Menu
Shedding Light on the Risks
& Benefits of Medications
Shedding Light on the Risks
& Benefits of Medications Can I Take Benadryl with Zoloft?
Before taking Benadryl and Zoloft, consider possible side effects, such as drowsiness, nausea and dizziness
November 5, 2024
0 Comments
republish
Medically Reviewed By: Gina Jansheski, M.D.
Gina Jansheski, M.D., is a pediatrician with 22 years of practice experience. Dr. Jansheski completed her medical education at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, followed by a pediatric residency and a one-year fellowship in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. She served as the medical director of Tucson Pediatric Hospitalists, providing pediatric hospice and palliative care services.
on this page:
If you live with allergies, over-the-counter diphenhydramine (Benadryl) might be a staple in your medicine cabinet. However, anyone prescribed sertraline (Zoloft) should speak with a doctor before also taking Benadryl since there’s an increased when these drugs are combined. Continue reading to learn about the possible interactions between Benadryl and Zoloft.
Benadryl and Zoloft Interactions: Sedation and CNS Depression
As with most medications, Benadryl and Zoloft are beneficial for treating certain conditions but are also associated with risks.
Benadryl is from the class of drugs called antihistamines. As the name indicates, it is typically used to block allergy-causing histamines. But this medication isn’t just reserved for treating allergies. It can also help manage motion sickness.
A primary side effect of Benadryl is drowsiness, which can be intensified when the drug is combined with certain medications, says Roshini Mullakary, MD, an Allergy and Immunology specialist at Northwell Health Physician Partners in Mount Kisco, NY.
“Benadryl taken by itself can cause drowsiness,” says Dr. Mullakary. “When combined with another medication that may cause sleepiness, such as Zoloft, it can cause worsening sedation.”
is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, an antidepressant commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. Like Benadryl, common side effects of Zoloft include nausea, dizziness, headaches and dry mouth.
Along with increased drowsiness, individuals who take Benadryl while also on Zoloft have an increased risk of experiencing central nervous system (CNS) depression, says Stefanie Nigro, PharmD, an associate clinical professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice at the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy.
CNS depression is a condition caused by drugs that slow brain activity, which increases muscle relaxation and drowsiness. Signs of CNS depression can include slower heart rate and breathing, dizziness, confusion, lightheadedness, decreased consciousness and incoordination.
Benadryl itself carries a risk of CNS depression, while Zoloft has a relatively low risk, explains Dr. Nigro. “However, when the two are used in combination, the effects can be additive or enhanced,” she says.
Both Dr. Mullakary and Dr. Nigro recommend consulting with a physician before starting or combining medications.
What Is a Safer Alternative to Benadryl?
To avoid compounded drowsiness, those taking Zoloft might ask their doctors about a second-generation antihistamine for treating allergies, advises Dr. Mullakary.
“[Second-generation antihistamines] are less likely to cross the blood-brain barrier, which means they are less likely to cause sedation,” she explains. “Examples of these medications include cetirizine (Zyrtec), levocetirizine (Xyzal), fexofenadine (Allegra), loratadine (Claritin), and desloratadine (Clarinex).”
Unfortunately, second-generation antihistamines can’t treat motion sickness, Dr. Nigro clarifies. For Benadryl alternatives that fit that need, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.
Various natural alternatives—including ginger, vitamin C and menthol—might help soothe nausea associated with motion sickness. Individuals who are prone to motion sickness might also consider preventative measures, such as avoiding greasy meals (but bringing simple foods like crackers or carbonated beverages) and hydrating before an experience that may cause the symptom.
Check out two more articles in our interaction series: Can I Take Tums with Metoprolol? and Can I Take Ibuprofen With Prednisone?
Want to Share Your Story?
If you’ve experienced side effects or medication issues related to this topic, we want to hear from you.
Submit Your Story- Diphenhydramine: MedlinePlus Drug Information. (n.d.). https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682539.html
- Drug Interactions between Benadryl and Zoloft. (n.d.). Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/benadryl-with-zoloft-896-1617-2057-1348.html
- Histamine: The Stuff Allergies are Made of. MedlinePlus website. https://medlineplus.gov/medlineplus-videos/histamine-the-stuff-allergies-are-made-of/
- Sertraline (Zoloft). (n.d.). NAMI. https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/treatments/mental-health-medications/types-of-medication/sertraline-zoloft/
- Sicari, V., & Zabbo, C. P. (2023, July 10). Diphenhydramine. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526010/
- Farzam, K., Sabir, S., & O’Rourke, M. C. (2023, July 10). Antihistamines. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538188/
- Pan, W., & Kastin, A. J. (2016). The Blood-Brain Barrier: Regulatory Roles in Wakefulness and Sleep. The Neuroscientist, 23(2), 124–136. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1073858416639005
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Prescription CNS depressants. In Prescription CNS Depressants (pp. 1–4). https://radarcart.boisestate.edu/library/files/2018/06/drugfacts-cnsdepressants.pdf
- Nutritional and Behavioral Countermeasures as Medication Approaches to Relieve Motion Sickness: A Comprehensive Review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10052985/
DISCLAIMER: MedShadow provides information and resources related to medications, their effects, and potential side effects. However, it is important to note that we are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content on our site is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Individuals dealing with medical conditions or symptoms should seek guidance from a licensed healthcare professional, such as a physician or pharmacist, who can provide personalized medical advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
While we strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented on MedShadow, we cannot guarantee its completeness or suitability for any particular individual’s medical needs. Therefore, we strongly encourage users to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any health-related concerns or decisions. By accessing and using MedShadow, you acknowledge and agree that the information provided on the site is not a substitute for professional medical advice and that you should always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns.
on this page:
RECOMMENDED:
DONATE:
Help fund our fight for improved medication safety and transparency by supporting our independent journalism.
Give NowWe seek to create a world where there are safer medications for all and where all people are fully informed about their medication benefits and side effects, using our explanatory and investigative journalism to both inform and stimulate public discussion to drive toward solutions.
WEBINARS
Stream our library on demand, including insights on generic drugs and pain management, straight from experts.
WATCH NOW