About Allergies: Common Allergy Medicines May Cause Weight Gain

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Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies Antihistamines are commonly used medications for the treatment of nasal allergies. These medications have common side effects, including drowsiness, dry mouth and urinary retention. However, antihistamines may also result in an increased appetite and weight gain, according to a recent study. Some older antihistamines, such as Periactin (cyproheptadine), have even been used as an appetite stimulant for underweight children and for cancer patients. While it isn't clear why some antihistamines increase appetite and weight gain in some people, this is just another example of why not all allergy medicines. Antihistamines for Allergies Antihistamines are medications that block a receptor for histamine, thereby stopping the symptoms that histamine causes. Antihistamines are the most commonly used medications to treat allergic rhinitis. Learn all about anithistamines, including how they work, which ones work best, side effects that may occur, and which ones you should avoid. Is Benadryl a Good Medicine? Benadryl, which is the brand name for the drug diphenhydramine, is classified as a first-generation antihistamine and has been used to treat various allergic diseases for many years. It is available over-the-counter without a prescription, and comes in many generic forms. Benadryl continues to be frequently used for allergic rhinitis, urticaria, itching, anaphylaxis, symptoms of the common cold, and as a sleep aid. What Readers Say About Xyzal Side Effects You'd be surprised to find out what readers have been saying for years about the possible side effects of Xyzal -- long before the above mentioned study came out... Allergies Ads Allergies Allergy Allergies Skin Rash Symptoms of Allergy Allergy and Hives Featured Articles Anaphylaxis Allergy Shots and Drops (Immunotherapy) Alternative Therapies in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergies Glossary of Terms Information on the Most Common Allergy Medications Allergy Basics   More from About.com Plan a Unique Vegas Wedding The minister, music and champagne are just the beginning -- why not get married aboard a helicopter or have a pirate swing in to deliver your rings? Arrrr! More> Join About.com's User Panel! Share your opinions and help us make About.com more relevant, informative and enjoyable to use. More> This newsletter is written by: Daniel More, MD Allergies Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Allergies newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2010 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies Advertisement