Can you take Benadryl with Esketamine?
1 drug interaction and 25 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
- esketamine
Drug interactions
Major drug interactions
Major:
diphenhydrAMINE esketamine
Applies to: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and esketamine
Using esketamine together with diphenhydrAMINE may increase side effects such as:
- drowsiness
- confusion
- difficulty concentrating
- impairment in thinking, judgment, reaction speed, and motor coordination
After receiving treatment with esketamine, you should avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until the next day after a restful sleep.
Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications.
It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Food/lifestyle interactions
Moderate food/lifestyle interactions
Moderate:
esketamine Food/Lifestyle
Applies to: esketamine
Using esketamine together with alcohol may increase side effects such as:
- drowsiness
- confusion
- difficulty concentrating
- impairment in thinking, judgment, reaction speed, and motor coordination
You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with esketamine.
Nausea and vomiting may occur following the nasal application of esketamine.
To help prevent nausea and vomiting, you should avoid eating for at least 2 hours before using esketamine and avoid drinking liquids for at least 30 minutes before using esketamine.
Moderate:
diphenhydrAMINE Alcohol (Ethanol)
Applies to: Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
Ask your doctor before using diphenhydrAMINE together with ethanol (alcohol).
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking diphenhydrAMINE.
You should be warned not to exceed recommended dosages and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness.
If your doctor prescribes these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment to safely take this combination.
It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Disease interactions
23 potential interactions Applies to: 18 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Depression, Allergies, Asthma, and COPD.
Allergies
Major:
esketamine
Esketamine has a major potential interaction with Allergies.
Esketamine causes an increase in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure at all recommended doses. The increase peaks approximately 40 minutes after administration of esketamine, and lasts for about 4 hours. Blood pressure should be monitored prior and after administration. If baseline blood pressure is elevated before administering (e.g., >140 mmHg systolic, >90 mmHg diastolic), consider the risks of short term increases in blood pressure and benefit of treatment in patients with treatment- resistant depression (TRD). Do not administer esketamine if an increase in blood pressure or intracranial pressure poses a serious risk. Esketamine is contraindicated in patients with aneurysmal vascular disease (including thoracic and abdominal aorta, intracranial, and peripheral arterial vessels), arteriovenous malformations, or a history of intracerebral hemorrhage.
Aortic Aneurysm
Major:
esketamine
Esketamine has a major potential interaction with Aortic Aneurysm.
Esketamine causes an increase in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure at all recommended doses. The increase peaks approximately 40 minutes after administration of esketamine, and lasts for about 4 hours. Blood pressure should be monitored prior and after administration. If baseline blood pressure is elevated before administering (e.g., >140 mmHg systolic, >90 mmHg diastolic), consider the risks of short term increases in blood pressure and benefit of treatment in patients with treatment- resistant depression (TRD). Do not administer esketamine if an increase in blood pressure or intracranial pressure poses a serious risk. Esketamine is contraindicated in patients with aneurysmal vascular disease (including thoracic and abdominal aorta, intracranial, and peripheral arterial vessels), arteriovenous malformations, or a history of intracerebral hemorrhage.
Asthma
Moderate:
Benadryl
The diphenhydrAMINE in Benadryl has a moderate potential interaction with Asthma.
Oral anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic agents may cause respiratory depression and apnea when given in high dosages or following acute overdose. However, some patients may be susceptible at commonly used dosages, including the elderly, debilitated or severely ill patients, those receiving other CNS depressants, and those with limited ventilatory reserve, chronic pulmonary insufficiency or other respiratory disorders. Therapy with anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic agents should be administered cautiously in these patients. Appropriate monitoring and individualization of dosage are recommended.
Moderate:
Benadryl
The diphenhydrAMINE in Benadryl has a moderate potential interaction with Asthma.
It has been suggested that the anticholinergic effect of antihistamines may reduce the volume and cause thickening of bronchial secretions, resulting in obstruction of respiratory tract. Some manufacturers and clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders
Moderate:
Benadryl
The diphenhydrAMINE in Benadryl has a moderate potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.
