By Purvi Parikh, MD
In treating allergies or a cold with antihistamines, you may experience drowsiness, a common side effect of the medication.
How does this happen? Histamine is a chemical produced by the immune system to fight off allergens and germs. When there is a threat of allergies or infection (such as the common cold), histamine is even more active. In its search-and-destroy process, it can cause allergy or cold symptoms such as runny nose, coughing, sneezing and itch eyes. Antihistamine medications relieve these symptoms by blocking the unwanted effects of histamine.
Unrelated to the immune system, histamine is also produced in the brain, where it plays an important part in feeling awake. Antihistamines used to treat respiratory symptoms can get into the brain and interrupt this work, making you feel drowsy.
Some antihistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness than others. Reactions vary considerably from one person to another. What relieves your symptoms without making you sleepy may be different from what works for someone else.
When you find one that works for you, stick with it – check chemical ingredients and dosages before changing brands or generics. On the other hand, if one doesn’t work for you, try another type.
Does diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) make you sleepy? First-generation antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) usually cause drowsiness because they are less likely to affect the histamine produced in the brain or have other unwanted effects in the brain. Currently, there is no non-drowsy Benadryl® on the market.
Non-drowsy allergy medicines do exist. Newer, second-generation antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec®), fexofenadine (Allegra®) and loratadine (Claritin®) – marketed as “nonsedating” – usually cause less drowsiness. An added benefit is that second-generation antihistamines last longer than Benadryl.
Allegra is generally the least sedating.
Nasal spray antihistamines are also somewhat less likely to make you sleepy, since they target nasal passages directly rather than sending medicine throughout your body in the bloodstream. These are available only by prescription.
Regular use of an intranasal corticosteroid is not only safe but also an effective way to reduce use of antihistamines. They take a few days to start working, so you need to be patient. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using an antihistamine with an intranasal corticosteroid the first few days. Some intranasal corticosteroids are available over-the-counter, while others are available as prescription medication.
To avoid daytime drowsiness, take an antihistamine in the evening rather than in the morning. It may help you sleep, with drowsy effects wearing off by the next morning. Be aware that drowsiness can last longer than you might expect – and that some antihistamines can cause vivid dreams.
Don’t drink alcohol when taking antihistamines, as it will increase the sedation.
What many people may not know is that cold and flu medicines marketed to treat runny nose and sneezing usually include first-generation antihistamines – the more sedating types. That’s because they are often better at treating cold symptoms and drying up runny nose than the newer types.
Because of their sedating effect, cold medicines with antihistamines are labeled for nighttime use. Take this labeling seriously, as some include medications like doxylamine that are more sedating than others. Check labels for dosages as well, as these may vary, even within brands.
More is not better – read labels carefully and take only as recommended. Don’t supplement a multi-symptom cold medication with another single-ingredient antihistamine.
Smart use of allergy medications – knowing how they treat symptoms of an allergic reaction, being aware of potential unwanted side effects and, most important, monitoring their effect on you and your health – is just one step toward controlling allergy and cold symptoms.
Even more important: knowing what you are allergic to and taking steps to prevent or reduce exposure.
If your allergy symptoms tend to last longer than two weeks or are not adequately controlled with over-the-counter medications, schedule an appointment with a board-certified allergist for a full diagnosis.
Antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids are intended for symptom relief. If antihistamines or intranasal corticosteroids are causing side effects such as drowsiness or other problems, there are other treatment options your doctor can offer for relief from allergic reactions. These options include allergen immunotherapy and non-drowsy allergy medicines like second-generation antihistamines or nasal sprays.
Reviewed by:
Dennis Williams, PharmD, is an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy. He practices at UNC Medical Center with the pulmonary medicine medical service.
He has served as a member of the National Asthma Education Program Coordinating Committee and the National Asthma Educator Certification Board. He serves on Allergy & Asthma Network’s Board of Directors.
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The first week of November is Drowsy Driving Prevention Week — to raise awareness of what you can do to reduce the risk of drifting off at the wheel.
When treating allergies or a cold, the drowsiness may be linked to the antihistamine you’re taking to control your runny nose, sneezing and itchy nose and eyes. Is there anything you can do about it?
Why Do Antihistamines Make You Sleepy?
Histamines are chemicals produced by the immune system to fight off allergens and germs.
In their search-and-destroy process they cause symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes. Antihistamine medications relieve these symptoms by blocking the unwanted effects of histamine.
Unrelated to the immune system, histamine is also produced in the brain, where it plays an important part in feeling awake. Antihistamines used to treat respiratory symptoms can get into the brain and interrupt this work, making you feel drowsy.
