Angela23 asked
Is there an interaction between Wellbutrin XL and Benadryl? Thanks for your help!
At a glance
- There is no known drug interaction between Wellbutrin XL (bupropion) and Benadryl (diphenhydramine). However, Wellbutrin XL and Benadryl can have opposing effects since Wellbutrin XL can cause insomnia and Benadryl can cause sedation.
Answer
There is no known drug interaction between Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Wellbutrin XL (bupropion extended-release). They are considered safe to take together. This applies to all drug products containing bupropion, which includes Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR (bupropion sustained-release) and Zyban (bupropion sustained-release).
I do want to mention one of the more common side effects of Wellbutrin XL is insomnia (clinical trials reported an incidence rate between 11-31% of study participants). So, if you are using Benadryl as a sleep aid (since it is a sedating 'first-generation' antihistamine commonly used for this purpose), it may not be quite as effective since its effects may be opposed by Wellbutrin in this regard.
In a similar vein, if you are using Benadryl to help combat Wellbutrin XL's side effect of insomnia, it may help, but again, it may not make you quite as tired compared to someone not taking Wellbutrin XL.
The good news is that if insomnia is an issue you are experiencing with Wellbutrin XL, it tends to go away the longer you take the medication (generally within the first few weeks of starting it).
References
- Wellbutrin Monograph. ClinicalKey (Subscription Required)
- Benadryl Monograph. ClinicalKey (Subscription Required)
- Major Depressive Disorder Guidelines. Psychiatry Online
