Can You Take Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) With Oxycodone?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not you can combine Benadryl (diphenhydramine) with oxycodone.
Can you take Benadryl with oxycodone? I have trouble sleeping.
Sep 21, 2022- Benadryl and oxycodone together can increase the risk of serious side effects like excessive sedation and respiratory depression. The combination is generally not recommended, especially when you first start taking oxycodone. If your doctor determines it is appropriate after you have built up tolerance to oxycodone, they may prescribe these medications together and will adjust doses to keep you safe.
Answer
In general, it is not recommended to combine Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and oxycodone, especially if oxycodone is a new medication for you.
Increased Risk Of Side Effects
Oxycodone, by itself, can cause respiratory depression as well as depression of the CNS (Central Nervous System). Combining Benadryl (diphenhydramine), a sedating first-generation antihistamine, can enhance these effects.
There have been reports of significant drops in blood pressure, excess sedation as well as respiratory depression with the combination. Additionally, you certainly do not want to mix Benadryl (diphenhydramine), oxycodone, and alcohol together.
Having said all this, the combination of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and oxycodone can be used in some situations.
Chronic use of oxycodone leads to tolerance to its effects.
Typically, once your level of tolerance to the depressant effects of oxycodone is appropriately assessed, your doctor may recommend combining Benadryl (diphenhydramine) for certain indications, such as insomnia. Your doctor may adjust the dose of one of the medications to get the best response in a safe way.
Final Words
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Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Diphenhydramine
- An antihistamine medication commonly used to treat allergies, itching, and sleep problems.
- Oxycodone
- A prescription opioid pain medication used to treat moderate to severe pain.
- Respiratory depression
- A dangerous slowing of breathing that reduces the amount of oxygen entering the body.
- CNS (Central Nervous System)
- The brain and spinal cord, which control bodily functions and consciousness.
- Antihistamine
- A medication that blocks histamine, a chemical the body releases during allergic reactions.
- Sedation
- A state of reduced alertness or drowsiness caused by medication.
- Tolerance
- A condition where the body becomes less responsive to a medication over time, requiring higher doses for the same effect.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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