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Antihistamines and (less) anxiety?

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 3/1/2016 3:22 AM (GMT 0)
I've noticed this for a number of years and it's pretty consistent...when I take antihistamines like Zyrtec, it seems my anxiety is noticeably lower.

I've read some of the early AD meds were derived from antihistamines, so perhaps this is part of the reason. I also wonder if my oversensitive body gets inflamed easily (allergens, environmental stressors) and this contributes to a feeling of being unwell that triggers anxiety; so when taking the antihistamine, it keeps that at bay thus lowering my reaction/anxiety.

Anyhoo, just thinking out loud and curious if others have noticed something similar.
Posted 3/1/2016 3:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Tex, I can only answer for myself, i started benadryl three years ago at bed time, i have not needed a xanax
sense that time, no panic and only mild anxiety, Peace

Larry ***
Posted 3/1/2016 9:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Yes I know a lot of people who use antihistamines to treat their anxiety and get good results.

Hibee
Posted 3/1/2016 6:04 PM (GMT 0)
I noticed that when my allergies act up I get vertigo and my nose becomes stuffed up which can give me trouble breathing. Those two symptoms sometimes make my health anxiety worse so I can see why an antihistamine would alleviate both the symptoms and anxiety.
Posted 3/2/2016 1:28 AM (GMT 0)
atarax is an antihistime thats used for anxiety . zyrtec is derived from it. some sea sickness meds will calm you down also
Posted 3/2/2016 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
They work for me when anxiety is mild and I need some help getting to sleep. But when anxiety is stronger, they do me no good. But I guess every person's reaction is different.
Posted 3/2/2016 5:35 AM (GMT 0)
Dramamine works for me
Posted 3/2/2016 6:38 AM (GMT 0)
I take lot of Zyrtec for allergy and did not have relief from panic or anxiety.I need to take Ativan or Xanax and Lexapro .

I wish I could get away by taking antihistamines ..but not in my case.

Anyways good observation and keep us posted.
Posted 3/5/2016 12:07 AM (GMT 0)
atarax may work for you chilly-its used off label for anxiety.
Posted 3/5/2016 3:47 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, Hydroxyzine (Vistaril/Atarax) is an Rx...not an OTC like Benadryl or Zyrtec.

It is an antihistamine at a prescription strength prescribed off label (as Superdan said) for acute anxiety/panic attacks.

It is pretty effective, though it is true, not as powerful as a benzo...

...however, it is worth trying since it does not carry the dependency/tolerance issues that a benzo can.

S.C.
Posted 3/5/2016 9:34 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, it does work and a nurse told me it is used in hospitals as a sleep aid. I was given one as a patient when I complained that I was nervous and unable to sleep and it worked for me.
Posted 3/7/2016 8:51 PM (GMT 0)
Atarax saved my life when I had lots of anxiety and insomnia. Dr wanted me to stop using it after three months though.
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