Charles asked
I take mirtazapine for depression. Can I take Benadryl with it?
Answer
Benadryl and Mirtazapine share common side effects and their use together generally not recommended unless necessary. Use of both together can increase the severity of certain adverse reactions such as:
- Sedation
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Constipation
Due to the increased risk of side effects, Benadryl should be used cautiously with drugs like mirtazapine as cognitive performance and motor skills can be additive.
What Is Mirtazapine?
Mirtazapine is a medication that is used for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Mirtazapine is not chemically related to any other class of antidepressants and has a unique structure and mechanism of action.
In addition to its antidepressant effects, mirtazapine also possesses an anxiolytic (i.e. anti-anxiety) effect that can be beneficial for individuals who have a coexisting anxiety disorder. It can also help to improve sleep patterns disorders associated with depression.
Common side effects of this medication are dry mouth, constipation and sedation. Due to the potential to cause sedation, it is recommended to take this medication in the evening and avoid taking other medications that cause sedation.
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)
Benadryl is a "first-generation" antihistamine, most commonly used for the treatment of allergies and as a sleep aid due to its sedating effects.
Similar to mirtazapine, Benadryl also impairs mental alertness and has anticholinergic effects which can cause dry mouth and constipation. Taking both of these medications may result in additive mental impairment as well as additive anticholinergic effects.
Benadryl Alternatives
if you are planning to take Benadryl for control of allergies and are currently taking mirtazapine, it may be a better option to take a second generation, non-drowsy antihistamine like Allegra or Claritin, as these medications are known to cause less sedation than Benadryl and require less consistent dosing.
In addition, if you were simply planning on taking Benadryl as a sleep aid, it may not be necessary as mirtazapine will have a similar sedative effect.
