Antihistamines are readily available, often without a prescription. This doesn’t mean that these medications are completely harmless, though. Potential risks of long-term antihistamine use include developing withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using them.
What Are Antihistamines?
Antihistamines are medications that are most commonly used to treat symptoms associated with allergies, colds, and influenza, such as:
- Rash or hives
- Minor swelling
- Itchiness
- Watery eyes and runny nose
- Pink eye
- Sneezing
- Nausea
Many antihistamines are available for over-the-counter (OTC) purchase, while other stronger versions require a prescription. These drugs come in many forms, including pills, tablets, nasal sprays, eye drops, and creams.
Types of Antihistamines
Antihistamines are sometimes categorized as either first- or second-generation medications.
- First-generation antihistamines were primarily developed from the 1930s to the 1960s. They are also referred to as sedating antihistamines due to their ability to cause drowsiness. Examples of first-gen antihistamines that are still used today include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), brompheniramine (Dimetapp), and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton).
- Second-generation, or non-sedating, antihistamines began to be produced in the 1970s. Examples from this category include cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), desloratadine (Clarinex), and fexofenadine (Allegra).
As addressed in the next section, antihistamines can also be categorized according to which receptors they interact with in the body.
How They Work
Antihistamines counteract the effects of histamine, which is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter that is involved with the body’s immune system. Histamine causes symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing as a way of helping the body rid itself of certain toxins.
Antihistamines ease these symptoms by binding to various histamine receptors throughout the body. The two most common types are H-1 and H-2 antihistamines:
- Ones that bind to H-1 receptors are most effective at treating allergy symptoms, skin problems, and motion sickness.
- Those that bind to H-2 receptors address upper GI concerns such as gastritis, acid reflux, peptic ulcers, and indigestion.
Side Effects
Side effects of antihistamines can vary depending on which histamine receptors they interact with.
Common side effects of H-1 antihistamines include:
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Impaired coordination
- Drowsiness
Adverse effects that have been linked to the use of H-2 antihistamines include:
- Confusion
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Pain in muscles and joints
- Fatigue
- Galactorrhea (milky discharge from the nipples)
- Gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue in men)
Antihistamine Withdrawal
When your body adapts to the presence of a drug, and you then abruptly stop taking that drug, you may experience a variety of unpleasant symptoms as your system attempts to re-establish equilibrium.
Discussions of drug withdrawal often focus on powerful substances such as opioids and alcohol. But even common medications such as antihistamines can cause this experience. The risk of developing withdrawal symptoms is greatest among people who have been using antihistamines for an extended period, or who have been intentionally misusing the medications.
Symptoms
Potential symptoms of antihistamine withdrawal include:
- Anxiety
- Agitation and irritability
- Confusion
- Headache
- Nausea
- Excessive perspiration and salivation
- Nasal congestion
- Racing heart rate
- Intense itchiness
- Rash or hives
- Cool, clammy skin
- Tremors
- Diminished responsiveness
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
Timeline
A person’s experience while withdrawing from antihistamines can vary depending on a host of individual factors. In general, though, the process usually takes a week or two:
- The first symptoms of antihistamine withdrawal typically begin within two to four after you stop taking the medication.
- Once symptoms have begun, they are likely to intensify over the next three to five days.
- After peaking, these symptoms should begin to slowly subside over the following week.
Tips for Managing Antihistamine Withdrawal Symptoms
Here are a few tips for managing your symptoms while you are withdrawing from antihistamines.
- Set up a tapering schedule: Antihistamine withdrawal symptoms are more likely to occur if you abruptly stop using the medication. Slowly reducing your use over time allows your body to gradually adapt, which can ease or eliminate withdrawal symptoms. Of course, if you are taking antihistamines on a prescription basis, you should consult with your doctor before you end or otherwise alter your medication regimen.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Eating nutritious food is good for both your physical and mental health. During challenging times – such as when going through antihistamine withdrawal – proper nutrition ensures that your body and mind have the fuel they need to function at maximum capacity. Though there may be moments when your appetite decreases, it’s important maintain a healthy diet.
- Stay hydrated: If you experience withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting and heavy perspiration, your risk of dehydration may increase. This, in turn, can intensify other withdrawal symptoms and cause additional problems. Drinking an appropriate amount of water can have a significant impact on your overall health, during and after withdrawal.
- Practice self-soothing techniques: The previous three tips can help minimize your symptoms. But it may be impossible to avoid some aspects of antihistamine withdrawal. When symptoms do occur, activities such as mindful breathing, meditation, exercise, journaling, and listening to music can be vital self-soothing techniques.
- Avoid isolation: When you’re feeling less than your best, you may not want to be in the company of others. But during a stressful experience like antihistamine withdrawal, having the support of loved ones can make a world of difference. Before you begin, let a few close friends or trusted family members know what you’re about to do, and talk to them about ways they can help.
If you’re not able to get through withdrawal on your own, a detoxification (detox) program may be the ideal choice. While you’re in detox, you will be in a safe and highly supportive environment, under the care of a team of experienced professionals.
Your treatment team can keep you as comfortable as possible while you complete withdrawal, then help you determine which type of follow-on programming can best help you maintain your abstinence from antihistamines and other addictive substances.
Find Help for Antihistamine Withdrawal in the San Francisco Bay Area
Live Oaks Wellness is a trusted provider of medical detox and residential treatment for adults who have become dependent on antihistamines or other substances. We also provide dual diagnosis programming for adults who have anxiety, depression, and other co-occurring mental health concerns.
To discover how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free consultation, please visit our Contact page or call us today.
