Ashwagandha - Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) Interaction

Interaction Details

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

Theoretically, taking ashwagandha might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
Ashwagandha seems to have sedative effects. Theoretically, this may potentiate the effects of barbiturates, other sedatives, and anxiolytics.

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

Ashwagandha is a widely used herbal ingredient and is found in many dietary supplements. It is commonly used for a variety of conditions, including for its purported ability to improve sleep and reduce stress.

Some preliminary research has shown that ashwagandha has mild sedative effects, and can help to alleviate stress and anxiety via several mechanisms, such as the modulation of certain neurotransmitters, including serotonin and GABA. It may also have an effect on dopamine in the brain but more research is needed to better understand how ashwagandha works and its overall effects.

While ashwagandha may have sedative effects, there is no evidence to suggest that it causes respiratory depression like some other medications that have sedative effects (such as benzodiazepines and opioids).

Caution should always be taken with combining sedative drugs but unlike certain dangerous combinations (e.g., opioids and benzodiazepines) which can affect your breathing, the primary concern with ashwagandha is additive sedation.

Benadryl With Ashwagandha

Overall, the concern here is the potential for additive sedative effects.

While ashwagandha doesn't affect everyone the same way, it can cause a calming, sedative effect in some.

Therefore, caution is advised when combined with a sedating antihistamine like Benadryl as the sedative effects could be potentiated.

You certainly don't want to partake in any activities that require mental alertness, like driving, unless you know how the combination affects you.

References

• Upton R, ed. Ashwagandha Root (Withania somnifera): Analytical, quality control, and therapuetic monograph. Santa Cruz, CA: American Herbal Pharmacopoeia 2000:1-25.

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.

Ashwagandha - More Interactions

Ashwagandha interacts with 1326 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.