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irma_stpete_9b

Antihistamine and cravings

8 years ago

This spring, I took Claritin-24 hour (note: not with D) almost every day for 3 months for mild allergies. Wondering if my allergy season had past, I stopped on May 4. By May 5 I was suddenly and totally free of the constant craving for sugar and fat that had plagued me for many weeks, had made me stock up on cookies and ice cream at every store trip and gain much weight. My cravings had been such that I could not sit and watch TV without chewing on something tasty.

Six weeks later, the cravings have not returned. For stuffy nose or leaking eyes, I take the same Claritin 2 or 3 times a week. It's hard to find online much about the weight-gaining effects of antihistamines - I assume due to the pharmaceutical industry's huge presence on the web.

Other personal health info that may be involved: I am 75 years-old. Developed hives (where legs rub together walking a treadmill) for the first time in my life, after being in swimming pools twice in past year; cured quickly with anti-histamine (Claritin-24).


I took the Rx steroidal spray Nasonex for several years to combat a life-long post-nasal drip. Last year it seemed not to work as well, and as the Claritin was helping the problem, my doctor said to quit and if needed we would try something else. The Nasonex supply ran out during April.


I seem to be more delicious than ever to the no-seeum insects (this is Florida) - in case it's related!


I hope this helps someone or brings me more info on the subjects of histamines, anti-histamines, or cravings!

Comments (3)

  • 7 years ago

    Irma, I have taken Claritin-24, but rarely. I only take it if I can't function because of runny nose/eyes and feeling miserable. Otherwise I use Flonaise spray to stop the sneezing and running nose.

    I have a lot of allergies and also live in Florida and am a gardener. Having moved here from NY 6 years ago, I've never been more miserable! Not sure what it is but something here drives my allergies crazy.

    Since I only take Claritin infrequently, I've never had what you describe. I am a cookie/cake person anyway and try to control it. I can't blame it on anything I'm taking!

    One thing I discovered purely by accident is Benadryl. Never used it for allergies because it makes you sleepy. But, I have a lot of trouble with sleep. I've taken prescription meds for sleep for many years which worked well, but decided I wanted to stop taking them. I bought over the counter sleep aids and most contain Benadryl. I didn't realize it at the time.

    Well, Benadryl helps me fall asleep but I notice it also takes care of my allergies the next day. I can actually wake up in the morning without sneezing and runny nose. Took me a while to figure out it has to be the Benadryl sleep aid I take before bed.

    Maybe try Benadryl before going to bed and see if it carries over the next day and saves you from raiding the cookie jar!

    Jane

    irma_stpete_10a thanked jane__ny
  • 7 years ago

    Unless the problem is severe it is better not to take antihistamines every day as like many medicines the effect it has can lessen over time requiring larger doses. I have refused my doctor's suggestion of Flonase because anything you put in your nose would irritate the lining of the nasal passages leading to more drips. As far as Benadryl it is currently not being suggested for those over a certain age. Supposedly causes dementia however I do wonder if it is true dementia or just daytime confusion from not being fully awake. I too have continual drips and sometimes Benadryl is the only thing that works. For my allergies I have found that what may work at one time of the year does nothing at other times. I am careful to read the packaging so that the three-four I currently have on hand are all different.

    I do have a terrible time functioning when using Zyrtec which was my doctor's recommendation along with Flonase.

    irma_stpete_10a thanked User
  • 7 years ago

    Interesting. I’ve never tried Zyrtec. I rarely use Flonase, only when I can’t stop sneezing and I have to be out. It’s embarrassing when you can’t stop sneezing! I use Benadryl for sleep (zzzQuil) but notice no allergy problems the following day.

    I have read about Benadryl and memory problems. At age 69, I don’t need that! So I am careful about the frequency and only use it if I’m unable to fall asleep after a few hours. Maybe once a week. I do not get any grogginess the next day. However, I take a children’s dose or less. I use the liquid and can measure my own dose.


    irma_stpete_10a thanked jane__ny
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