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. Things like changing your diet, exercising and taking medication are long-term adjustments that can bring your blood pressure to a healthy level over time. And you’ll need to keep up with these healthy habits to keep your high blood pressure managed. You can expect to hear about more research, debate, and controversy in the near future regarding the potential risks and benefits of drinking, and how much — if any — drug addiction treatment is ideal. Of course, no one needs to wait for new guidelines or warning labels to curb their drinking.
Alcohol Consumption and Antihypertensive Treatment Effect in Male Patients With Hypertension
Mixing alcohol with a drug that also causes these side effects can worsen these effects. If you have liver disease, changes in drug effectiveness or side effects may also occur. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease before you start any medicine for your heart or blood pressure. If you drink alcohol and your doctor prescribes Ozempic, talk with them about whether it’s safe to consume alcohol with your condition and treatment plan. You can also ask about your specific risk of experiencing side effects if you combine Ozempic and alcohol.
- Nearly 78% of older adults (over 65 years of age) who drink use such medications.
- If you have liver disease, changes in drug effectiveness or side effects may also occur.
- It works on the CNS by slowing it down to block the effects of histamine, a chemical released by the immune system that causes allergy symptoms.
- “I generally advise patients to try to avoid alcohol intake until we can get the blood pressure controlled,” Goldberg says.
- Including claims that specific foods, spices, herbs or vitamins can lower your blood pressure.
- Taking Benadryl and drinking alcohol, especially in larger amounts, at the same time can have severe outcomes that can be life-threatening.
- Experts have said these study results are promising, but more research is needed into the connection between GLP-1s and decreased cravings for alcohol and opioids.
What Are the Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Blood Pressure Medicine?
Our pharmacist answers the latest question regarding an interaction with a blood pressure medication and alcohol. Older adults are at particular risk for interactions between alcohol and prescription medications. And certain medications that are affected by alcohol use, such as diazepam (Valium), last longer in aging bodies. Some older studies suggested that red wine might be good for heart health.
Alcohol Use and Blood Pressure Among Adults with Hypertension: the Mediating Roles of Health Behaviors
It is a potent first-generation antihistamine that can cause drowsiness. Taking alcohol with Benadryl can increase the sedating effect and drowsiness and even lead to the danger of overdosing. For millions of people, it’s a regular part of the dining experience, social and sports events, celebrations, and milestones.
Who can take beta blockers?
However, they can still cause side effects when taken with alcohol. Benadryl is a potent first-generation antihistamine that crosses the blood-brain barrier, a protective filter that helps keep harmful substances from reaching the brain. It works on the CNS by slowing it down to bp alcohol block the effects of histamine, a chemical released by the immune system that causes allergy symptoms. However, this depression of the CNS may result in drowsiness, sedation, and lack of mental alertness.
Table 1: Common Blood Pressure and Heart Medications
If you take blood pressure medication, talk to your prescribing doctor about safe levels of alcohol use and signs of alcohol interactions with the medication. While anyone can experience the side effects of mixing alcohol and blood pressure medicine, some are more at risk for negative outcomes. Beta-blocker medicines, such as metoprolol (Lopressor), reduce blood pressure by slowing heart rate.
- Verapamil is available only with a prescription and can be found in tablet form or as a liquid to swallow.
- Older adults are at particular risk for interactions between alcohol and prescription medications.
- Merle Myerson is a board-certified cardiologist with specialties in sports medicine, lipids, women’s health and prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Additionally, liver enzymes are often responsible for how medicines are changed in the body before they are excreted. Alcohol can affect these liver enzymes and alter drug levels in your bloodstream. This can make medication side effects worse or lower the effectiveness of your medicine. Being high in antioxidants, hibiscus tea will dilate the blood vessels and lower the levels of blood pressure naturally, thereby being a very good medication for hypertension management. Whether in a large or small quantity, consuming an alcoholic drink while taking an antihistamine should be avoided whenever possible. The side effects can even be life-threatening, especially in older adults, as it can increase the risk of falls.