Antihistamines may infrequently cause cardiovascular adverse effects related to their anticholinergic and local anesthetic (quinidine-like) activities. Tachycardia, palpitation, ECG changes, arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypertension have been reported. Although these effects are uncommon and usually limited to overdosage situations, the manufacturers and some clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or hyperthyroidism.
Cerebral Vascular Disorder
Major:
esketamine
Esketamine has a major potential interaction with Cerebral Vascular Disorder.
Esketamine causes an increase in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure at all recommended doses. The increase peaks approximately 40 minutes after administration of esketamine, and lasts for about 4 hours. Blood pressure should be monitored prior and after administration. If baseline blood pressure is elevated before administering (e.g., >140 mmHg systolic, >90 mmHg diastolic), consider the risks of short term increases in blood pressure and benefit of treatment in patients with treatment- resistant depression (TRD). Do not administer esketamine if an increase in blood pressure or intracranial pressure poses a serious risk. Esketamine is contraindicated in patients with aneurysmal vascular disease (including thoracic and abdominal aorta, intracranial, and peripheral arterial vessels), arteriovenous malformations, or a history of intracerebral hemorrhage.
COPD
Moderate:
Benadryl
The diphenhydrAMINE in Benadryl has a moderate potential interaction with COPD.
It has been suggested that the anticholinergic effect of antihistamines may reduce the volume and cause thickening of bronchial secretions, resulting in obstruction of respiratory tract. Some manufacturers and clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Depression
Major:
Benadryl
The diphenhydrAMINE in Benadryl has a major potential interaction with Depression.
A variety of abnormal thinking and behavior changes have been reported to occur in association with the use of most anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics. Some of these changes include decreased inhibition, aggressiveness, agitation, and hallucinations. These drugs can cause or exacerbate mental depression and cause suicidal behavior and ideation. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of depression or other psychiatric disorders. Patients should be monitored for any changes in mood or behavior. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients.
Drug Dependence
Major:
esketamine
Esketamine has a major potential interaction with Drug Dependence.
Esketamine, is a Schedule III controlled substance (CIII), and may be subject to abuse and diversion. Assess each patient's risk for abuse or misuse prior to prescribing esketamine and monitor all patients receiving treatment for the development of these behaviors or conditions, including drug- seeking behavior, while on therapy. Individuals with a history of drug abuse or dependence are at greater risk; therefore, use careful consideration prior to treatment of individuals with a history of substance use disorder and monitor for signs of abuse or dependence.
Gastrointestinal Obstruction
Moderate:
Benadryl
The diphenhydrAMINE in Benadryl has a moderate potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.
Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.
Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension
Moderate:
Benadryl
The diphenhydrAMINE in Benadryl has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.
Some hypnotic drugs can have an anticholinergic effect and should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, and trouble urinating due to retention or enlarged prostate.
Moderate:
Benadryl
The diphenhydrAMINE in Benadryl has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.
Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.
High Blood Pressure
Major:
esketamine
Esketamine has a major potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.
Esketamine causes an increase in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure at all recommended doses. The increase peaks approximately 40 minutes after administration of esketamine, and lasts for about 4 hours. Blood pressure should be monitored prior and after administration. If baseline blood pressure is elevated before administering (e.g., >140 mmHg systolic, >90 mmHg diastolic), consider the risks of short term increases in blood pressure and benefit of treatment in patients with treatment- resistant depression (TRD). Do not administer esketamine if an increase in blood pressure or intracranial pressure poses a serious risk. Esketamine is contraindicated in patients with aneurysmal vascular disease (including thoracic and abdominal aorta, intracranial, and peripheral arterial vessels), arteriovenous malformations, or a history of intracerebral hemorrhage.
History - Cerebrovascular Disease
Major:
esketamine
Esketamine has a major potential interaction with History - Cerebrovascular Disease.
