Can Benedryl Be Taken While On Ativan And Celexa?

Posted on Thu, 8 Oct 2015

Question: Hi. I just got off Ativan and Celexa and I am taking 1 benedryl in the morning and one at night. Is this safe?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes almost safe but better to avoid benadryl in morning

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,

Thanks for writing to us.

Benadryl contains diphenhydramine which is an antihistaminic drug. It is used in common cold, allergy or sleep disturbance. Dry mouth, headache and urination problem are routine side effects due to its anticholinergic effects. Overall it is safe when you take as per doctor's advice.

You have stopped celexa and ativan. Stopping ativan suddenly likely causes sleep problem. Benadryl can help in sleep in such case. But by taking it in morning it may cause drowsiness and fatigue and affect daily routine. So it is better not to take it in morning.

Note for your informatio: Stopping ativan and celexa cold turkey may cause drug discontinuation/withdrawal symptoms after 15 years of intake. They should be tapered off gradually.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.

Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (6 hours later)

Hi. It has taken me two years to get off Ativan and Celexa. It was awful. They worked so well for me because I have allergies, migraines, PTSD. The doctor said they were dangerous for my mental health going forward. I am 66years old. I took 1mg Ativan and 10-20mg Celexa and they saved my life. I hope to use them again in the future if I have problems.
I am eating organic food and using healthy sources of vitamins and supplements.
My anxiety is awful so I need something to stay calm. I am okay right now with the benedryl but I am worried it might be worse than Ativan and Celexa for my health.
I actually like being off meds because benedryl does not effect who I am vs a false sense of security with medication. I just don't know if this is a bad thing for my liver, etc.
Thank you XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
for anxiety ativan and celexa are better than benadryl,benadryl is not bad

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,

Thanks for follow up.

It is good that you have stopped ativan and celexa gradually.

Ativan after long term use causes cognitive dysfunction in old age. However you have crossed 60 already and dose is only 1 mg which is very low dose.If you have no forgetfulness problem there is no risk in taking ativan when needed. Celexa is also not harmful if taken for long when tolerated well.

However benadryl does not cause any liver damage or any serious problem if you take it daily under your doctor's guidance. Main concern is its depressive effect on central nervous system which can cause sedation , drowsiness and sometime dystonic movements.If you are feeling any of them stop the medicine and consult doctor.
Other common tolerated side effects are nausea, dry mouth, hypotension, tachycardia, palpitations, blurred vision, diplopia, dry eyes, urinary retention and dysuria. But if these are persistent or troublesome in that case also drug should be stopped.
It is not specifically used for anxiety but its sedative effects may help in anxiety. It can help in sleep disturbance.

If I were your treating doctor and your prominent symptoms were anxiety related I wold like to continue celexa regularly in possible low dose and ativan as and when required as you have responded very well to these drugs.

Take care and feel free to discuss further.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T