Antihistamines – The Side Effects & How They Work
Antihistamines are a type of medication that’s used to treat people who suffer from allergies. As the name applies, it works by preventing histamine in the body.
A closer look at histamine
An allergic reaction occurs when your body is exposed to something that it perceives to be a threat. The first line of defense for the body is the release of histamine. This is the substance that causes all the standard allergy symptoms which include the following:
- Inflammation
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Rash
In short, it’s not the allergens that cause the problems, but the body’s reaction to them.
Protect the body from itself
As the name applies antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine. Not only that, but they form a protective shield around the cells that prevent histamine from entering.
Side effects
The most common side effect is drowsiness. 20 years ago, many allergy sufferers would just put up with their symptoms because the medication would put them asleep for most of the day. Other common side effects include the following:
- Rapid, irregular heartbeat
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Fainting
- Low blood pressure
Medications
In the early 1990s, new antihistamines were introduced that did not cause drowsiness when used in the recommended dosage. The most popular are:
- Allegra
- Claritin
- Benadryl
At first these drugs we expensive and required a prescription. However, that’s no longer the case. Now they can be purchased over-the-counter at a reasonable price.
Conclusion
While it can be frustrating that you’re body chooses to fight common substances like pollen or pet dander, it’s good to know that medications are available that can help.
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