Allergy Meds Causing Panic?

[Thizette]

This might be an odd question for this thread, but does anyone else find that allergy medications make anxiety worse? It's been a few times now that I've taken half a Zyrtec and not only does it still knock me on my ass, but I wake up from these involuntary naps several times in a complete panic, heart pounding in my ears and everything. And then I'm jumpy for the whole day. I'm just wondering if anyone has had similar experiences, or if my theory is way off-base.

 

[EveHarrington]

Yes, allergy meds can spike anxiety. I've had issues before (I think with Zyrtec?) and my dad has issues with Benadryl.

 

[Friday]

I cannot take anything with phenylephrine (the antihistamine they replaced pseudoephedrine with in cold medicine & sinus meds)... Or I am off the freaking Rez. Massive anxiety spike is the least of it. Seriously bad juju HATE that allergy med.

Benedryl, on the other hand? I'm just fine with.

Other antihistamines get various reactions.

The only way to know which meds your body responds to, in what ways? Is to try them.

 

[Silver.]

That is a typical result for medications I am allergic to (and it's a long list)
we had tried hydroxyzine (antihistamine) for sleep, full blown panic attacks, the worse.
If you still need an allergy med, perhaps try Claritin (loratadine), no tiredness like benadryl, and no excessive drying out, most importantly, no panic.
As Friday says, you only really know until you try different ones, but don't keep taking something you know is going to cause this, as there are other meds out there to help.
Good Luck x

 

[Abstract]

I would add trying an entirely different mode of treatment if you are still struggling. Such as a leukotriene inhibitor instead. Montelukast. The original is called Singulaire. Its been fabulous for me anyway. Been on it for around 8 years now. I'm also on Telfast which is a prescription antihistamine. Sadly sometimes its a case of trial and error like a lot of meds. I hope you find something that helps! And doesn't make you crawl up the walls. ..

 

[Silver.]

@Abstract I am curious if you also have asthma?
(I ask because my daughter was on Singulair for two years for allergy and asthma until we decided that long term meds weren't for us, so I am curious. She uses a nasal spray here and there now instead)

 

[Abstract]

Hi @Silver.
I do! And it does help my asthma but I am on the meds for other allergies which are a worse problem than my asthma and montelukast has been life changing. A fabulous immunologist was the one that suggested it for my issues. My asthma tends to be mild or medium severity only. The steroid pumps affect my voice a lot and I try to do all I can to help it globally so that I don't have to use my steroids more. If your daughter is well controlled with steroid pump then I think thats a very legitimate alternative. Or nasal spray. Uncontrolled asthma is apparently when one has 2 or more attacks a week (wheezing etc). Personally I'm sorry it took me so long to accept preventative treatment when it comes to my asthma. I hate taking meds! Have a habit of doing all I can to avoid them!

 

[Deleted member 541]

I'm weird.... Can't take Benadryl, it makes me climb walls with anxiety. Normally it puts people to sleep. I can take most everything else without issue.

 

[PTSDfree]

Benadryl makes me really dehydrated and see figures that aren't there. You're not alone in that.

Claritin works perfectly for me.

 

[Thizette]

Thank you everyone for your responses. Zyrtec was my last try. I'm completely delirious with Claritin and Allegra. Benadryl is a no-no, as well as I will bloom with the most beautifully red rash you've ever seen in your life. I think those are the only OTC, no? I'll have to try for a prescription, now, I guess. Even though I'm pretty sure all the lavender bushes in my new home are going to kill me, at least I'll die knowing I wasn't crazy. My body hates medicine :(

 

[Abstract]

It might be worthwhile trying Montelukast still as its a totally different class of med. Assuming you have tried the prescription only AH. Sorry that you are struggling with this. :( Don't know what I would have done without.

Are you on fish oil by the way? Anti inflammatory.

 

[Thizette]

I'm not on Fish Oil, but I'm willing to try it. Natural remedies have always given me the most relief with the least side-effects. I'm currently doing the teaspoon of local honey every day to expose myself to local allergens. It's awful!