Is it OK to take antihistamines long term?

Is it OK to take antihistamines long term?

First-generation antihistamines come with risk of more side effects and interactions, so are not generally advised for long-term usage. Additionally, frequent use of the first generation antihistamines may lead to excessive weight gain.

What are the long term side effects of antihistamines?

Long term use of some antihistamines may increase your risk of dementia. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is vital for memory and learning.

How long do antihistamines stay in your system?

For the average healthy adult, elimination half-life ranges from 6.7 to 11.7 hours. So between 6 to 12 hours after taking Benadryl, half the drug will be eliminated from the body. Within two days, the drug will be completely gone from the body.

Can you take Reactine every day?

If 10 mg once daily is not enough to control your allergy symptoms, talk to your doctor. For adults 65 years of age and over, the recommended dose is 5 mg once daily. For children 6 to 12 years of age, the recommended dose is 10 mg once daily or 5 mg in the morning and in the evening.

Are antihistamines bad for your liver?

Non-sedating antihistamines can rarely cause acute liver injury. Although the liver damage is typically mild, if it occurs, antihistamines should be stopped. The liver function is usually only slightly deranged, and returns to normal with substitution of another antihistamine or cessation of the therapy.

Are antihistamines bad for your heart?

"In general, antihistamines are safe in patients with high blood pressure and other forms of heart disease," explains Richard Krasuski, MD, director of adult congenital heart disease services at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, but an antihistamine may elevate blood pressure or increase heart rate, according to the U.S. ...

Can your body become dependent on antihistamines?

Does this mean that you or your car are “addicted” to the windshield? In medical terms, your body does not develop tolerance to antihistamines. Once you take them for months to years, you don't need increasing doses just to get the same protection that you got originally.

What happens when you stop taking antihistamines?

The main withdrawal symptom is called pruritus— itching and burning sensations of the skin ranging from moderate to severe. Other antihistamine withdrawal symptoms include interruptions in sleep patterns.

Will I lose weight if I stop taking antihistamines?

However, one of the side effects associated with some antihistamines is weight gain, and some patients have even suggested they've experienced weight loss after stopping antihistamines.

Do antihistamines make you gain weight?

Do antihistamines cause weight gain? The short answer seems to be yes. While occasionally taking a Benadryl for sleep probably won't lead to significant weight gain, chronic use of antihistamines can interfere with weight loss efforts.

When should I start taking an antihistamine?

• Generally, child-strength antihistamines are approved for use in children 2 and older. Some are approved for as young as 6 months. Consult your pediatrician if your child is younger than 2. Take an oral antihistamine for allergy symptoms.

What should I avoid while taking antihistamine?

• You may need to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking an antihistamine, as they can affect how these drugs work in your body. Talk to your doctor if this is a concern. Alcohol may worsen certain side effects of antihistamines. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking these medicines.

Is taking too many antihistamines bad for You?

• Taking too much can be harmful for children and adults. Some people abuse the sedating antihistamines. They can cause seizures and hallucinations. Some antihistamines are combined with pain medicine. Taking another pain medicine at the same time could cause an overdose.

Is it okay to take more than one antihistamine?

• Taking more than the recommended amount can be dangerous. Mixing medicines can be dangerous. If you take a prescription medicine, ask your doctor if it’s okay to also take an OTC antihistamine. Don’t use more than 1 OTC antihistamine at a time unless your doctor says it’s okay.