Allergy medicine and weight gain

Hi, @radinski - I have allergies and have taken various medications over the years. I've not happened to see a connection of weight gain and those meds. However, I've definitely not taken all the allergy medications out there, and everyone's bodies react a little differently to each medication.

Wondering what allergy medication you're referring to? Are you or a loved one taking it and noticing weight gain?

I’m currently taking Claritin brand and a store brand Loratadine. Maybe it’s just coincidence but noticed that I put on 2-3 lbs in the last 6 weeks, about the time I began taking it. Also, allergy meds cause me to have dry eyes. I’ve tried Zyrtec in the past but cold turkey off of it caused me to itch even worse for two weeks.

Tagging some other members who have mentioned loratadine (Claritin) to find out if any of them may have experienced weight gain while taking it @gift440 @gigipatula @janemc @msele @debbieguk @scottbeammeup. @jenniferhunter @lilybell @1fancydancer also may have some thoughts on this.

Hmm, if that was the case, I think I would be twice the size I am. I took Claritin for years, switching to Xyzal a few years ago after it became ineffective.

I have taken oral allergy meds year-round since Allerest was released around 1960 and never experienced weight gain from any, though some caused other issues like dry mouth, dry eyes and drowsiness. I have probably taken every prescription and over-the-counter antihistamine that has even been released. I am so pleased with the nasal versions that reduce my need for double doses of the pills. We hit a "pollen-patch" in our travels last week - even our car was covered with bright yellow tree pollen - my poor husband was miserable in spite of using Azalastine nasal spray, Benadryl and Claritin. Hoping that being in Minnesota, with less stuff blooming, will give him some relief.

Claritin does not do anything to my weight however, Zyrtec makes me super hungry and when I took it every day I did gain weight ): It also gave me a bit of brain fog as well. Claritin seems to help me without any of those issues.

Nope, no weight gain, and I have been taking Clartin for as long as I can remember. For dry eyes, I take Arctic Cod Liver Oil. It is orange flavored. Cured my dry eye. Do take note that cod liver oil is a blood thinner. So if you have any medical issues, you might want to speak to Dr before taking it. I did not know that until I had knee replacement surgery. I was told then to stop taking it for a couple of weeks before surgery.

I have allergic asthma. I’ve been taking Benadryl for years. I’ve also been many time on oral steroids. Steroids caused my weight gain. Claritin hasn’t helped. I tried singular and got depressed.
Around two months ago I began using Dupixent and noticed improvement. I also need to use my emergency asthma medications together since it’s usually allergic asthma.
Were your allergy medications taken when you were on antibiotics or some other kind of medication?

Thank you!

Hi, @radinski - were you and your doctor able to come to a conclusion about the allergy medications you were taking and weight gain?