Does Benadryl interact with Citalopram? (+3 precautions)

By Ivan Kahwa
Page last updated: 02/01/2024 | Next review date: 02/01/2026
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Author bio

 

Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.

Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:

Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the  Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Professional Experience:

Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.

With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.

Education:

2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Publications:

▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7 

▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60 

▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.

https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683 

▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.

  https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004 

▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2 

▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.

https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600 

Published book Chapter

▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.

 https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4 

Submitted manuscripts Under Review:

▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience

▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine

▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Submitted book chapters under review

1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4:  Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6:  Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher:  Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.

2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors:  Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala  , Rachel Mbabazi  , Shabnoor Iqbal  , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press

 

You can view my works on the following professional sites:

 

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa

 

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437

Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159 

 

 

 

 


Ivan Kahwa
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This article will discuss “Does Benadryl interact with Citalopram?” We will also explore the potential interactions between Benadryl and Citalopram and the precautions to ensure the safe use of Benadryl with Citalopram.

Does Benadryl interact with Citalopram?

Yes, Benadryl does interact with Citalopram. Benadryl (diphenhydramine), when used in combination with Citalopram, may result in an increased risk of adverse effects (1).

Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine available as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication. It is indicated for treating conditions like dystonia, insomnia, pruritus, urticaria, vertigo, and motion sickness (2).

Citalopram, on the other hand, is an SSRI antidepressant used to treat depression in adults (3).

Both Benadryl and Citalopram, when used in combination, may result in interactions that can be severe and life-threatening in susceptible individuals. Moreover, both Benadryl and Citalopram are also contraindicated in adults over 65 years of age (3,4).

Therefore, it is recommended to inform your healthcare provider if you are taking Citalopram or any other antidepressant before using Benadryl, especially in older adults or patients with a previous history of heart disease.

Common interactions between Benadryl and Citalopram

Concomitant use of Benadryl and Citalopram can lead to enhanced adverse effects. Common additive adverse effects that you may experience when taking Benadryl with Citalopram include (5,6):

  • Dry mouth.
  • Drowsiness.
  • Dizziness.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Constipation.

If you experience any of these adverse effects while using Benadryl and Citalopram together, it is recommended that you immediately contact your healthcare provider. 

Rare/severe interactions between Benadryl and Citalopram

Benadryl, when used with Citalopram, can also lead to some severe interactions. However, these interactions are not frequent and may occur only in susceptible individuals. These interactions include:

QT Prolongation

QT prolongation is one of the adverse effects associated with the use of both Benadryl and Citalopram. Benadryl and Citalopram cause QT prolongation by inhibiting the sodium channels and repolarizing the potassium channels (2,3).

However, Citalopram-associated QT prolongation is dose-dependent and usually occurs at a dose above 40 mg/day. Patients with congenital long QT syndrome or electrolyte imbalances are at a higher risk of developing cardiac adverse effects when using Benadryl and Citalopram together (7).

It is recommended to contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience symptoms such as dizziness, palpitation, or syncope while taking Citalopram and Benadryl together (8).

Seizures:

One of the adverse effects associated with the use of Benadryl and Citalopram is seizures. It has been reported that 0.3% of the patients treated with Citalopram may experience seizures (2,7). 

Therefore, the concurrent use of Benadryl and Citalopram may increase the risk of seizures in individuals with a history of seizure disorders.

Other antihistamines that are safe to use with Citalopram

Due to the sedation and cardiovascular side effects associated with Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and other first-generation antihistamines, the following second-generation antihistamine drugs are considered safe to use with Citalopram and other antidepressants (9):

  • Cetrizine.
  • Loratidine.
  • Desloratidine.
  • Fexofenadine.

These second-generation antihistamines are less likely to cause sedation and cardiovascular side effects. Additionally, they have been evaluated as safe for use in both pediatric and elderly populations. (9).

How to safely use Benadryl with Citalopram?

To safely use Benadryl and Citalopram together, it is recommended to take the following precautions:

  • Consult your healthcare provider if you experience any cardiac symptoms or seizures while using Benadryl and Citalopram together.
  • ECG monitoring is recommended in patients with congestive heart failure when using Benadryl with Citalopram (7).
  • Patients more prone to experiencing symptoms of Benadryl and Citalopram interactions are recommended to be switched to another antihistamine that does not interact with Citalopram.
  • It is recommended that your healthcare provider start with the lowest possible dose of Citalopram when co-prescribed with Benadryl.
  • Avoid using alcohol when taking Benadryl and Citalopram together, as it increases the risk of CNS adverse effects (4,7).
  • Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when using Benadryl with Citalopram, as both can result in drowsiness (4,7).
  • Be cautious when taking Benadryl and Citalopram together, especially in adults 65 years or older or with an underlying cardiac condition.
  • It is strongly recommended to never discontinue Citalopram without consulting your healthcare provider. Abrupt discontinuation of Citalopram may increase the risk of withdrawal symptoms.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed “Does Benadryl interact with Citalopram?” We have also explored the potential interactions between Benadryl and Citalopram and the precautions to ensure the safe use of Benadryl with Citalopram.

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Thanks for your feedback!

References

1.-

PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 2771, Citalopram; [cited 2023 Oct. 11]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Citalopram

 

2.-

Sicari V, Zabbo CP. Diphenhydramine. [Updated 2023 Jul 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526010/

 

 

 

3.-

Sharbaf Shoar N, Fariba KA, Padhy RK. Citalopram. [Updated 2021 Dec 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482222/

 

 

4.-

DailyMed – DIPHENHYDRAMINE- diphenhydramine hydrochloride injection, solution. (n.d.). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=fc574e74-1fdc-4a61-a1ed-492ae43faed2

 

5.-

Diphenhydramine: MedlinePlus Drug Information. (n.d.). https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682539.html

 

6.-

Citalopram: MedlinePlus Drug Information. (n.d.). https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699001.html

 

 

 

7.-

DailyMed – CITALOPRAM tablet. (n.d.). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=9f5a14c2-b460-402e-acb4-04402278e64b#:~:text=Citalopram%20hydrobromide%20is%20an%20orally,tetracyclic%2C%20or%20other%20. . .&text=The%20molecular%20formula%20is%20C,its%20molecular%20weight%20is%20405.35.

 

 

8.-

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. CELEXA (Citalopram) tablets, for oral use. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/020822s041lbl.pdf

 

9.-

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/#:~:text=Loratadine%2C%20cetrizine%2C%20and%20fexofenadine%20all,including%20pediatric%20and%20elderly%20patients

 

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