Nate asked
Is it safe to take CBD oil with Benadryl? I want to make sure they don't interact with one another.
Answer
There is no known interaction between CBD (cannabidiol) and Benadryl.
However, depending on the individual, CBD can cause sedation. Benadryl is a first generation antihistamine that is known to cause pronounced sedation.
Therefore, there is a potential risk when combining both CBD and Benadryl in regard to the additive sedation that could occur. Nevertheless, there are no reported or documented interactions between CBD and Benadryl and the combination appears safe to take.
Below, we discuss CBD, Benadryl and a potential interaction in more detail.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a major component of cannabis (i.e. marijuana). While THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is likely more well-known due to its psychoactive effects, CBD makes up almost 40% of cannabis extracts and has a wide range of effects and potential benefits when used medicinally.
Perhaps the biggest draw of CBD is the fact that it does not appear to impair mental functioning or cause euphoria. In fact, when combined with THC, it may counteract the sedative and psychoactive effects of THC.
CBD has been studied, and may provide benefit for a wide range of indications including:
- Anxiety
- Dystonia
- Pain
- Seizures
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Insomnia
- Parkinson's Disease
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a first generation antihistamine, which are noted for their relatively short duration of action (~4 to 8 hours) and their sedating properties.
In addition to its use for treating seasonal allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, Benadryl is also effective for treating symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and vertigo associated with motion sickness.
As Benadryl has fairly significant sedating effects, it is often used as a night time sleep aide and is a common component of over the counter sleep products such as ZzzQuil.
CBD Drug Interactions
Over the counter and medicinal CBD products have recently exploded in popularity. However, there is a distinct lack of studies when it comes to potential drug interactions between CBD and prescription/OTC medication, including Benadryl.
Preliminary studies indicate that CBD is known to be metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system. Specifically, studies have shown that CBD can inhibit the following metabolizing enzymes:
- CYP 2C9
- CYP 2C19
- CYP 3A4
When a metabolizing enzyme is inhibited, it can lead to increased concentrations of drugs that are typical substrates for that particular enzyme.
Benadryl Interaction With CBD
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is known to be metabolized mainly by CYP2D6 but is also metabolized, to a lesser extent, by CYP1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19.
Due to how Benadryl is metabolized, the concentrations of the drug could potentially be increased when taken with CBD.
However, there are a number of studies that theorize that while CBD does inhibit metabolizing enzymes, it is not significant and the blood concentrations needed to affect these metabolizing enzymes in humans far exceeds what is possible with usual dosing.
Many studies use doses in the range of 100mg to 600mg, well above what would be consumed by the average individual. It is possible the more commonly used low doses of CBD don't have significant effects on metabolizing enzymes.
In regard to the potential of additive sedation, the effects of CBD are thought to vary greatly by individual and by the specific product that you are using. It appears that different varieties of CBD products contain significantly different amounts and types of terpenes. For example, one particular terpene, myrcene, may have more sedative effects than others.
Therefore, while some CBD products may cause sedation in individuals, other products could potentially increase alertness and focus.
Overall, until studies are completed that specifically look at how CBD interacts with Benadryl (diphenhydramine), we can only make educated guesses. It does appear that while there could potentially be additive sedation when combining CBD and Benadryl, the risk of any serious side effect appears low.
Summary
- CBD is a non-euphoric component of the cannabis plant and is widely used medicinally.
- There is a lack of data available regarding whether or not CBD interacts with Benadryl.
- There is a theoretical interaction with Benadryl based on CBD induced inhibition of CYP metabolizing enzymes.
- This interaction has not been shown clinically however and the risk of serious side effects appears low.
