What antihistamines cause drowsiness?

Are you constantly yawning and feeling drowsy? Do people mistake you for a sloth at the zoo? If your answer is yes, then antihistamines might be the culprit behind your constant catnaps.

Antihistamines are over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications that relieve allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. While some antihistamines are non-drowsy, others will make you want to snooze like a hibernating bear.

What exactly makes certain antihistamines cause drowsiness? How do they even work in the body? Well my dear adventurer,“fasten your seatbelts; it’s going to be a bumpy ride!”

The Science Behind Histamine:

Histamine is an organic nitrogenous compound involved in local immune responses as well as regulating physiological function in the gut and acting as a neurotransmitter. Histamine dilates blood vessels which leads to an increase of permeability allowing fluids into tissues causing swelling or edema. When histamine enters receptors on cells-a signal is triggered – this triggers response such as itchiness or inflammation.

Antihistamines: Friend or Foe?

To put it simply – antihistamines stop histamine from binding to its receptors therefore halting its effects and thus alleviate allergic reactions.

However sis/bro! The plot thickens….As much as we love our darling antihistamines-which comes packed with instant gratification relief- almost all of them have side effects including … drumroll please……….. DROWSINESS!

But why ant-his-ta-mines?! You promised us ecstasy without compromise!! Are they double agents out here playing checkers while we play chess?!

Cue Twilight Zone music

In fact,different antihistamines can cause drowsiness to varying degrees. So which ones should you avoid if you don’t want to take an unexpected siesta?

The Drowsy Antihistamines:

There are two generations of antihistamines and the first generation seemingly carries a greater potential for causing drowsiness than the second generation.

First-generation Antihistamines

These were developed in the 1940s, they are more commonly known as sedating antihistamine often used by doctors and psychiatrists for their sleep-inducing effects. They also have anticholinergic properties-meaning they help reduce activity within your brain.

Examples of First Generation Antihistamines include;

– Brompheniramine(Mileddonsyl)
– Chlorpheniramine(Aller-Chlor, Chlo-Amine, Piriton)

– Dimenhydrinate(Avomine)

– Diphenhydramine(Benadryl-allergy-dye-free liqui-gels)

Second-generation Antihistamines

These “youngsters” were born around 1985 and more importantly offer significantly less chance of causing drowsiness compared with their older sibs – thanks to Better living through chemistry!

Second-generation names may sound familiar:

-Cetirizine(Zyrtec)
-Fexofenadine(Allegra),
-Loratidine(Clarityn) –

As we examine each one closely just remember our ultimate goal: itching relief without dozing off!

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl):

It’s time to focus on perhaps THE most well-known medication sold over-the-counter because its scent actually controls us when we think of “antipruritics”. This means that Benadryl ‘sells itself’ before it even leaves the shelves. But heads up; Benadryl is a sedating antihistamine with negative effects on learning and memory.

Brompheniramine (Mileddonsyl):

Deriving from amphetamine, Brompheniramine(a.k.a Dimetane) is a narcotic antitussive ingredient found in cough syrups that also serves as an allergy medication. However, the fact is it can impair your ability to react quickly or think clearly so any physical activity should be avoided after taking this drug…unless you want to trip over thin air!

Chlorpheniramine (Aller-Chlor -Chlo-Amine-Stelazine-Piriton)):

Here we have a product containing both histamine H1 antagonist and muscarinic M1 antagonist activities resulting in sedation-like side-effects when taken orally. Therefore use of machinery or driving should not follow dosage – Your goal now sis/bro? To look for alternatives!

Dimenhydrinate(Avomine):

It’s famous less for its own distinct notation but more for its association with motion sickness- It Is commonly referred to as Dramamin

Cue-bond theme song

However little known fact-sis/bros: This first-generation antihistamines was created by combining diphenhydramine(Benadryl)and chlorotheophyllinate(unknown)when research demonstrated heightened effectiveness when these two non-specific drugs were used together Now today it’s the bond villain making our eyes droopy!

If one wants fast relief there may be better options available.

Caveat:

For all medications purchased please contact your GP regarding quantity,dosage,mixability and administering instructions.

Our journey has come to an end-I hope you had fun discovering sleeping pills I mean..antihistamines who would have thought they were so complex yet ubiquitous! Just remember “with great drugs comes greater responsibility!”

All in all, some antihistamines cause drowsiness, and it’s a side effect that you should consider before using them. Don’t worry though- it doesn’t mean that all hope is lost. There are still options available to you if you need relief from allergy symptoms without feeling like a sloth!

Remember to always read the label on your medication and take appropriate dosage as prescribed by professionals!

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