Yes, long-term daily use of modern (second-generation) antihistamines is generally considered safe for managing chronic allergy symptoms. However, first-generation antihistamines should not be used long-term due to potential health risks.
Some antihistamines you only take once a day. Others, you can take more than once a day. How long you can take it: You can take some types of antihistamines long term. But others are only for short-term use (a few days).
If you're using oral antihistamines very often, you might have wondered if it's OK to keep relying on antihistamines to control symptoms of allergies. The good news is there's no research evidence to suggest regular, long-term use of modern antihistamines is a problem.
Some antihistamines may also cause headache, but this is less common among second-generation antihistamines, which are used more often today.
CONCLUSIONS. The first-generation antihistamines negatively affect mood, sleepiness, alertness, and cognitive and psychomotor functioning in adults and children. As a result, these medications can interfere with performance and safety, even when taken the night before.
Hydroxyzine is used to help control anxiety and tension caused by nervous and emotional conditions. It can also be used to help control anxiety and produce sleep before surgery. This medicine is also used to relieve symptoms of allergic conditions (eg, chronic urticaria and atopic and contact dermatoses).
Corticosteroid sprays, also called glucocorticoid sprays, prevent and relieve nasal allergy symptoms. These medicines are very effective on their own for treating ongoing or seasonal hay fever.
FDA is warning that patients discontinuing the antihistamine allergy medicines cetirizine or levocetirizine after long-term use may experience severe pruritus. This has been reported in patients using the medicines daily, typically for at least a few months and often years.
Many over-the-counter antihistamines contain a decongestant as well, and therefore if the user experiences palpitations, the medication should be stopped.
But if you use them for too long, they can actually make a stuffy nose (congestion) worse. This is called a rebound effect. Always: Watch for side effects, such as nosebleeds, fast heartbeat, and agitation.
Anxiety caused by antihistamines should go away once you stop taking the medication. If you notice you feel more nervous in the hours following a dose of these allergy medications, speak with your provider about alternatives.
Under your skin. Near blood vessels and lymph vessels. In nerves. In your lungs and intestines.
Histamine intolerance is a condition in which your body doesn't break down histamine in foods. The histamine then builds up and causes symptoms like diarrhea, shortness of breath, and headaches.
Medical Conditions
Autoimmune disorders affect immune system function, which might lead to more histamine being released (11). Another condition causing elevated histamine levels is mastocytosis, rare disorder involving abnormal mast cell growth—the cells that make and store histamine (12).
If you're using oral antihistamines very often, you might have wondered if it's OK to keep relying on antihistamines to control symptoms of allergies. The good news is there's no research evidence to suggest regular, long-term use of modern antihistamines is a problem.
The study found that people had a higher risk for dementia if they took:
The number one trigger for dementia behavior is unmet needs, especially unrecognized physical or emotional discomfort. This means the person with a dementia diagnosis is trying to communicate something they can't fully express through language. Your loved one may be: Hungry or thirsty.
Side effects of antihistamines
In general, wean gradually by 25-50% of the daily dose every 1-4 weeks.
Antihistamines, which are commonly used to treat symptoms such as a runny nose or sneezing, are generally safe for patients with abnormal heart conditions. However, the FDA has warned that antihistamines taken in conjunction with some high blood pressure medications may cause a spike in blood pressure.