Antihistamines are usually prescribed to treat allergic reactions. However, some are also used to treat anxiety on a short-term basis. Antihistamines work by having a calming effect on the brain, helping you to feel less anxious.
Most antihistamines are known to cause drowsiness during the day. This may be a problem for people who operate heavy machinery or otherwise must remain alert. These drugs also aren't effective for severe anxiety or depression, and they're not a long-term treatment for any anxiety disorder.
The only FDA-approved antihistamine for anxiety is hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril). For some people, this can be an effective alternative to benzodiazepines. Although benzodiazepines can treat anxiety, they can also be addictive and have significant side effects.
Hydroxyzine is used to help control anxiety and tension caused by nervous and emotional conditions. It can also be used to help control anxiety and produce sleep before surgery.
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: difficulty urinating, fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, shaking (tremor), mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, confusion, nervousness, restlessness), weakness.
Benadryl is an antihistamine that may cause you to feel sedated and drowsy. This doesn't mean it calms anxiety symptoms, though. There's simply no scientific evidence to support its use for anxiety. In fact, it's not recommended for this purpose.
Antihistamines act to prevent the action of histamine, a bioactive amine, at one of the histamine receptor, to block itching, swelling, redness, nasal congestion, teary eyes, cough, nausea and dizziness.
There are several over-the-counter options for managing anxiety. Here are some natural herbs and supplements that may help: Magnesium: Magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters and reduces symptoms of anxiety. Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body cope with stress.
Benzodiazepines (also known as tranquilizers) are the most widely prescribed type of medication for anxiety. Drugs such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) work quickly, typically bringing relief within 30 minutes to an hour.
Antihistamine medications relieve these symptoms by blocking the unwanted effects of histamine. Unrelated to the immune system, histamine is also produced in the brain, where it plays an important part in feeling awake.
Cetirizine has a low sedative effect at recommended doses and a moderate sedative effect at higher doses.
Cetirizine is safe to treat perennial allergic rhinitis and urticaria in adults and children over the age of 6 months; it is indicated for treating seasonal allergies in adults and children two years and older. Cetirizine is also safe to use in the geriatric population.
Take Allergy Medications at Night
Many allergy medications, such as Zyrtec, are recommended every 24 hours. By taking the medication before bedtime you're more likely to get through the night without the active ingredients wearing off or becoming less effective closer to the end of the 24 hour period.
SSRIs and SNRIs are often the first-line treatment for anxiety. Common SSRI brands are Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, and Zoloft. Common SNRI brands are Pristiq, Cymbalta, and Effexor XR. Pros: They are effective for a lot of people and they have a solid safety profile.
Valerian root. Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) is a well-known supplement for anxiety. Greek physicians realized it had calming effects back in 460 B.C.
SSRI's are anti-depressants and are currently the most popular anti-depression / anti-anxiety drugs as they have fewer side effects than MAOI's. SSRI's include drugs such as Prozac, Luvox and Aropax. SSRI's must be taken on a daily basis for at least a few weeks before they are effective.
What's the best time of day to take ZYRTEC®? Any time of day works. And ZYRTEC® will continue to work for 24 hours.
Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine that crosses the blood–brain barrier, has been previously associated with insomnia and nocturnal awakenings, and can cause tolerance with long-term use.
Try to leave 10 to 12 hours between doses. So, one first thing in the morning, and one before bedtime. For children between 2 to 5 years of age, the dose is 2.5mg, twice a day.
Medical research has linked magnesium to reduced anxiety. Magnesium helps you to relax by stimulating the production of melatonin and serotonin which boost your mood and help you sleep. Magnesium also reduces the production of cytokines and cortisol, which lead to increased inflammation and stress.
Acute stress increases the histamine turnovers in the diencephalon, nucleus accumbens and striatum. Histamine regulates anterior pituitary hormones. Anxiolytic drugs also decrease brain histamine turnover. Histamine H1 receptor antagonists and H3 receptor agonists decrease the anxiety state.
One study of 92 people with chronic itchiness saw that patients who took the antihistamines cetirizine and hydroxyzine reported an increase in depression and anxiety. The effects of all antihistamines on mood disorders have yet to be studied.