About Allergies: Beware of Sedating Antihistamines

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Allergies Allergies Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Coping From Daniel More, MD, your Guide to Allergies I'm always surprised how many of my new patients come to me taking older, sedating antihistamines to treat a wide variety of allergic conditions. Sedating antihistamines, such as over-the-counter Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and prescription Atarax (hydroxyzine), have significant side effects that often outweigh the benefits of taking the medication. This is particularly true for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (hay fever), which is much more effectively treating with newer, low sedating antihistamines. Not only do sedating antihistamines cause drowsiness, they cause constipation, urinary retention and dry mouth. What's more, in many states in this country, a person can be charged with a DUI (driving under the influence) if an automobile accident is deemed to be their fault while taking a sedating antihistamine. It is true, however, that some allergic conditions, such as urticaria (hives) and pruritus (itching), sometimes respond better to sedating antihistamines, especially doxepin. Benadryl for Allergies 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. Despite newer, safer and more effective antihistamines being available over the past 10 to 20 years in the United States, Benadryl continues to be frequently used for allergic rhinitis, urticaria, itching, anaphylaxis, symptoms of the common cold, and as a sleep aid. Is Hydroxyzine Effective for the Treatment of Allergies? Hydroxyzine is a first-generation, sedating antihistamine, which means it has similar side effects to Benadryl. It is marketed under the brand names Atarax and Vistaril, but is also available in generic form. Hydroxyzine was originally developed as a sedative during the 1950's, but was found to have significant antihistamine properties. See More About:  antihistamines  benadryl  hives Does Doxepin Help for Hives and Itching? Yes, it does -- but it has strong side effects and needs to be used cautiously. Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant drug that is also a powerful antihistamine, and so is often used for the treatment of chronic hives and itching. Doxepin is able to block two types of histamine receptors, both H1 and H2, and therefore is particularly effective at treating skin allergies, since both types of histamine receptors can be found in the skin. Doxepin is available only by prescription, and the dose varies based on the symptoms being treated. See More About:  itching  hives  antihistamines Allergies Ads Allergies Hives Treatment Allergy Treatment Allergy Symptoms Allergy Hives Featured Articles Allergies in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Drug and Latex Allergies Insect Allergies Anaphylaxis Allergy Shots and Drops (Immunotherapy) Alternative Therapies in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergies   More from About.com Living with Depression From the little things (managing household chores), to the more challenging (learning to forgive) these eight tips can help you manage depression. More> Symptoms of Depression Concerned that you or someone you love may be depressed? Learn more about the symptoms of this condition, including some you might not expect. 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 © 2011 About.com   Must Reads What are Allergies? Symptoms of Allergies Diagnosis of Allergies Treatment of Allergies Preventing Allergies Advertisement