Come Up With A System
I establish a system and modify it as needed. I tried using pillboxes to help me take the correct doses of medicines at the right times each day. But I liked keeping my pills in small plastic bags instead. Now that I have a child at home, I store all medicines in their original, child-proof bottles out of my child’s reach.
When To See A Doctor
Some side effects of taking antihistamines can mimic symptoms of an overdose. These include mild nausea, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
These symptoms dont usually require medical treatment, and may subside as your body adjusts to the medication. Even so, check with a doctor if you have side effects. You may need to reduce your dosage or take a different medication.
The difference between a side effect and an overdose is the severity of symptoms. Severe symptoms like rapid heart rate, tightness in the chest, or convulsions require a visit to the emergency room.
Antihistamines are safe when used properly. Here are some tips to avoid ingesting too much:
- Dont take two different types of antihistamines simultaneously.
- Dont take more than the recommended dosage.
- Dont double up on doses.
- Keep drugs out of reach of children.
- Dont take two doses too close together.
Make sure you read labels carefully. Some antihistamines can interact with other drugs you take. If you dont know whether its safe to combine an antihistamine with another medication, speak with a doctor or pharmacist.
Be mindful that some antihistamines include other ingredients like a decongestant. If you take these types of antihistamines, its important that you dont take a separate decongestant.
Fda Warns About Serious Problems With High Doses Of The Allergy Medicine Diphenhydramine
Teen misuse sparked by dangerous Benadryl Challenge promoted on social media
09-24-2020 FDA Drug Safety Communication
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning that taking higher than recommended doses of the common over-the-counter allergy medicine diphenhydramine can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or even death. We are aware of news reports of teenagers ending up in emergency rooms or dying after participating in the Benadryl Challenge encouraged in videos posted on the social media application TikTok.
We are investigating these reports and conducting a review to determine if additional cases have been reported. We will update the public once we have completed our review or have more information to share. We also contacted TikTok and strongly urged them to remove the videos from their platform and to be vigilant to remove additional videos that may be posted.
Consumers, parents, and caregivers should store diphenhydramine and all other OTC and prescription medicines up and away and out of childrens reach and sight. FDA recommends you lock up medicines to prevent accidental poisonings by children and misuse by teens, especially when they are home more often due to the COVID-19 pandemic and may be more likely to experiment.
Health care professionals, patients, and consumers can sign up for email alerts about Drug Safety Communications on medicines or medical specialties of interest to you.
Related Information
Also Check: How Do They Test For Food Allergies
Can I Take Antihistamines If Im Pregnant Or Breastfeeding
Its safest to talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Animal studies have shown that some antihistamines can cause birth defects. Small amounts of antihistamines pass on to your baby if you breastfeed. For these reasons your healthcare provider will want to talk with you and make careful choices if there is any concern for your or your childs safety.
What Other Treatments Can I Try For Allergies
If you are concerned about side effects or drug interactions, there are alternative treatments.
Allergy sprays can be an effective treatment option. Nasal corticosteroids are safe for daily use, and dont cause the same systemic side effects or interactions that daily pills can.
Certain supplements may alleviate symptoms. Research suggests quercetin, a bioflavonoid derived from plant sources, helps block histamine production and release. works best when started two to three weeks prior to allergy season. Continue to take it throughout the season, says , a holistic health practitioner and naturologist. Vitamin C, bromelain, butterbur, and apple cider vinegar may also help to boost your immune system so it can better respond to allergens.
Lifestyle changes, such as reducing your exposure to allergy triggers or using a HEPA air filter, can help reduce your chance of experiencing symptoms during peak allergy season.
Also Check: Does Ibuprofen Affect Allergy Testing
Who May Not Be Able To Take Cetirizine
Cetirizine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to cetirizine or any other medicine
- have an allergy to food additives
- have an allergy to peanuts or soya some brands of cetirizine capsules contain soya
- have kidney failure
- have epilepsy or another health problem that puts you at risk of having seizures or fits
- have a condition that means you have difficulty peeing
- are due to have an allergy test taking cetirizine may affect the results, so you might need to stop taking it a few days before the test
What Is The Generic For Claritin
The generic for Claritin® is loratadine. Loratadine is one of the newer second antihistamines that are non-sedating. People use it to treat sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other cold or allergy symptoms.
Other antihistamines like loratadine that do not usually cause drowsiness include cetirizine and fexofenadine . First-generation antihistamines include chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine .
Read Also: Can Pine Pollen Cause Allergies
What To Expect At The Emergency Room
Take the container to the hospital with you, if possible.
The health care provider will measure and monitor the person’s vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.
