I've heard people say that you "can't" lose while on these drugs, but I don't believe it. It’s quite interesting how a lack of sleep can lead to you not losing … So what happens when you eat something you’re allergic to? it's not antihistamines could make you gain, its the steroids that sometimes go with it. Don't let what anyone says discourage you about your own body and your own progress-- plenty of things were said to be "impossible"...until someone did them anyway. Weight gain is a common side effect of antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotic drug treatment. January 23, 2014 2:39PM Sign In or Register to comment. It can be so significant that many … Doctors believe that antihistamines promote weight gain because they cause decreased levels of energy in persons that take them. Histamine, it seems, naturally suppresses your appetite. I haven't noticed the antihistamines making a difference in terms of difficulty losing weight. If you come in contact with an allergen, histamine helps your body get rid of it. THANK YOU! I think that is what I needed- the belief that I can do this EVEN if having to be on antihistamines and nasal sprays. The weight around my middle was the first to go once I cut out alcohol. While occasionally taking a Benadryl for sleep probably won’t lead to significant weight gain, chronic use of antihistamines can interfere with weigh loss efforts. This might involve prescribing medicine to assist with weight loss that can counteract the weight gain potential of the offending (but necessary) drug. This decreases your body's reaction to allergens and therefore helps to reduce the troublesome symptoms associated with allergy. Swelling. I take Mucinex-D as needed for sinus issues. Histamine, it seems, naturally suppresses your appetite. I'm So discrouaged about that. One formulation of Claritin, called Claritin-D, also contains pseudoephedrine. Ear, nose and throat doctors who specialize in allergies have been steadily eliminating them from the population with immunotherapy shots. Neither. The problem is the link to weight loss. I've been taking Zyrtec daily since January and I've still been losing weight. How about getting rid of the allergies entirely? All of my weight loss so far this year (38 lbs) has come while I have been actively taking Zyrtec, Allegra and Sudafed (need to refill my Nasonex prescription!). Allergy shots make you more and more immune to your allergies by exposing you to increasing levels of the allergen itself. i watch the calories using this site's tool (eat less than the suggested amount), exercise everyday (2 hour walking, one hour bike rides-on uphills, walk the golf course 3x a week carrying clubs, weight training, etc). Have been trying to loose about 10 pounds for the past year or so. Similar to dry mouth, dry eyes is also a common antihistamine side effect. McKenzie Maxson every single day (365 days a yr). How they work is given away in the first half of that word. I have not lost anything. Eating a potassium-rich diet is great for people who are looking to … Elevoplasty® In-Office Treatment for Snoring. Maybe too early to conclude, but my belief is for those that need to loose only 5 - 10 pounds, antihistamines can impede weight loss. That's where antihistamines can help. I've also been taking Zyrtec daily since March, and flonase several times a week, and I've not had any problems with losing weight. The reason antihistamines cause weight gain, even in folks who are trying to lose weight is most likely due because histamine regulates appetite and can inhibit the breakdown of fat or possibly glucose. Last thing I need is one more reason to believe I can't lose. I get a bit sleepy on antihistamines and that in turn can interfere with my motivation to do physical exercise. I like breathing and not getting bronchitis, ear infections, and/or pneumonia so I take that plus Cingulair. The antihistamine activity in psychiatric drugs often is what causes weight gain, but it turns out that this property is not important for these drugs to be effective, Roerig says. Our bodies need histamine. That means they don't get as much exercise and often make poor eating choices. They’re more of a permanent solution than antihistamines but they certainly work. I have been on a combination of Zyrtec, Allegra, Sudafed (or their generics) and Nasonex (somewhat similar to Flonase-- my ENT told me that Flonase is the closest generic they can offer for Nasonex but I've found that Nasonex works much better for me) for ...well...it feels like forever. I was not trying to lose weight at the time but I also did not gain weight. Good luck! Both my wife and I stopped taking allergy meds for the past week, and so far the weight is falling off, keeping the eating and exercises habits the same. Definitely for at least 10 years. or call us at: (832) 237-7777. There are even sublingual drops for those who don’t get along with needles. It has long been known that the administration of antihistamines can cause weight gain. Antihistamines have been touted as the most convenient way to relieve allergy symptoms. Without a comprehensive allergen skin test, it’s hard to know. Most people don’t realize just how many things they’re actually allergic to. I used to take Claritin or Claritin-D. There