoms in a safe and effective manner.  

Can you take Mirtazapine and Benadryl together?

No, it is not recommended to take Mirtazapine and Benadryl together. While these are distinct medications used for different purposes, they can both have similar side effects. 

Mirtazapine is an antidepressant used to manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, and symptoms associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). (1,2)

Benadryl, on the other hand, is an OTC first-generation antihistamine that is used to manage symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, hives, etc (3). 

Combining them may increase the risk of these side effects, making it uncomfortable or even potentially harmful, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions or the elderly. 

It’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before considering any combination of medications to ensure your safety and well-being.

What are the potential side effects of taking Mirtazapine and Benadryl together? 

When taking Mirtazapine and Benadryl together, there are potential side effects to be aware of. These medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion (4,5). 

Combining them might lead to an increased level of these effects, which can be especially concerning for activities that require mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. 

In the elderly, these side effects can be even more pronounced and can contribute to an increased risk of falls and injuries. Additionally, the mental functions of older individuals can be impaired by this combination, potentially affecting their overall quality of life. 

It’s crucial to discuss any potential interactions or side effects with your healthcare provider before considering the simultaneous use of Mirtazapine and Benadryl, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are in the elderly population.

What to do if you have allergy symptoms while taking Mirtazapine?

If you experience allergy symptoms while taking Mirtazapine, there are some steps you can take to manage them safely. You can consider using second-generation, non-sedative over-the-counter antihistamines (6). 

These are less likely to cause drowsiness and can be taken with Mirtazapine without an increased risk of sedation or related side effects. 

Additionally, you can time your allergy medication, like Claritin, so that you take it in the morning or at a different time than your Mirtazapine dose (6). This spacing can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that the medications won’t interact negatively or lead to unwanted side effects. 

It’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting any new medications or changing your regimen to ensure it’s safe and suitable for your specific needs.

What to do if Mirtazapine is not helping you sleep well? 

If you’re taking Benadryl as an additive sleep aid with Mirtazapine to help you sleep better, this is not a good approach and you should discuss that with your doctor. 

Your doctor can assess whether Mirtazapine is providing you with all the intended benefits and determine the best approach for your specific sleep concerns. 

They may adjust your Mirtazapine dose or recommend alternative treatments that can better address your sleep problems. It’s crucial not to self-medicate or add medications independently, as this can lead to disturbing complications and interactions.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the concomitant use of Mirtazapine (Remeron) and Diphenhydramine (Benadryl). We have also discussed some potential side effects and alternatives that can be used if you have allergy symptoms while being treated with antihistamines.

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References

1.-

Jilani TN, Gibbons JR, Faizy RM, Saadabadi A. Mirtazapine. 2022 Sep 7. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30085601. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30085601/

2.-

Koran LM, Gamel NN, Choung HW, Smith EH, Aboujaoude EN. Mirtazapine for obsessive-compulsive disorder: an open trial followed by double-blind discontinuation. J Clin Psychiatry. 2005 Apr;66(4):515-20. PMID: 15816795. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15816795/

3.-

Sicari V, Zabbo CP. Diphenhydramine. 2022 Jul 11. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30252266. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526010

4.-

National Library of Medicine. Mirtazapine: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697009.html

5.-

National Library of Medicine. Diphenhydramine: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682539.html

6.-

Philpot EE. Safety of second-generation antihistamines. Allergy Asthma Proc. 2000 Jan-Feb;21(1):15-20. doi: 10.2500/108854100778249033. PMID: 10748947. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10748947/

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