Is anyone having to take a antihistamine either for seasonal allergies or for helping with the MC? I have been a bit affected with seasonal allergies but am so afraid to take anything. I have read Wayne's book and did notice he talks about the different kinds of Antihistamines. Just want to know of a safe one to take that might not cause issues.
Thanks,
Jan
antihistamine
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antihistamine
Collagenous Colitis, Benign Cramp Fasciculations in lower legs, Thyroid and High Cholesterol
Hi Jan,
Experience shows that while a few of us react adversely to H2 type antihistamines (such as (Zantac, Tagamet, and Pepcid), H1 type antihistamines (such as Allegra, Claritin, and Zyrtec) either help MC symptoms significantly or have no effect at all. Negative effects are rather rare. So there is usually little risk involved in taking them.
Benedryl is also an H1 type antihistamine, but it is an older, first-generation antihistamine, so it tends to cause drowsiness. Because of that, most members here who choose to use it, take it at night, just before bedtime, and it also helps them to sleep better. If you choose to try Claritin, use the Claritin Redi-Tabs, because the regular Claritin formulation contains lactose, and that can cause problems for many of us.
In general, antihistamines are some of the safest medications available, and for those of us who have mast cell issues, they sometimes work just as well as Entocort for controlling MC symptoms. Seasonal allergies can cause MC symptoms to become worse, so for that reason some of us find antihistamines to be very beneficial.
You're very welcome,
Tex
Experience shows that while a few of us react adversely to H2 type antihistamines (such as (Zantac, Tagamet, and Pepcid), H1 type antihistamines (such as Allegra, Claritin, and Zyrtec) either help MC symptoms significantly or have no effect at all. Negative effects are rather rare. So there is usually little risk involved in taking them.
Benedryl is also an H1 type antihistamine, but it is an older, first-generation antihistamine, so it tends to cause drowsiness. Because of that, most members here who choose to use it, take it at night, just before bedtime, and it also helps them to sleep better. If you choose to try Claritin, use the Claritin Redi-Tabs, because the regular Claritin formulation contains lactose, and that can cause problems for many of us.
In general, antihistamines are some of the safest medications available, and for those of us who have mast cell issues, they sometimes work just as well as Entocort for controlling MC symptoms. Seasonal allergies can cause MC symptoms to become worse, so for that reason some of us find antihistamines to be very beneficial.
You're very welcome,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
tex wrote:Hi Jan,
Experience shows that while a few of us react adversely to H2 type antihistamines (such as (Zantac, Tagamet, and Pepcid), H1 type antihistamines (such as Allegra, Claritin, and Zyrtec) either help MC symptoms significantly or have no effect at all. Negative effects are rather rare. So there is usually little risk involved in taking them.
Benedryl is also an H1 type antihistamine, but it is an older, first-generation antihistamine, so it tends to cause drowsiness. Because of that, most members here who choose to use it, take it at night, just before bedtime, and it also helps them to sleep better. If you choose to try Claritin, use the Claritin Redi-Tabs, because the regular Claritin formulation contains lactose, and that can cause problems for many of us.
In general, antihistamines are some of the safest medications available, and for those of us who have mast cell issues, they sometimes work just as well as Entocort for controlling MC symptoms. Seasonal allergies can cause MC symptoms to become worse, so for that reason some of us find antihistamines to be very beneficial.
You're very welcome,
Tex
Thank you so much!
Collagenous Colitis, Benign Cramp Fasciculations in lower legs, Thyroid and High Cholesterol
When I asked my doc about trying an antihistamine for possible Mast Cell issues, she said, don't hesitate to give it a try because these meds are pretty safe. She said to try Zyrtec or Allegra (or the generic form). I was also scared of putting anything in my body but I did give this a try. I didn't have any adverse impact but it didn't help with the D either. So, I'd say give it a try.
