Should You Be Using Medical Marijuana With Benadryl?

Many patients across the US combine medical marijuana with other prescription drugs to enhance the effectiveness of both drugs. Benadryl, known for its allergy-relieving properties and a popular antihistamine, is one such drug.

However, it is a very well-known fact that medical marijuana and Benadryl don’t mix well and the interaction between the two can bring more harm than good. Still, as soon as the allergy season is in its full bloom, people start using Benadryl including individuals having a medical marijuana card.

Considering this, CertaMD has brought you this guide today to help you better understand the dynamics of the interaction between medical marijuana and Bendaryl.

Here’s how Benadryl works

Benadryl is the brand name of Diphenhydramine, commonly used to relieve symptoms of allergies, motion sickness, insomnia, and even Parkinson’s disease. It works by suppressing histamine, a chemical released during allergic reactions, which also causes drowsiness, making it a known sleep aid. The medication can also help reduce tremors and muscle rigidity in people with Parkinson’s, as it blocks certain receptors in the central nervous system that are similar to histamine receptors.

While Benadryl is available over the counter, it can cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, headaches, and stomachaches. Some stronger antihistamines may require a prescription, but Benadryl remains a common choice for those seeking immediate relief.

Here’s how medical marijuana works

Medical marijuana contains cannabinoids, which mimic your body’s natural endocannabinoids by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors found in the brain, central nervous system, and throughout the body. When these cannabinoids bind to these receptors, they trigger various effects that relieve pain, reduce inflammation, improve mood, sleep aid, suppress nausea, and stimulate appetite.

Additionally, cannabinoids can be particularly beneficial for individuals with movement disorders and spasticity, relieving the symptoms and improving overall comfort. These wide-ranging effects make cannabis a versatile treatment for numerous conditions. However, you need a medical marijuana card in most of the US states to legally possess and consume cannabis for medical reasons.

What happens when you take Benadryl and medical marijuana together?

So taking medical marijuana and Benadryl together is not a great idea as this combination can cause moderate side effects. Researchers have yet to study this interaction in-depth to understand the actual cause behind it but they all agree that it is better to avoid taking marijuana and Benadryl together.

The most common side effects of this parking include confusion, trouble in concentrating, and dizziness. Benadryl is known to cause such side effects when paired with medications for colds, sleep, blood pressure, and even antidepressants.

This also explains why it is important to discuss your medical history and commonly used medications with a doctor while applying for a medical marijuana card. Our doctors at CertaMD are trained to make suggestions that can save you from enduring such side effects and affecting your long-term health.

Which one is the obvious choice?

Now that you’re facing a choice between medical marijuana and Benadryl, the obvious choice is medical marijuana. Fortunately, medical marijuana can offer similar benefits as Benadryl, depending on the cannabis strain and its CBD content.

Cannabis strains that are high in Cannabinoid (CBD) content have anti-inflammatory properties which can help in relieving symptoms of seasonal allergy. Plus, CBD also improves sleep and relaxes the fight against symptoms of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s.

Final Note

So the answer is no, you shouldn’t be using medical marijuana with Benadryl as the possible side effects of this interaction outweigh the potential benefits. If you still want to use both, it is better to visit a certified doctor before pairing up the two.

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