Unlike Benadryl, hydroxyzine has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of anxiety. Hydroxyzine is available by prescription under the brand name Vistaril. It comes as a liquid oral suspension and may be taken daily for up to four months to treat anxiety.
Hydroxyzine's unique effect on serotonin is likely why it's the only antihistamine used for anxiety. While hydroxyzine can be used to treat many different types of anxiety disorders, it is used most often for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), especially when it is associated with insomnia.
They're also widely used to treat allergy-related skin conditions, peptic ulcers and certain digestive issues. Many antihistamines are associated with feelings of calmness and drowsiness. However, some people who take antihistamines report developing physical symptoms that are commonly linked to anxiety.
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.
One study also suggests cetirizine and hydroxyzine have a greater chance of causing anxiety and mood changes than other antihistamines. Hydroxyzine can also be used to treat anxiety conditions. So if you notice your symptoms worsen after starting this medication, contact your provider to discuss it further.
Antihistamines work by having a calming effect on the brain, helping you to feel less anxious.
Antihistamines aren't an approved treatment for anxiety that lasts more than 12 months. They're also not for use with serious psychotic or other disorders that require specialized care from a psychiatrist.
Loratadine does have sedating effects—the opposite of anxiety—so anxiety is considered an unlikely side effect. On the other hand, many loratadine products such as Claritin D are combination drugs that include decongestants like pseudoephedrine. Decongestants are stimulants.
Histamine also promotes the release of adrenalin and noradrenalin from the adrenal glands. An increase in these hormones cause many of the physical symptoms of anxiety including heart palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, shaking and nausea.
Histamine H1 receptor antagonists and H3 receptor agonists decrease the anxiety state. These findings show that acute stresses increase brain histamine turnover, especially in the diencephalon, which would be partly related to the pathology of anxiety.
Antihistamines are known to cause extreme drowsiness; however, in certain people, they can cause insomnia, excitability, anxiety, restlessness, and a rapid heart rate.
Zyrtec side effects
fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat; weakness, tremors (uncontrolled shaking), or sleep problems (insomnia);
Natural antihistamines may help you control your seasonal allergies. Common ones are stinging nettle, vitamin C, quercetin, butterbur, bromelain, and probiotics. Some alternative practices—such as acupuncture, nasal irrigation, and exercise—may also help you manage symptoms.
Antihistamines block histamine activity, seeking to stop the allergic reaction. Many allergy medications on the shelves of your local drugstore work as antihistamines. But there are also certain foods and plant extracts that may similarly block the effects of histamine.
These include: Flushing, difficulty regulating body temperature, sudden excessive sweating. Hives, rashes, swelling, itchy skin, eczema. Racing heart, palpitations, arrhythmia.
Benadryl is not intended for long-term use, and while it may reduce anxiety symptoms in some individuals, the risks outweigh the benefits. Although it might provide temporary sleepiness, these effects don't last with regular use.
Loratadine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine, but some people still find it makes them feel slightly sleepy. Children may have a headache and feel tired or nervous after taking loratadine. It's best not to drink alcohol while you're taking loratadine as it can make you feel sleepy.
Two antihistamines that raise serotonin levels in the brain are: Dextromethorphan. Chlorpheniramine.
Unfortunately, the only medications for anxiety are prescription and can not be bought over the counter. There is no such thing as over-the-counter anxiety medication. Anxiety medication alters the brain which is why it is a controlled substance and something you have to obtain from a doctor.
Benadryl is not the only antihistamine that is sometimes used off-label for anxiety relief. Doctors may also sometimes prescribe Vistaril (hydroxyzine), an antihistamine that is similar to Benadryl, for the short-term treatment of anxiety.
Known central nervous system (CNS) adverse effects of cetirizine include anxiety, depression, insomnia, and paranoia. To our knowledge, there is only one published case report of cetirizine-associated delusions.
You should not use Zyrtec-D if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, severe high blood pressure (hypertension), severe coronary artery disease, if you are unable to urinate, or if you are allergic to hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril). Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days.