Can You Take Banophen (diphenhydramine) WIth Buspar (buspirone)?

In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not it is safe to combine Banophen and Buspar.

Question

Can you take Banophen (diphenhydramine) with Buspar (buspirone)?

Asked by Mary On Jul 22, 2021

Answered by
Medical Content Reviewed By HelloPharmacist Staff

Published Jul 22, 2021
Last updated Mar 27, 2024

Key points

  • These medications can be used safely together but can cause additional drowsiness when combined. Use caution if you drive or operate any heavy machinery.

Hi Mary and thank you for reaching out to us.

Diphenhydramine, or under the brand names Benadryl or Banophen is a “first-generation” antihistamine.

It was originally widely used as an effective allergy medication, but with the introduction of longer-acting, non-sedating antihistamines (like Claritin), it is less commonly being used to treat everyday allergies.

Now, it is more commonly used for allergic reactions, and as a sleep aid, due to the fact that it almost always causes drowsiness. Additionally, it can cause dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and next day fatigue.

Buspirone is a unique medication that’s used to help treat and prevent anxiety. It doesn’t work right away, but after you’ve taken it routinely for a few weeks, it usually is an effective medication and often preferred over benzodiazepines (like Valium) since it does not cause physical dependence. Trials showed that about 10% of patients taking buspirone experienced drowsiness and 12% experienced dizziness. 

Safe Together?

The good news is that there are no major drug interactions between these two medications. However, there is one thing to be careful of. Diphenhydramine commonly causes both dizziness and drowsiness. Buspirone causes dizziness and drowsiness in more than 10% of people.

Adding these medications together will almost certainly cause you to experience dizziness, drowsiness, or both. Please make sure that you start these medications at home, and don’t drive or operate any heavy machinery while taking these. I can’t think of a much worse place to be than drowsy and behind the wheel.

Thanks for reaching out to us and I hope this helps!

References

About the Pharmacist

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD

Dr. Brian has been practicing pharmacy for over 13 years and has wide-ranging experiences in many different areas of the profession. From retail, clinical, program development, and administrative responsibilities, he's your knowledgeable and go-to source for all your pharmacy and medication-related questions! Dr. Brian Staiger also has herbalist training and educational certificates in the field of medical ethnobotany. Feel free to send him an email at [email protected]! You can also connect with Dr. Brian Staiger on LinkedIn.

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