HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Can Diphenhydramine HCI 25mg Be Taken With 20mg Paxil?

Can I take Diphenhydramine HCI 25mg, found in sleeping aids, while taking half a tablet of 20mg of Paxil? I am a 32 year old healthy female dealing with depression. I have a hard time sleeping, so I having been taking over the counter sleeping aids. I would like to know if it is dangerous to mix the two??
Mon, 12 Dec 2016
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Dear Madam, Hi & Welcome.

Diphenhyramine should not be taken along with Paxil.

If taken along with Paxil (Paroxetine) Diphenhydramine may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. It may also cause impairment in thinking, judgement, and motor coordination resulting in falls and increased risk of injuries.

To overcome insomnia (lack of sleep) caused by selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors like Paxil, you need following precautions:

1. Take Paxil tablet in the morning.
2. Avoid caffeinated food and drinks, particularly late in the day.
3. Do regular exercise be sure to complete it several hours before bedtime so it doesn't interfere with your sleep.
4. You may take a short acting benzodiazepine like Alprazolam at bed time after consulting your doctor.

Hope the advice given above would be useful.

A feed back is appreciated.
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on HIV


Loading Online Doctors....
Can Diphenhydramine HCI 25mg Be Taken With 20mg Paxil?

Dear Madam, Hi & Welcome. Diphenhyramine should not be taken along with Paxil. If taken along with Paxil (Paroxetine) Diphenhydramine may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. It may also cause impairment in thinking, judgement, and motor coordination resulting in falls and increased risk of injuries. To overcome insomnia (lack of sleep) caused by selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors like Paxil, you need following precautions: 1. Take Paxil tablet in the morning. 2. Avoid caffeinated food and drinks, particularly late in the day. 3. Do regular exercise be sure to complete it several hours before bedtime so it doesn t interfere with your sleep. 4. You may take a short acting benzodiazepine like Alprazolam at bed time after consulting your doctor. Hope the advice given above would be useful. A feed back is appreciated.