Esketamine causes an increase in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure at all recommended doses. The increase peaks approximately 40 minutes after administration of esketamine, and lasts for about 4 hours. Blood pressure should be monitored prior and after administration. If baseline blood pressure is elevated before administering (e.g., >140 mmHg systolic, >90 mmHg diastolic), consider the risks of short term increases in blood pressure and benefit of treatment in patients with treatment- resistant depression (TRD). Do not administer esketamine if an increase in blood pressure or intracranial pressure poses a serious risk. Esketamine is contraindicated in patients with aneurysmal vascular disease (including thoracic and abdominal aorta, intracranial, and peripheral arterial vessels), arteriovenous malformations, or a history of intracerebral hemorrhage.
Hyperthyroidism
Moderate:
Benadryl
The diphenhydrAMINE in Benadryl has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.
Antihistamines may infrequently cause cardiovascular adverse effects related to their anticholinergic and local anesthetic (quinidine-like) activities. Tachycardia, palpitation, ECG changes, arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypertension have been reported. Although these effects are uncommon and usually limited to overdosage situations, the manufacturers and some clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or hyperthyroidism.
Hypotension
Moderate:
Benadryl
The diphenhydrAMINE in Benadryl has a moderate potential interaction with Hypotension.
Antihistamines may infrequently cause cardiovascular adverse effects related to their anticholinergic and local anesthetic (quinidine-like) activities. Tachycardia, palpitation, ECG changes, arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypertension have been reported. Although these effects are uncommon and usually limited to overdosage situations, the manufacturers and some clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or hyperthyroidism.
Liver Disease
Moderate:
Benadryl
The diphenhydrAMINE in Benadryl has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Limited pharmacokinetic data are available for the older, first-generation antihistamines. Many appear to be primarily metabolized by the liver, and both parent drugs and metabolites are excreted in the urine. Patients with renal and/or liver disease may be at greater risk for adverse effects from antihistamines due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously in such patients. Lower initial dosages may be appropriate.
Moderate:
Benadryl
The diphenhydrAMINE in Benadryl has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
In general, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics are extensively metabolized by the liver. Their plasma clearance may be decreased and their half-life prolonged in patients with impaired hepatic function. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with liver disease (some are not recommended in severe liver impairment), and the dosage should be adjusted accordingly. Laboratory testing is recommended prior and during treatment.
Moderate:
esketamine
Esketamine has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Esketamine has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C). Use in this population is not recommended. Additionally, the mean esketamine AUC and t1/2 values were higher in patients with moderate hepatic impairment compared to those with normal hepatic function. Patients with moderate hepatic impairment may need to be monitored for adverse reactions for a longer period of time.
Psychosis
Major:
esketamine
Esketamine has a major potential interaction with Psychosis.
Esketamine can cause dissociative or perceptual changes (including distortion of time, space and illusions), derealization and depersonalization. Patients with psychosis must be carefully assessed before administering esketamine, and treatment should be initiated only if the benefit outweighs the risk. Patients must be monitored by a healthcare provider for at least 2 hours at each treatment session, followed by an assessment to determine when the patient is considered clinically stable and ready to leave the healthcare setting.
Renal Dysfunction
Moderate:
Benadryl
The diphenhydrAMINE in Benadryl has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Limited pharmacokinetic data are available for the older, first-generation antihistamines. Many appear to be primarily metabolized by the liver, and both parent drugs and metabolites are excreted in the urine. Patients with renal and/or liver disease may be at greater risk for adverse effects from antihistamines due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously in such patients. Lower initial dosages may be appropriate.
Urinary Retention
Moderate:
Benadryl
The diphenhydrAMINE in Benadryl has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.
Some hypnotic drugs can have an anticholinergic effect and should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, and trouble urinating due to retention or enlarged prostate.
Moderate:
Benadryl
The diphenhydrAMINE in Benadryl has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.
Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.
More resources
Benadryl
A total of 493 drugs are known to interact with Benadryl.
- Benadryl is in the following drug classes: anticholinergic antiemetics, anticholinergic antiparkinson agents, antihistamines, miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics.
- Benadryl is used to treat the following conditions:
esketamine
A total of 302 drugs are known to interact with esketamine.
- Esketamine is in the drug class miscellaneous antidepressants.
- Esketamine is used to treat the following conditions:
Drug Interaction Classification
| Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
| Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
| Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan. | |
| No interaction information available. |
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.