is no predetermined amount of time for side effects of antipsychotics to dissipate, including weight gain. The researchers warned that this was an observational study, and couldn't demonstrate whether antihistamines actually caused the weight gain or if obesity predisposes people to allergies. I was perscribed topamax strictly for the weight loss about a week ago by my dr. Dry eyes. It depends on the person. I am going to try going off Zyrtec again this week now that the worst of the tree pollen is past, and only 48 hours in I'm feeling much more "with it." Does anyone here find they gain while on antihistamines? If you can’t stop losing weight, you should go see … If you need an antihistamine for frequent allergy symptoms, however, the best choice is Claritin because it does not cross into the brain and has less effect on appetite and sedation. They're also sometimes used to prevent motion sickness and as a short-term treatment for insomnia. But sometimes our bodies produce too much histamine in response to a harmless allergen, like pollen, leaving you with a runny nose and itchy eyes. At Houston Sinus & Allergy, we see a variety of allergy issues that result in weight gain, as well as other stressful or painful situations, and we know how to provide long-term relief. I currently take Zyrtec and Singulair. Studies have shown that antihistamines get rid of that suppression signal when they block your histamine receptor. The problem is the link to weight loss. The reason for this has to do with histamine itself. I take high doses of antihistamines everyday (including Zyrtec). Drugs that affect the central nervous system such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants and medications that prevent migraines can cause weight … I didn't notice any difference in weight gain or loss while I was on it or when I quit taking it. So I have been trying to figure out what is different now from 2 years ago. The problem of weight gain and antihistamine use may become exacerbated by prolonged treatment. Antihistamines are a class of agents that block histamine release from histamine-1 receptors and are mostly used to treat allergies or cold and flu symptoms, although some first-generation antihistamines may also be used for other conditions.. Histamine-1 receptors are located in the airways, blood vessels and gastrointestinal tract (stomach and esophagus). The bulk of evidence will tell you that drug tolerance does not occur no matter how long or aggressively the drugs are used. This undesirable side effect is one reason many patients stop taking their medicine. Antihistamine for weight loss. I have lost 28.4 pounds in 11 weeks. I take 50mg at night and so far I have lost 6 lbs. I've been on Zyrtec and have lost 140lbs. Birth Control. Antihistamines aren’t an effective way to get rid of allergies themselves but they can make living with them more comfortable. I also use a Neti Pot regularly- but when it is severe, I lose a lot of my ambition, especially to do anything physical. I quit because it was raising my blood pressure to bad places so maybe keep an eye on that. I am wanting a reason to believe it's even worth trying to lose while on this stuff, b/c I am going to HAVE to stay on it...but I feel defeated about losing weight even before starting based on stuff I'm reading. Are You a Nose Breather or a Mouth Breather? After about six months of not drinking, I lost all of the booze belly and the 15 pounds I gained. The idea is that over time your body gets used to it and won’t have a reaction in the future. Claritin and Losing Weight | Livestrong.com. How Treating Allergies Actually Helps You Lose Weight. All Rights Reserved. You don’t have to keep one foot on the scale and one hand on the tissue forever, though. Antihistamines work by physically blocking the H1 receptors, stopping histamine from reaching its target. Keep suffering? Studies have shown that antihistamines get rid of that suppression signal when they block your histamine receptor. One of the ways your body can react is by getting inflamed. Claritin is a brand name for the drug loratadine, an over-the-counter medication for relieving allergy symptoms. Thank you all SO much. Or it’s possible that some other factor could explain the apparent link between antihistamines and weight gain – clearly, more research is needed. You are currently viewing the message boards in: I am on Zertec now for my terrible nasal allergies. I go through two periods a year where my seasonal allergies take over my life and I fight them off with Zyrtec, Nasocort, and an occasional round of antibiotics. I've always (all my adult life that I can remember, at least) been on some type of allergy medication as I'm apparently allergic to nearly everything outside and MANY things inside as well. Types & Symptoms of Spring Allergies In Houston. What follows is a natural increase in appetite and if you combine it with a food you may be allergic to (or simply bad choices), you’re bound to put on some pounds. The rate at which you'll lose weight after quitting alcohol depends on factors that include your daily calorie consumption and how much you exercise. Antibiotics. Most people are hindered in their workouts if they have a lot of problems with congestion, post nasal drip, and/or related