Cannabidiol and Benadryl don’t appear to interact at all. CBD may sedate a person, depending on the person. A first-generation antihistamine with a reputation for producing significant sedation is Benadryl. As a result, there may be a risk when mixing CBD with Benadryl due to the possibility of additive sedation. However, there are no known interactions between CBD and Benadryl, and taking the two together seems safe.
Does Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) Interact With CBD?
Yes, over time, CBD can raise blood levels of diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which may cause serious adverse effects. Diphenhydramine is a quick-acting drug that is widely available. The medicine may cause confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, and sedation as a result of its impact on histamine receptors. Benadryl levels may rise in the bloodstream due to CBD’s potential to prevent its breakdown and removal from the body. However, Benadryl is especially harmful when detected in high serum blood levels.
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Slow Metabolic Elimination
Drugs must be eliminated from the body after they have had their desired effects. Drug metabolism is necessary before a drug can be eliminated through the urine or feces. Usually, the liver is responsible for drug metabolism. The liver is the primary site of drug metabolism, where numerous enzymes and enzyme systems, including cytochrome CYP450, are used. Diphenhydramine is mainly metabolized by the enzyme CYP2D6. Additionally, it breaks down CBD, which may prevent or delay the breakdown of diphenhydramine.
Diphenhydramine may build up in the body over time and reach potentially harmful amounts. The risk of this interaction is most significant for those who use it frequently. If you sometimes take diphenhydramine, this interaction probably won’t cause you any serious problems. However, this interaction could result in serious side effects, including delirium, sedation, or even death, if you use it frequently or in excessive amounts.
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Agonistic Interaction
This type of interaction refers to the drug’s heightened activity or effects after its interaction with CBD. Diphenhydramine’s sedative effects may be intensified by CBD and other cannabinoids, resulting in extreme drowsiness and tiredness. Although uncomfortable, this interaction has the potential to be harmful. Users who are operating vehicles or different types of machinery unexpectedly dozing off run the risk of getting hurt or perhaps dying. This level of sedation may also make it difficult to perform essential duties, such as watching over young children or animals.
Is CBD An Effective Benadryl Alternative?
No, CBD does not replace diphenhydramine and has very distinct effects. CBD does have some minor anti-inflammatory effects that may help with allergies. Additionally, CBD has a modest to moderate sedative effect that makes it a potential substitute for diphenhydramine in the treatment of insomnia. Due to its inhibitory effect on pro-inflammatory cytokines, CBD can directly help seasonal allergies. The human body releases pro-inflammatory cytokines after being exposed to an allergen, which is what we refer to as seasonal allergy symptoms. These advantages take time to manifest. You won’t be able to take some CBD when you wake up stuffy in the morning to relieve it. For severe allergies, diphenhydramine is substantially more effective.
