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Antihistamines and allergy

The sedating, first generation antihistamines now have little role in therapeutics. Their unfavourable adverse effect profile has prompted the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network to recommend making these antihistamines prescription-only, rather than over-the-counter, drugs.3 The main concerns are their sedative properties and interference with rapid eye movement sleep.3,4 Studies have shown poorer school performance in children with allergic rhinitis treated with sedating antihistamines, compared to children treated with non-sedating antihistamines and healthy children

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Articles of Interest

Magnesium: A Natural Antihistamine

Did you know that many asthmatics are deficient in magnesium, or that this powerful mineral has been used quite successfully to prevent asthma attacks since the 1930’s—thanks in large part to its antihistamine properties, and ability to promote relaxation of the bronchial smooth muscle.

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly, Histamine

Because histamine is also a neurotransmitter that communicates with the brain, taking antihistamines cause the active receptors to be suppressed, simultaneously making you sleepy. Other H1 antagonists that inhibit histamine action (or the enzyme that stops the enzyme histidine from making histamine) include, Zyertec, Zantac, and Allegra.

Antihistamine Use in Cold Remedies Is Criticized

The antihistamines found in most cold remedies on the market may do more harm than good, medical experts said today, suggesting that they be removed from those products. One expert said a shot or two of whisky before sleeping might be better for a cold sufferer than a nip of cold medicine.

Antihistamines 101: What You Need to Know

As the name suggests, antihistamines are medications that block the effects of histamine. We’ll spare you the major science lesson, but what you need to know is that antihistamines prevent histamine from binding to its receptors—meaning they keep your symptoms at bay.

Antihistamines and Weight Gain

Benadryl, Allegra, Zyrtec, and Claritin are all antihistamines sold throughout the United States, both over the counter and via prescription. Anyone who suffers from chronic sinus congestion, runny noses, hives, or even occasional insomnia is aware that these medications are potent tools in our pharmaceutical arsenal. Given histamine receptors are located throughout our body, these drugs can affect us in many ways, including weight gain.

Can Sex Act as a Natural Antihistamine?

*I read that sex can act as a natural antihistamine. I have asthma and hay fever; could sex help? *Not likely. In fact, sex may make asthma symptoms worse for some people.

Dementia, Antihistamines, and Cost-Benefit Analysis

Overall, this is an impressive study. Yes, it only looks at seniors. Yes, there’s potential reverse causation. Yes, there are wide confidence intervals. But as far as observational studies go, it would be hard to do much better. And at least for me, the results are scary. Daily use for 3 out of 10 years puts you in the top category, with dementia risk elevated by over 50%.

Does taking allergy medication make my allergies worse?

Most people in America take antihistamines, which covers everything from Benadryl to Claritin to Zyrtec. The original antihistamines, namely Benadryl (generic name: diphenhydramine), made people incredibly drowsy because the effects could spread across the blood-brain barrier. In the brain, histamines help promote wakefulness within your normal sleep-wake cycle by attaching to a related but distinct receptor from the one that regulates allergic responses.

First-generation antihistamines in pediatric use

First-generation antihistamines have never been adequately studied for use in pediatric age groups in terms of efficacy and safety. Nevertheless, they are still used in an apparently high percentage of such patients.

Goodbye, Benadryl: It is time for you to retire

Newer alternatives are more effective, act more quickly, and last longer.

H1-Antihistamines for Allergic Diseases: Old Aged but Not Old-Fashioned Drugs

H1-antihistamines were introduced for clinical use in 1942 and since then more than 45 H1-antihistamines have been available worldwide representing the largest class of medications used in the treatment of allergic diseases.

Is it safe to take an antihistamine every day?

“With first-generation antihistamines, some people note decreasing effectiveness if used daily for several days,” says Dr. Lin. Because they cause drowsiness, they are not safe to mix with alcohol—something to consider if you plan to have a drink during allergy season.

Memory Loss Can Be Caused By Over-The-Counter Drugs

Did you know that common over-the-counter drugs or prescriptions can cause memory loss and cognitive impairment? Mild cognitive impairment is a common, age-linked condition that is often an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Its cardinal symptom is forgetfulness or impairment of short-term memory. Numerous drugs have been shown to produce mild cognitive impairment (MCI). They may create or aggravate Alzheimer’s-type symptoms.

Pregnant women with severe morning sickness who take antihistamines are significantly more likely to experience adverse outcomes

Women with a severe form of morning sickness who take antihistamines to help them sleep through their debilitating nausea are significantly more likely to experience adverse pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight babies and premature births.

So, Uh, Is It Bad If I’ve Been Taking My Allergy Meds for 10 Years Straight?

Most people who take generic, non-decongestant antihistamines long-term will be able to stop and start them without issue, but Shih says there are those who do experience some withdrawal. “Some patients who go off these meds may feel generalized itchiness, sneezing, and runny nose.” So, allergies. Cool, great, love it.

The First Schizophrenia Medication Was Developed As An Antihistamine

Thorazine, or chlorpromazine, was the first antipsychotic. It freed many people with severe schizophrenia from mental asylums, but that's not why it was developed. It was first tested because it's an antihistamine. Yes, like the allergy medications.

This Common Over-The-Counter Medication Might Be Detrimental For Brain Health, According To Doctors

Here’s why first generation antihistamines are bad for your brain health.

Trouble sleeping? Experts say skip antihistamines

Many allergy sufferers know that antihistamines work for their symptoms but also make them sleepy. People sometimes turn to these medications to help them sleep, even when they’re not sick. But the use of medication to force children or adults to sleep is generally not the best idea,” said Dr. Philip Alapat, assistant professor of medicine.

Resources

8 Antihistamine Side Effects You Should Know

Raise your hand if you’ve been personally victimized by an antihistamine.

Antihistamines List

Antihistamines are a class of agents that block histamine release from histamine-1 receptors and are mostly used to treat allergies or cold and flu symptoms, although some first-generation antihistamines may also be used for other conditions.

Healing Histamine

Finally diagnosed with histamine intolerance (HIT) in London in 2010, I wholeheartedly embraced the traditional hardcore elimination approach, low histamine diet and even more elimination of all foods that bothered me (fructose, salicylates, histamines oh my!).

Dr Greene

When it comes to learning, children are better off congested than drugged.

NHS

Antihistamine medicines are classified in three groups. These are: •first-generation antihistamines – which cause drowsiness in most people and include diphenhydramine and chlorphenamine •second- or third-generation antihistamines – which are less likely to cause drowsiness and include loratadine and cetirizine

Solv

Antihistamines may cause side effects including dry mouth, dry throat, blurry vision, dizziness, drowsiness, impaired motor function, loss of appetite, urinary retention, constipation, and feelings of nervousness, excitement, and/or irritability. These side effects can lead to dangerous outcomes for those who don’t take the necessary precautions when using these drugs. For instance, blurry vision, dizziness, and drowsiness can impair one’s ability to operate vehicles to increase the risk of an accident.

StatPearls

Antihistamines are a pharmaceutical class of drugs that act to treat histamine-mediated conditions. There are two main classes of histamine receptors: H-1 receptors and H-2 receptors. Antihistamine drugs that bind to H-1 receptors are generally used to treat allergies and allergic rhinitis. Drugs that bind to H-2 receptors can treat upper gastrointestinal conditions that are caused by excessive stomach acid.