Posted by Willow on July 12, 2001, at 23:09:51
In reply to Re: Antihistamines and suicidal ideation » susan C, posted by Elizabeth on July 12, 2001, at 20:11:03
> A number of people experience dysphoria on "drowsy" antihistamines, but it's unlikely that Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec, Seldane, etc. would cause it, because they do not cross the blood-brain barrier very well (that's why they're nondrowsy).Benadryl and such give me a buzz probably similar to what someone would feel on beans. I've actually used it for when I need to get something done and if I'm having a hard time staying awake. (The only drawback is that I'm too agitated to be social.)
I hadn't connected any of my problems to the non-drowsy antihistamines, but did come across something by chance that listed the less common side-effects and they matched a lot of the problems I have. I don't take them anymore except for the liquid child-dose when really neccessary, instead I use a steroid nasal spray.
Regarding the brain barrier, perhaps ours is cracked! (Bad joke.) I was taking another drug which was giving me severe headaches like I've never experienced before, well except on one AD after a couple weeks. The pharmascist said it couldn't be the drug because it doesn't cross the brain barrier, but when I stopped it for other reasons the headaches left.
If it helps any I believe you.
Drippy Willow
poster:Willow
thread:69881
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010708/msgs/69932.html