Giving up antihistamines

Posted by gigipatula @gigipatula, May 3 7:40am

For years I have taken either Zyrtec or Claritin for my seasonal allergies all year long since around 2015. My dentist thinks many of my dental issues stem from my dry mouth which is partly caused by the antihistamines. I decided during the worst time for allergies to quit them! This is where it gets weird, I feel 1000 times better! My mild brain fog is gone, even my mild anxiety is gone and bonus I thought for sure my sleep would be worse because they both made me drowsy but now my sleep is 100% natural and incredible! The bad news is, when you give up Zyrtec you have withdrawal itchiness and that was intense, for about 2 weeks. Now my skin is still itchy but I think the trade off is worth it. Now I use saline mist spray for my stuffiness and take Tylenol for headaches.

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | May 3 8:54am

@gigipatula - I too suffer dryness side effects from antihistamines, mine was in the eyes. Then my pulmonologist suggested a nasal version - Astepro (azelastine) - and the problem was solved. But I still get relief from the itching, runny nose, sneezing, stuffiness, etc. But, you need to use it twice daily for the benefits - it takes a few days to get results.

gigipatula | @gigipatula | May 3 3:30pm

In reply to @sueinmn "@gigipatula - I too suffer dryness side effects from antihistamines, mine was in the eyes. Then..." + (show)

@sueinmn That sounds like it's worth a try, t hank you! In a few more weeks here in Virginia the major pollen season will be over until late August.

loll | @loll | May 4 7:14am

Interesting, I experienced withdrawal symptoms also when I stopped Claritin last summer. I had been taking it year around for a few years.
I’m now trying Allegra but am not sure it’s helping.

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