Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a popular over-the-counter antihistamine used to treat symptoms of allergies, hay fever, and colds. While effective for managing itching, sneezing, and runny nose, Benadryl is also a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. So is alcohol. Combining the two can pose significant risks — both short-term and long-term.

In this guide, we explore what happens if you mix Benadryl and alcohol, why it’s dangerous, and how much alcohol (if any) can you drink with Benadryl.

What Happens If You Mix Benadryl and Alcohol?

Mixing Benadryl and alcohol can intensify the sedative effects of both substances. This combination slows brain activity more than either substance would on its own.

Effects of Benadryl and Alcohol Taken Together

• Excessive drowsiness and dizziness
  
  
• Slowed reaction time and impaired coordination
  
  
• Blurred vision and confusion
  
  
• Heightened risk of falls, accidents, and injury
  
  

Many people report symptoms like nausea, sedation, and disorientation when they’ve taken Benadryl with alcohol — even if they only had one glass of wine or a beer.

How Much Alcohol Can You Drink with Benadryl?

There is no safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed with Benadryl. Since both are CNS depressants, even a small amount of alcohol — such as a single drink — can lead to serious side effects.

People often wonder:

• Can I take Benadryl after drinking a glass of wine?
  
  
• Can I drink alcohol while taking Benadryl?
  
  
• Can I take Benadryl 2 hours after drinking?
  
  

The answer to all is: it’s not recommended. The interaction between alcohol and diphenhydramine doesn’t necessarily depend on how much time has passed, but rather on how both substances are metabolized in your body. And that metabolism can vary based on your age, liver function, medications, and even sex.

Risks of Mixing Alcohol and Benadryl

The risks of combining diphenhydramine and alcohol go beyond sleepiness.

1. Increased Risk of Overdose

Taking Benadryl with alcohol can potentially suppress breathing and heart rate, especially in high doses. This is even more dangerous if you take other sedatives like Valium, Nyquil, or cough syrups that contain alcohol.

2. Memory and Cognitive Impairment

Benadryl blocks acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter critical to memory and focus. Alcohol also interferes with cognitive processing. Combined, they can impair your ability to remember, reason, and react — particularly in older adults.

3. Dehydration and Hangovers

Both Benadryl and alcohol can lead to dehydration. This makes hangovers more intense, with symptoms like headaches, dry mouth, and fatigue.

4. Interaction with Other Medications

Mixing Benadryl with alcohol becomes even riskier if you’re on other medications like:

• Antidepressants
  
  
• Muscle relaxants
  
  
• Sleep aids
  
  
• Anti-anxiety drugs
  
  

These substances may further amplify CNS depression, increasing the risk of overdose.

5. Potential Link to Dementia

Long-term use of anticholinergic medications like Benadryl has been associated with a higher risk of dementia. Adding alcohol to the mix may exacerbate neurological decline.

Is It Ever Safe to Take Benadryl After Drinking Alcohol?

People frequently ask:

• Can I take Benadryl after alcohol?
  
  
• How long should I wait to take Benadryl after drinking?
  
  
• Can you drink after taking Benadryl?
  
  

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. However, it’s best to wait at least 12 hours after drinking alcohol before taking Benadryl — and even longer if you’ve consumed large quantities. If you’re unsure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Can You Drink Beer or Wine with Benadryl?

Whether you’re drinking beer, wine, vodka, or a cocktail, combining any alcohol with Benadryl increases your risk for:

• Slurred speech
  
  
• Confusion
  
  
• Extreme sedation
  
  
• Loss of motor control
  
  
• Fainting or blacking out
  
  

Some have even reported experiencing hallucinations or a “Benadryl high” when mixed with alcohol. This is dangerous and could indicate misuse.

Is Mixing Benadryl and Alcohol Dangerous or Deadly?

Yes, in certain cases it can be deadly. Overdosing on diphenhydramine and alcohol has led to hospitalizations and even fatalities. The risk rises dramatically when combined with other depressants or used recreationally (e.g., as a sleep aid or to intensify alcohol’s effects).

