Posted by worrier on March 31, 2003, at 20:26:03
In reply to Are antihistamines considered an anti-anxiety med?, posted by WorryGirl on March 31, 2003, at 19:43:16
> Hi,
> I haven't been to a new pdoc yet, but am in the process of making an appointment.
> I started coming down with a cold a few days ago. I have always been anti-medicine, but it was getting so bad that I gave in and took continuous doses of Benadryl. I feel so much calmer. Things that usually drive me crazy don't bother me. I do feel a bit fuzzy-headed but isn't that how some people feel when they first get on certain anti-anxiety or anti-depressants?
>
> If I were to continue taking this, would my body adjust accordingly and I would lose that "head in a cloud" feeling? Aside from that and some sleepiness I feel pretty good. Is this medication dangerous to continue taking (i.e., habit forming or hard on the body?). Obviously, anti-anxieties like Xanax and Valium are.
>
> Is it possible that certain meds for anxiety actually contain some antihistamine in them? Has anyone ever heard of them being prescribed to anyone for anything other than cold or allergies?
>
> These may sound like stupid questions but I'd really like to know.
>
> P.S. I haven't raised my voice, taken things the wrong way, or lost my temper once in the past 24 hours - amazing for me. I know that this won't solve my long-term issues, but maybe this could be a start?
>
> Thanks for any responses.>There are antihistamines that are prescribed for anxiety, benedryl has some anti-anxiety effect for some people,and the rx antihistamine hydroxyzine is/was often used as an antianxiety med. I have found the effects to be minimal (hydroxyzine better than benedryl) but they tend to be quite sedating for most people. Benzos at an appropriate dose work much better and are less mind fogging in my opinion. I have found that I can take 25mg of benedryl at night with .5mg of xanax and sleep better. Also if I find my anxiety level creeping up during the day a little benedryl or hydroxizine curbs it without having to increase the xanax dose. On the down side benedryl only lasts for about 4 hours (like xanax). Hydroxyzine lasts alot longer but makes me alot foggier. Don't know about dependency/addiction or whatever with antihitamines....doubt it. But there's no reason to fear benzos if you use them as directed and they work for you. Best to you. Worrier.
poster:worrier
thread:214868
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030329/msgs/214883.html