Can Antihistamines Used for Treating Allergies Actually CAUSE Allergies?
What are antihistamines
Antihistamines for allergies are often purchased over the counter by customers who want relief from allergy or cold symptoms. Many symptoms are so severe that they can affect how a person sleeps or make it difficult to make it through the day. Using an antihistamine can relieve their symptoms and allow them to sleep peacefully.
How Antihistamines for Allergies Work
Antihistamines provide relief for a wide variety of symptoms including the following:
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Skin rashes, hives, inflammation
- Red, itchy, watery eyes
Antihistamines for allergies come in varying strengths that last for different lengths of time, including 4-6 hours, 12 hours, or extended release that can last up to 24 hours. Some examples of kinds Flonase, Zyrtec, Claritin, etc.
More potent doses may require a prescription, but in general, most can be found at a grocery or drug store. As you will read in our Flonase vs Zyrtec blog, each medicine has different purposes. So, it’s important that you discuss your options with a board certified allergy specialist, like Dr Habib or Dr Alasaly to make sure you get only the dose you need, but also the correct one for the symptom.
Do Antihistamines for Allergies Have Side Effects?
For as helpful as they are, antihistamines for allergies do have side effects. Each person reacts different to the medication and they are considered to be extremely safe for adults.
Most doctors and pharmacists recommend that you take an antihistamine and find out how you react to it before taking on any major task or getting behind the wheel of a vehicle. Children with allergies who take antihistamines may have trouble concentrating during class, so it’s extremely important that you monitor them while they are taking the medication.
A few of the most common side effects that have been reported during antihistamine use include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Reduced appetite
- Nervousness, irritability or overly excited
If you begin to experience heavy nosebleeds or your symptoms continue to worsen, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
What Are Other Names Associated With Antihistamines for Allergies?
Antihistamines and decongestants are not one and the same, although they are often included in the same medication. The active ingredient in the majority of antihistamines is Diphenhydramine Hcl. This is one of the most common medications used in the treatment of colds and allergies. While there are more than a hundred different brand names to choose from, it’s important to look at the amount of Diphenhydramine in each dose, how often the doses are to be taken, and what other medications are included in the product.
If you live in or near Avondale, Glendale, Phoenix or Scottsdale, Arizona and suffer from allergies, you can find the relief you need at Adult & Pediatric Associates, PC. When you have questions concerning antihistamines for allergies, you need a doctor you can trust. The professional staff have many years of experience and offer the best possible care to each of their patients.
And did you know that other doctors in the area often refer their patients to Adult & Pediatric Associates? For over 2 decades, physicians and patients have been highly recommending the staff and doctors because of their level of care and ultimate professionalism!
Call and schedule your appointment today!