Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Benadryl?

Given the dangerous nature of mixing alcohol and muscle relaxers, it is important that people understand why this should never be done. They work by either blocking the nerve impulses or by narrowing the blood vessels to the muscles. When these drugs are used for an extended period of time, they can cause side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. In addition, some muscle relaxers can interfere with kidney function and even lead to liver damage if taken in high doses over a long period of time.

Cyclobenzaprine and Alcohol: What to Know Before Combining Them

Taking Benadryl and drinking alcohol, especially in larger amounts, at the same time can have severe outcomes that can be life-threatening. As a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, alcohol can worsen the side effects of Benadryl. It’s best to wait until the effects of the muscle relaxer have worn off completely before consuming alcohol.

Remember, alcohol can intensify the effects of muscle relaxers, and combining the two can lead to an increased risk of overdose. Additionally, both alcohol and muscle relaxers are potentially addictive substances. Long-term use of either or both may increase your risk of developing an addiction.

When alcohol and cyclobenzaprine have been abused together, you probably will need to participate in behavioral therapies and group therapy programs, like the 12-step programs. Chemical dependence occurs when you stop taking the drug and/or alcohol abruptly and experience withdrawal symptoms. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) notes that dependence can happen with chronic use of any drug, even when they are taken as prescribed. Dependence does not necessarily mean you are addicted to cyclobenzaprine and/or alcohol. However, the more these two substances are abused, the more likely you will become addicted to them.

Why can alcohol use and clozapine be risky?

This could take several hours depending on the specific medication and individual metabolism. Alcohol and muscle relaxers can both increase the effects of other drugs. If you or a loved one have mixed muscle relaxers and alcohol, follow these steps immediately  to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected individual.

• Both substances have depressant effects on the central nervous system, which can lead to decreased heart rate, respiratory depression, and impairment of cognitive functions.
• As always, it is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and guidance when it comes to taking medications like cyclobenzaprine.
• However, the more these two substances are abused, the more likely you will become addicted to them.
• Even a small amount of alcohol can interact with cyclobenzaprine and amplify its sedative effects.
• Some of these may be mild, like sweating and achiness, and others more intense, such as vomiting and tremors.

When alcohol is added to the mix, these side effects become even more pronounced, potentially leading to serious health problems. Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of cyclobenzaprine such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with cyclobenzaprine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. Even one drink can potentially interact with cyclobenzaprine and increase its sedative effects.

This article educates on the dangers of mixing cyclobenzaprine with alcohol, examines potential withdrawal, and highlights why they should not be combined. Drinking alcohol while taking cyclobenzaprine can increase the side effects of this medication. It is not recommended to consume alcohol while using cyclobenzaprine as it can lead to drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired judgment. Alcohol can also worsen the muscle relaxant effects of cyclobenzaprine, leading to increased sedation and potential respiratory depression.

What to Do if You’ve Mixed Muscle Relaxers and Alcohol

For now, it’s best to stick with currently recommended first-line treatments, such as benzodiazepines, when dealing with alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Using baclofen to manage symptoms, especially without doctor supervision, can have dangerous consequences. Mixing muscle relaxers and alcohol can make the effects of muscle relaxers more intense — and not in a good way. Combining cyclobenzaprine with alcohol can intensify the sedative effects, potentially leading to increased intoxication, even with smaller amounts of alcohol.

Engaging in polysubstance abuse (taking more than one drug at a time) happens for many reasons. Some people mix substances to amplify the effects of one or both drugs, while others do it to offset the negative side effects of another. Still, others mistakenly believe that combining drugs will somehow make them safer. Since we have covered the effects of muscle relaxers, it is also important to understand the effects of alcohol. When someone drinks, alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream and quickly travels to the brain.

What are the side effects of combining cyclobenzaprine with alcohol?

• Louisville Recovery Center’s customized services and treatment programs can assist you.
• Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine drug commonly used to treat symptoms of allergies.
• Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant that is commonly prescribed to treat muscle spasms and pain.
• Typically, cyclobenzaprine has a half-life of about 18 hours, which means it takes approximately 18 hours for half of the dose to be eliminated from your body.
• But there is one muscle relaxer called baclofen that some experts believe might help with alcohol withdrawal.

In addition, some people combine Flexeril with other substances to enhance the outcomes of both substances. The combination of Flexeril and alcohol can be hazardous or even deadly. Alcohol and Flexeril both suppress the central nervous system, and mixing them can enhance one another’s outcomes. This can result in severe sedation or drowsiness, increasing the chance of an accident.

Besides, the sedation could land us in dangerous waters if our heart and breathing rate slows down too much, causing respiratory depression. This medication works by blocking the nerve impulses sent to the brain. It is usually prescribed to treat skeletal muscle conditions, strains, or other muscle injuries.

During your detoxification, you may be provided with other drugs to alleviate withdrawal symptoms can you drink alcohol while taking cyclobenzaprine as well as fluids to maintain you hydrated. The attentive medical and addiction treatment teams will assist you through this physically and mentally demanding period. In addition to alcohol, there are other drugs that can interact with muscle relaxers as well. If you’re prescribed a muscle relaxer, be sure to let your doctor or pharmacist know any other medications you are taking.

What are the Risks of Alcohol and Cyclobenzaprine Interaction?

In this blog, we break down the relationship between muscle relaxers and alcohol and why the two should never be mixed. Most muscle relaxers should not be mixed with alcohol due to the increased risk of side effects. However, it’s especially important to avoid combining alcohol with potent muscle relaxants like baclofen, carisoprodol, and cyclobenzaprine. A general guideline is to wait at least 48 hours after your last dose of cyclobenzaprine before consuming alcohol. This allows the medication to get eliminated from your system, reducing the risk of interaction.

Can alcohol make the side effects of cyclobenzaprine worse?

It is best to refrain from drinking alcohol while taking this medication to avoid any potential risks or complications. Even after the effects of cyclobenzaprine have worn off, it is still not advisable to consume alcohol due to the potential for lingering interactions between the two substances. It is best to wait until you have completed your treatment with cyclobenzaprine before drinking alcohol. If you are looking for muscle relaxants that have fewer interactions with alcohol, you should discuss alternative options with your healthcare provider. They can recommend other medications that may be more compatible with alcohol consumption. Alcohol should be avoided if you are under treatment with a centrally-acting muscle relaxant (like cyclobenzaprine, baclofen, methocarbamol or tizanidine).