Tests that may done include:
- Blood and urine tests
- ECG
Treatment may include:
- Fluids through a vein
- Medicines to treat symptoms or reverse the effects of the overdose
- Activated charcoal
- Laxative
- Breathing support, including a tube through the mouth into the lungs and connected to a breathing machine
Attempting To Get High On Benadryl Can Be Extremely Dangerous
Benadryl is not effective as an intoxicant.Taking more than the recommended dose is more likely to lead to an overdose and uncomfortable side effects rather than euphoria. More than 500 mg, which is more than 40 times the recommended dose, may lead to a state of delirium, hallucinations, and other overdose symptoms. Anecdotal evidence about diphenhydramine highs indicates that the effects are more often uncomfortable and unsettling instead of enjoyable.
Attempts at getting high on Benadryl may be indicative of larger issues with addiction or substance abuse. Because Benadryl is easy to acquire, it may be the first drug abused by an adolescent, or it could be a drug abused after struggling with other substances. Regardless, it is important to get help ending substance abuse.
There are many risks in taking Benadryl long term, or mixing it with another drug or medication. If you have been abusing the prescribed dosage for Benadryl, its important to be informed about other potential signs that could lead to addiction.
If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse issues and are unsure of where to turn, call us today at . River Oaks, one of American Addiction Centers Florida rehab centers, is ready to help you overcome addiction and find long-term recovery. Call us today at to learn more about addiction treatment near you.
Don’t Miss: How Does Local Honey Help With Seasonal Allergies
Could Otc Antihistamines Cause Problems With Any Other Medicines I Take
Antihistamines can interact with other medicines you take. Talk to your doctor before taking a first-generation antihistamine if you take any medicines that can make you tired. These include sleeping pills, sedatives, or muscle relaxants.
Antihistamines are often combined with decongestants and/or pain relievers. If you take a combination medicine, its important to know each active ingredient. One or more could interact with other medicines youre taking.
Be sure not to take too much antihistamine. Many OTC cold and allergy medicines contain them already. Some prescription medicines do, too. If you take more than 1 of these medicines, you may get much more antihistamine than is good for you. Second-generation antihistamines are less likely to interact with other medicines you are taking. Always talk to your doctor if you take other medicines to make sure they are safe.
Can You Die From The Benadryl Challenge
YES! There have been several reports of kids ending up in the hospital and even dying as a result of the overdose, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration which issued a strong public warning on the matter.
Taking higher than recommended doses of the common over-the-counter allergy medicine diphenhydramine can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma or even death, said the FDA in the warning.
A purposeful overdose of this drug can cause all of these life-threatening conditions, even in otherwise healthy young adults, says Dr. Cunningham. Its important to know that this challenge is dangerous period.
Don’t Miss: Can Allergies Cause Loss Of Voice
What Happens If I Stop Taking Antihistamines Daily
Side effects are rare if you abruptly discontinue antihistamines after regular use. There are typically no rebound symptomsit is important to keep in mind that if the antihistamine is working well and is withdrawn, there will be a recurrence of the symptoms the antihistamine was treating, Dr. Tilles says.
If you do experience side effects after ending a daily antihistamine, they are usually mild. Some people who use antihistamines regularly and then stop suddenly may have side effects of itchy skin and disrupted sleep, Dr. Lin says.
How Do You Know Which Medication Is Right For You
Figuring out the right allergy medication for you depends on your symptoms, your preferences, and a careful weighing of the side effects that drug might produce. So, if youre not sure whats right for youparticularly if youve tried a few over-the-counter options without successits worth talking to an allergist about what might work. In addition to the OTC options, there are prescription allergy medications they can prescribe as well as eye drops and nasal sprays that may be better for your particular set of symptoms.
When choosing an antihistamineor trying to figure out where a new symptom came frombe aware that the medication can come with side effects, including some that may be a little surprising. Here are some of the most common antihistamine side effects that you should know about.
You May Like: How Long To Take Allergy Medicine
Can Someone Overdose On Claritin
Yes, someone can overdose on Claritin® . When taking Claritin®, do not go over the recommended dosage. Do not take another dose before the instructions say to do so. Read the instructions on the box carefully, and ask your doctor if you have any questions about how to take this medication. Common symptoms of overdosing on Claritin® may include drowsiness, headaches, and fast pounding heart rate.
For any questions or concerns you may have about taking Claritin® or if someone has had more than the prescribed dosage, . Specially trained nurses and pharmacists are available 24/7/365 to answer your questions. The service is free and confidential.
Do Antihistamines Cause Dementia
Long term use of some antihistamines may increase your risk of dementia. Diphenhydramine blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is vital for memory and learning. Diphenhydramine increased the risk of dementia by 54% in one 3,000 patient study followed for seven years.
