Do antihistamines cause weight gain?

Are you feeling anxious, congested, or sneezing uncontrollably? Worry no more! Your doctor may have prescribed antihistamines to relieve these symptoms. However, have you gained weight since starting on this medication? Here’s the scoop on why it might be happening!

What are Antihistamines and How do They Work?

Antihistamines are drugs that block histamine receptors in the body. Histamine is a chemical released by immune cells in response to allergens like pollen or dust mites. This causes itching, swelling of tissues and nasal congestion.

When you take an antihistamine pill or syrup (not a nasal spray), these drugs bind with histamine receptors preventing cellular activation which leads to narrowing of blood vessels thus decreasing inflammation and associated symptoms.

Are There Different Types of Antihistamines Available Today?

There exist two major types

1.The first generation
2.The second-generation

First-generation antihistamines readily cross our brains’ protective layer (the Blood–brain barrier) leading to marked drowsiness while second generations cause minimal sedation because they cannot easily penetrate the blood-brain barrier.

They also differ with respect to their adverse effects that will be discussed later.

The bottom line: Newer agents can bring relief without making people sleepy but cost more than older products.

Why Some People Think That These Drugs Might Induce Weight Gain?

As much as antihistamines seem useful in relieving allergy symptoms users report different side effects including weight gain. Multiple studies indicate exposure-related increase(s)  in both BMI(Body Mass Index hereinafter referenced as “BMI”)and Body Fat Percentage(BFP).

But how comes such an unintended effect occurred when fighting off allergic reactions from substance stimulants?

Which Particular Medications Are Most Likely To Trigger Underlying Gains?

Some antihistamines are more likely to result in weight gain than others. Possible culprits include but not limited to

  • Cyproheptadine

  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

  • Hydroxyzine (Vistaril, Atarax)

  • Promethazine

NB:Noteworthy the newer types of medications(B]second-generations)[/B] caus… less sedation although they may also lead to additional pounds.

So How Exactly Does Antihistamine-Induced Weight Gain Appear?

When histamine receptors blockage occurs inside your body some parts remain active in times when other organs would have taken over from them thus leading partly ascribed multi system dysfunction(MSD). MSD includes high levels of glucose and triglyceride damage since these medicines prevent sugar and fat metabolism( breakdown) ([1])[2].

After systemic agonism( premature termination of heart beats)insulin resistance deactivates metabolism via belly fat cell growth over muscle mass which then results into a “normal” appearance yet weight values continue soaringhigh([6].

Additionally, for cyproheptadine anti-serotonin properties activate appetite partially suppressing any gut hormones secretions linked with satiety after eating([5])[7].

Furthermore; It’s possible that antihistamines increase cortisol production. That could contribute slightly towards unfortunate accumulation mainly along abdominal regions(8).

Also, an association`s been observed between Histamine H4 receptor-regulated immune pathways relationship with yellow fatty tissue contributing positively hence gaining minutes ahead.

Possible factors that interplay e.g individual predisposition can help better identify reasons behind successive ballooning inherent upon usage.

Is it Just Increased Appetite or Mechanistic weight transformation?

Is it excess food intakes or is there energy distribution imbalance displayed? These drugs can actually mess up metabolic pathways leading to accumulation of body fats. If present, individuals may initiate metabolism boosting activities like strength training or consuming energy-rich foods (5).

For What Duration Should Antihistamines’ Rapid Weight Increase Normally Last?

This weighs in several factors including medication dosage, individual immune response mechanisms as well as one`s weight before commencing treatment.

As a rule of thumb, antihistamine-caused pounds can take 3-6 months and two years at most to wear off([8])[12]. So don’t be too hard on yourself!

Note that lifestyle changes such as regular aerobic exercise and healthy dieting habits have proved useful not only long after ceasing but also during therapy itself(12)[14].

Are there Some People That are More Likely to Develop Increased Weight than Others?

Indeed yes! Presently available scientific evidence points out certain groups being more predisposed especially those –

1.Suffering from obesity
2.Having histories with related conditions(eg diabetes mellitus)
3.Jobs requiring minimum movements
4.Chronic illnesses(cancer)

Such persons ought doing all possible preventions such as:

  • Exercise frequently.

  • Watch your food intake i.e limit excess processed sugars,starches,fried cuisine

  • Seek other resolution tactics where allergies still persist.

Bottom line, it’s important determining the underlying causes behind wholesome bodily transformations arising from what otherwise meant no harm while originally prescribed for symptom relief.

Conclusion

The next time you take an antihistamine drug, be aware that it might lead to unintended consequences like increasing your weight (especially if it’s Diphenhydramine-Cyproheptadine-Promethazine-Type) Alongside treatments(if necessary), complement with routine physical activity blended together by good dietary practices – this surely reaping significant health benefits overall-and even limiting addiction levels so commonplace…:)

Happy sneezings!!

Random Posts