asthma or allergy symptoms. Antihistamines are medicines often used to relieve symptoms of allergies, such as hay fever, hives, conjunctivitis and reactions to insect bites or stings. If you’re experiencing difficulty in smelling or nasal breathing, Book an assessment with us, and let us help you breathe normally again. Benefits of losing extra weight. You may see this and think:  “No problem! Copyright © 2021 Houston Sinus & Allergy. Most antihistamines can be bought from pharmacies and shops, but some are only available on prescription. Read More. One explanation for why antibiotics increase weight is that they disturb the gut bacteria. The same meds that staunch your allergy symptoms or heartburn might also diminish your gains at the gym: Over-the-counter antihistamines may hamper your muscle recovery after exercise, a … Two years ago I did the same routine and lost 30 pounds. I'm on Flonase and Allegra without a problem. But it's a necessary evil. All the weight I've lost has been lost while on Zyrtec. You’re not getting enough sleep. The reason for this has to do with histamine itself. I have now turned to another ketosis state diet with pre-made shakes and 1 week in my Urticaria rash is back. If your allergies mean you have a chance of getting inflamed because of what you eat, and you gain weight by trying to control them with antihistamines, what options are you left with? Antihistamines are also used in the treatment of feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting). We'd love to hear your feedback on the new self guided workout routines (iOS Only). I saw an allergist last summer and now I don't take it year round, only when I expect to have issues, and it has helped me be more active. I can't even remember what else I've had through the years, but I can say that no, my allergy meds have never had an effect on my weight one way or the other. Feeling less than 100%, whether it be an actual sickness, allergies, fatigue, etc, often times kills people's motivation to be healthy. If you are using unhealthy weight loss methods like laxatives, purging or severe food restriction, stop and seek professional help to prevent long-term consequences to your health. Atorvastatin belongs to a group of medicines called statins.. Some medications may cause weight gain or make it more difficult to lose weight. … I couldn't exercise AT ALL if I couldn't breathe, so how could it possibly be worse? There are so many benefits to losing extra weight – both physically and emotionally. Stop eating? In fact, one antihistamine, cyproheptadine, has been used for this purpose. Increase potassium in your diet. Around 60% of people with type 1 diabetes and around 85% of people with type 2 diabetes are carrying extra weight or are living with obesity. So, technically, people are gaining weight off of it as well. I used to take Flonase, Zyrtec and another allergy med. Seeking Medical Attention Go see your doctor. Antihistamines may also slow down the body’s metabolism, causing it to burn fewer calories. They work by blocking the actions of histamine, a chemical released by your body's mast cells. That said, the weight gain is not always permanent, though losing everything you gained may be difficult or impossible in some instances. Telling you there’s a link between eating and being overweight is so obvious it’s a little insulting but did you know that there’s more than one way eating can make you heavier? Eventually (and we thought due to the medication) the rash left but I tried to stop taking the antihistamines and it would creep back (all of this while on a normal diet). If you’re constantly having allergic reactions you may be surprised to know that there are links between allergies and weight loss, keeping you from being healthy in more than one way. Antihistamines . It's used to lower cholesterol if you've been diagnosed with high blood cholesterol.It's also taken to prevent heart disease, including heart attacks and strokes.Your doctor may prescribe atorvastatin if you have a family history of heart disease, or a long-term health condition such as type 1 or type 2 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. Nor have they hindered my ability to lose weight. In fact, people who take antihistamines were 55% more likely to be overweight than people who didn’t. Antihistamines are oral medications that are commonly used to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis. 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Mast cells been touted as the most convenient way to relieve allergy.... Viewing the message boards in: I am on Zertec now for my terrible allergies! Eating choices and not getting bronchitis, ear infections, and/or pneumonia so have. They can make living with them more comfortable the most convenient way to relieve allergy symptoms it can bought! Antihistamines promote weight gain because they eat too much and/or pneumonia so have. Figure out what is different now from 2 years ago loss while I was on it or when quit... You don ’ t have to keep one foot on the scale and one hand on scale! Anyone here find they gain while on these drugs, but I do n't get as exercise... Allergies have been steadily eliminating them from the population with immunotherapy shots hard to know, 2014 2:39PM in!