Wild Lettuce - Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) Interaction

Interaction Details

Diphenhydramine is classified as belonging to the following category: Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use with drugs with sedative effects might cause additive therapeutic effects and adverse effects.

Interaction Rating

Likelihood of Occurrence

Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists

References

• Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.

Interaction Details

Diphenhydramine is classified as belonging to the following category: Anticholinergic Drugs

Studies report varying evidence on whether or not wild lettuce contains hyoscyamine, an anticholinergic drug. If it does, it appears to be in very low amounts. Nevertheless, there have been case reports of individuals consuming large amounts of wild lettuce experiencing anticholinergic-related side effects, such as constipation, dry mouth, dizziness, and sweating. Therefore, if you are already taking a drug with anticholinergic effects, you should be cautious about combining it with wild lettuce as the risk of side effects may be increased.

Interaction Rating

Likelihood of Occurrence

Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists

Pharmacist Analysis

It is unlikely that wild lettuce contains appreciable amounts of hyoscyamine to make a clinical impact in most individuals. However, case reports have documented individuals showcasing anticholinergic side effects after consuming very large quantities. Due to this, I would recommend caution if you are already taking anticholinergic drugs or drugs that have anticholinergic effects (such as tricyclic antidepressants, some antipsychotics, some antihistamines, etc...). 

Diphenhydramine Overview

• Diphenhydramine is used to relieve red, irritated, itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; and runny nose caused by hay fever, allergies, or the common cold. Diphenhydramine is also used to relieve cough caused by minor throat or airway irritation. Diphenhydramine is also used to prevent and treat motion sickness, and to treat insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep). Diphenhydramine is also used to control abnormal movements in people who have early stage parkinsonian syndrome (a disorder of the nervous system that causes difficulties with movement, muscle control, and balance) or who are experiencing movement problems as a side effect of a medication.

• Diphenhydramine will relieve the symptoms of these conditions but will not treat the cause of the symptoms or speed recovery. Diphenhydramine should not be used to cause sleepiness in children. Diphenhydramine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.

Wild Lettuce - More Interactions

Wild Lettuce interacts with 390 drugs

Interaction Rating Key

These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.