Taking Benadryl for a Hangover or Sleep After Drinking

It might be tempting to reach for Benadryl to fall asleep after a night of drinking. But this can backfire, leading to:

• Next-day grogginess or “Benadryl hangover”
  
  
• Increased nausea
  
  
• Dry mouth and urinary retention
  
  

Try non-drug alternatives instead: hydrate, eat a light meal, and let your body metabolize the alcohol naturally.

Final Thoughts: Should You Ever Mix Benadryl and Alcohol?

If you’re wondering, “can I drink on Benadryl?” or “is Benadryl safe with alcohol?” — the safest approach is simple: avoid combining them altogether.

Whether it’s taking Benadryl after a couple beers or having a glass of wine while on antihistamines, the interaction poses unnecessary risks.

If you’ve already mixed the two and feel unwell, stay in a safe environment and ask someone to monitor you. If symptoms worsen — like slowed breathing, confusion, or unconsciousness — seek emergency medical help immediately.

Get Help for Substance Use Today at Asana Recovery

If you or someone you love is misusing alcohol, antihistamines like Benadryl, or other substances, it’s important to seek help before the risks escalate. At Asana Recovery, we specialize in evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders, offering a supportive and compassionate environment for healing. Whether you’re struggling with combining over-the-counter medications and alcohol or facing a more complex addiction, our team is here to help you take back control. Reach out today to start your path toward recovery with personalized care.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Benadryl and Alcohol

Can you drink alcohol while taking Benadryl?

No, it is not recommended. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and alcohol are both central nervous system depressants. When taken together, they can cause extreme drowsiness, impaired motor skills, and even respiratory depression. Whether you’re wondering can you drink on Benadryl or can you drink alcohol with Benadryl, the safest approach is to avoid alcohol entirely while taking it.

How much alcohol can you drink with Benadryl?

There is no safe amount. Questions like how much alcohol can you drink with Benadryl or can I take Benadryl after drinking a glass of wine reflect a dangerous misconception. Even small amounts of alcohol can amplify Benadryl’s sedative effects and lead to serious consequences like loss of consciousness, accidents, or worsened hangovers due to dehydration.

Can you take Benadryl after drinking?

While some ask can you take Benadryl after drinking alcohol or can I take Benadryl 2 hours after drinking, this still poses risks. The time between drinking and taking Benadryl matters because alcohol can remain in your system for hours. It’s best to consult a healthcare provider to know when it’s safe, especially if you’ve consumed a significant amount of alcohol.

What happens if you mix Benadryl and alcohol?

Mixing Benadryl with alcohol can lead to extreme drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, dehydration, or even unconsciousness. People report serious side effects when they drink on Benadryl or take Benadryl and drink alcohol. There are also long-term concerns like cognitive impairment and increased dementia risk with repeated misuse.

Can you drink beer or wine with Benadryl?

No. Whether it’s Benadryl and beer or Benadryl and wine, combining either with alcohol can intensify side effects like sedation and nausea. Many people underestimate this risk, but the combination can be dangerous regardless of the type of alcohol.

Is it safe to take Benadryl with alcohol?

No, it is not safe. Combining diphenhydramine and alcohol—the active ingredient in Benadryl—can be life-threatening in high doses or in certain individuals. Even if you’re just taking Benadryl after drinking or using it before bed with alcohol, it’s considered unsafe.

Can you drink after taking Benadryl?

If you’re wondering how long after taking Benadryl can you drink alcohol, most experts suggest waiting at least 8–12 hours, as diphenhydramine’s sedative effects can last several hours. The longer you wait, the safer it is—but for maximum safety, don’t mix them at all.

What if I accidentally took Benadryl with alcohol?

If you’ve said I took Benadryl with alcohol, monitor for symptoms like dizziness, nausea, trouble breathing, or confusion. Stay in a safe environment and avoid driving. Seek medical help immediately if symptoms worsen.

Informational Sources 

• Carter, A. (2023, July 21). Can you drink alcohol while taking antihistamines? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/alcohol-and-benadryl
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (n.d.). Alcohol and medication interactions. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/
• U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Diphenhydramine. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682539.html
• Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Diphenhydramine (oral route). https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/diphenhydramine-oral-route/description/drg-20071278
• FDA. (n.d.). Understanding Over-the-Counter Medicines: Antihistamines. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-consumers-and-patients-drugs/understanding-otc-antihistamines