Recommended Reading: Will Allergy Shots Help Eczema
What Are The Risks Of Decongestants For People With Other Types Of Conditions
Wozniak: Sudafed® can affect your heart rate. Thats why its not recommended for people with heart disease or abnormal heart rhythm. People with overactive thyroid should also avoid it, because this condition can make your heart beat faster.
Similarly, you might also want to avoid Sudafed® if you have glaucoma or diabetes. And because it can cause urinary retention like those older antihistamines, men with an enlarged prostate should also stay away from this medication.
Tips For Taking The Right Amount Of Medicine
I have come a long way since that emergency room visit. Over the years, I have learned a lot about medicines and myself. Now I know I am extremely sensitive to medicines and often need less than the standard dose. These other tips I discovered might also help you as you attempt to take the right amount of medicine for you.
Don’t Miss: How To Treat Pink Eye From Allergies
Getting High On Benadryl: How Much Is Safe
Benadryl is a brand name over-the-counter antihistamine medication. Histamine is a substance produced by the body in response to the presence of allergens like pollen, animal hair, or dust. Histamine release underlies certain symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, scratchy feelings in the nose or throat, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. Antihistamines like Benadryl combat the actions of histamine. Some people may also take Benadryl to reduce similar symptoms when they have a cold. Diphenhydramine is the main ingredient in this drug, and the substance can be found in other over-the-counter medications, too.1
Although Benadryl is sold without a prescription, the drug can cause drowsiness and sedation. Misuse of the medication may occur because people do not properly read the directions, mix it with alcohol or other intoxicants, or take too much of it at once. Any form of misuse can be dangerous and may result in severe side effects or an overdose.1
Just like with a prescription drug, it is important to follow the instructions on the package and only take Benadryl in recommended doses for a short period of time.
What Can Parents And Caregivers Do To Help
There are a few things you can do as the adult in the house to help prevent an overdose from diphenhydramine and all other drugs that may be in your home.
You May Like: How To Fix Puffy Allergy Eyes
Can You Overdose On Antihistamines
A common question people ask about allergy drugs is can you overdose on allergy medicine? It is important to know what antihistamines OD is. This is simply when a patient takes more than the maximum single or daily dose of this medication. It goes without saying that when an individual overdoses, they will experience certain symptoms as a result, and it is recommended that they start addiction treatments once this happens. Therefore, they must follow the doctors instructions.
How Do I Safely Take Otc Antihistamines
Read the directions on the label before taking any medicine. Learn how much to take and how often you should take it. If you have any questions about how much medicine to take, call your family doctor or pharmacist. Keep track of which OTC medicines you are using and when you take them. If you need to go to the doctor, take the list with you.
Follow these tips to make sure you are taking the right amount of medicine:
- Take only the amount recommended on the medicines label. Dont assume that more medicine will work better or quicker. Taking more than the recommended amount can be dangerous.
- Mixing medicines can be dangerous. If you take a prescription medicine, ask your doctor if its okay to also take an OTC antihistamine.
- Dont use more than 1 OTC antihistamine at a time unless your doctor says its okay. They may have similar active ingredients that add up to be too much medicine.
Read Also: Can Allergies Affect Blood Sugar
What Happens If You Take Too Much Zyrtec
What happens if you take too much Zyrtec? Zyrtec-D, a combination drug that contains pseudoephedrine , can lead to more serious adverse effects. When taken beyond the recommended amount, it can cause irregular heart rhythm and palpitations.
When is the best time to take Zyrtec? Some people may find that they only require half the recommended daily dose for relief. Zyrtec can be taken at any time of the day and may work a little faster if not taken with food. If Zyrtec makes you feel drowsy then you are best to take it before going to bed at night or you can reduce the dosage by half.
How much Zyrtec to take daily? The recommended Zyrtec dosage for most adults and children age six and over is Zyrtec 10 mg once daily. For mild symptoms, 5 mg once daily may be sufficient.
Should you take Zyrtec everyday? During the pollen season, your doctor may advise you to take it every day if you suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis. Although Zyrtec is unlikely to make you drowsy, some people are susceptible to this effect, especially if they are taking dosages at the upper end of the recommended dosage range.
Accidentally Overdosing Can Be Serious
Taking too much of any medicine can be serious. This can lead to more severe side effects than what I experienced from the allergy medicine. An overdose can even land a person in an emergency room.
I ended up in an emergency room more than a decade ago after consuming too much medicine. I took a compounded supplement to aid with the fatigue of an autoimmune condition. After a while, I had more in my body than I needed.
Taking too much medicine for fatigue caused confusion, flushing, heart racing, and shaking. The symptoms occurred while I was at work, so a coworker called 911. Soon afterward, an ambulance transported me to a nearby emergency room.
Read Also: Is It Allergy Season In Texas
