Medical Advice

Is Oxycodone And Benadryl Safe To Take Together?

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Oxycodone and Benadryl

Oxycodone and Benadryl are the best medications for their own respective purposes. One is an opioid used for pain relief, and another is an antihistamine used when one has allergy issues. The one thing that puts them in the same conversation is that both drugs can give the best sedative effect to the patients. Both drugs help with chronic pain or dealing with allergies, respectively. Yet patients who use these two drugs do not realise that the side effects that come along change our brain’s chemistry negatively. Let us understand how Benadryl and Oxycodone affect our health in this blog.

Oxycodone and Benadryl: Their Effects, Interactions, and Mechanisms

What is Oxycodone?

Oxycodone is an opioid drug used to treat moderate-to-severe pain. It can be found in the market by brand names, like OxyContin. OxyNorm, Roxicodone. One can find it in many forms, like immediate and extended-release tablets, capsules, and solutions. Oxycodone can be very addictive, which is why it is labelled as a Schedule II controlled substance. It is made out of a compound found in poppy plants called thebaine. Oxycodone works by binding with mu-opioid receptors and releasing dopamine neurotransmitters by reacting with its reuptake inhibitors. These neurotransmitters stop pain signals from reaching the brain and produce a sense of calmness and euphoria. 

What is Benadryl?

Benadryl, also known as Diphenhydramine, is an antihistamine drug used for fighting allergic conditions like cough or motion sickness. It is available in the market with other brand names like Altaryl, Quenalin, Banophen, Siladryl, Silphen, Tusstat and others. Benadryl is mostly found as a liquid solution, but is also found in the form of capsules and tablets. It is a highly sedative, but it is not labelled as a controlled drug, found in stores as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication. Benadryl works by reacting with histamine H1 receptors in our brain and body. This action makes these receptors inactive, eliminating the symptoms related to allergy.

Uses of Oxycodone and Benadryl

The two drugs are used for different kinds of health issues. Oxycodone has been used for chronic pain, like cancer and surgical pain and remains a top recommended prescription of doctors. One can also use it for diabetic nerve pain, though medications like Gabapentin are primarily used for it. Benadryl, on the other hand, is a first-line OTC medication for allergic issues like cough and cold. It has also been used for issues related to motion sickness like dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Benadryl has been found very effective for Parkinson’s disease, where it helps deal with related problems like tremors.

What is Common Between Oxycodone and Benadryl?

Oxycodone and Benadryl are in the same conversation because both drugs have a lot of similarities. One thing that is common about them is that both are CNS (central nervous system) depressants. A patient can go through side effects like drowsiness, slowed or shallowed breathing after using both drugs. Another very important similarity between the two medications is that Oxycodone use may release histamines into our system, which can cause itchiness and dryness. Benadryl is used to counter opioid side effects sometimes. One similarity which is universally common about not just Oxycodone and Benadryl but any drug is that their overdose will lead to serious side effects.

Can You Take Oxycodone and Benadryl Together?

Patients might think that together the two drugs might relieve them from pain or allergic issues even more effectively. We have also said above that Oxycodone may release histamines into our system, and patients might then take Benadryl to cure the symptoms caused by those histamines. Do NOT do this unless you consult your doctor. Mixing or taking the drugs together is very dangerous, and here are the reasons:

  • Both are CNS depressants, and together they can depress our nervous system dangerously, causing serious respiratory and cognitive issues.
  • Benadryl and Oxycodone might have many similar side effects, and taking them together can intensify those side effects.
  • Using the two drugs alone can affect our breathing, but together they can even stop it, leading to coma or death.

Side Effects of Oxycodone and Benadryl

The two drugs have almost identical side effects because Oxycodone and Benadryl are nervous system depressants. Yet learning about these repercussions separately is necessary, so that we not just understand the cons of overdosing on the two drugs together,  but also individually.

Oxycodone Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Headache
  • Sweating
  • Constipation
  • Sedation
  • Chest ache associated with the heart
  • Seizures
  • Confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Allergic reactions

Benadryl Side Effects

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness in muscles
  • Dry Mouth
  • Blurry Vision
  • Painful urination
  • Shallowed Breathing
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures

When these effects combine due to the interaction between Benadryl and Oxycodone, the patient would be in danger and must get in touch with their doctor immediately.

Drug Interactions of Oxycodone and Benadryl

Now that we know that taking Oxycodone with Benadryl can cause so many serious issues, it is time to take a look at other medications Benadryl and Oxycodone can interact with. These interactions may be major or mild in nature, but they can also seriously affect our health.

Oxycodone Interactions

Benadryl Interactions

  • Gabapentin
  • Melatonin
  • Tramadol
  • Trazodone
  • Xanax
  • Zyrtec
  • Klonopin
  • Diazepam
  • Ethanol
  • Heroin
  • Ketamine
  • Oxymorphone
  • Pregabalin

Conclusion

Oxycodone and Benadryl alone are really good drugs. But some people have the habit of overdosing on any drug that makes them feel good. Oxycodone and Benadryl stay on top of this list of drugs. Let us be careful, listen to our doctors and use these medications properly.

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