What Can You Do About It?
You can go without medicine — but suffering through the symptoms might also affect your driving.
On the other hand, some antihistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness than others. Reactions vary considerably from one person to another; what relieves your symptoms without making you sleepy may be different from what works for your friend.
When you find one that works for you, stick with it — checking chemical ingredients and dosages before changing brands or generics.
On the other hand, if one doesn’t work for you, try another type.
— Newer, second-generation antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra) and loratadine (Claritin) — marketed as “non-sedating” — usually cause less drowsiness than older, first-generation medicine such as chlorphenamine (Chlor-Trimeton) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) because they are less likely to affect the histamine produced in the brain or have other unwanted effects in the brain. Also, an added benefit is the second-generation antihistamines last longer than Benadryl. Allegra is generally the least sedating.
— Nasal spray antihistamines are also less likely to make you sleepy, since they target nasal passages directly rather than sending medicine throughout your body through the bloodstream. Regular use of an intranasal corticosteroid is not only safe but also an effective way to reduce use of antihistamines — and these do not make you drowsy. They take about seven days to start working, so you need to be patient.
Ask your physician or pharmacist about using an antihistamine with the intranasal corticosteroid the first few days.
To reduce daytime drowsiness, take an antihistamine in the evening rather than in the morning: It may help you sleep, with drowsy effects wearing off by the next day. Be aware, though, that drowsiness can last longer than you might expect — and that some antihistamines can cause vivid or disturbing dreams.
Never drink alcohol when taking antihistamines; it will increase the sedation.
What About Antihistamines in Cold and Flu Medications?
What many people may not know is that cold and flu medicines marketed to treat runny nose and sneezing usually include first-generation antihistamines — the more sedating types. That’s because they are better at treating cold symptoms and drying up runny nose than the newer types.
Because of their sedating effect, cold medicines with antihistamines are labeled for nighttime use. Take this labeling seriously, as some include medications like doxylamine that are more sedating than others.
Dosages may also vary, even within brands.
More is not better — read labels carefully and take only as recommended. Don’t supplement a multi-symptom cold medication with another single-ingredient antihistamine.
Be Smart, Be Aware
Smart use of medications — knowing how they treat symptoms, being aware of potential unwanted side effects and, most important, monitoring their effect on you and your health — is just one step toward controlling allergy and cold symptoms. Even more important: knowing what you are allergic to and taking steps to prevent or reduce exposure.
If your allergy symptoms tend to last longer than two weeks or are not adequately controlled with over-the-counter medications, it’s a good idea to see a board-certified allergist for a full diagnosis.
Antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids are intended for symptom relief. If antihistamines or intranasal corticosteroids are causing side effects that make you very drowsy, there are other treatment options your doctor can offer you, like allergen immunotherapy.
Purvi Parikh, MD, is an allergist and immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network , the leading nonprofit patient education organization for people with allergies, asthma and related conditions. She practices in New York City at Allergy and Asthma Associates of Murray Hill and New York University School of Medicine. She sits on the Board of Directors for the advocacy council of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
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When Allergy or Cold Medication Makes You Drowsy: How to Stay Alert originally appeared on usnews.com
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These examples may contain rude words based on your search.
These examples may contain colloquial words based on your search.
you're sleepy Do you want to sleep Do you want to sleep
but
But however except Although only
Look, I know you're sleepy, but isn't it obvious?
I know you just woke up, but isn't that obvious?
If you're sleepy at night , but you try to meditate before bedtime, you may start falling asleep in the middle of your meditation, which is not helpful at all.
If you are trying to meditate before going to bed and you are sleepy, you may start to fall asleep during meditation, which is not at all helpful.
The ideal is between 10 and 15 minutes , meaning you're still tired enough to sleep deeply , but not so exhausted you feel sleepy by day.
Ideal time 10-15 min . You are all still tired enough to fall asleep deeply , but are not so exhausted so that later feel sleepy .
The ideal gap is between 10 and 15 minutes , as this means you're tired enough to sleep deeply , but not so exhausted that you feel sleepy by day.
The ideal interval is between 10 and 15 minutes , which means that you are quite tired , but felt awake during the day .
I am very happy you're here , but I am very tired and sleepy .
Listen, Louise, I'm very happy, that you arrived , but I am very tired and I want to sleep .
There are the old-school antihistamines , like Benadryl , which are very effective in the short term (especially if you're having a severe reaction to something you're acutely allergic to) but can make you sleepy .
There are old school antihistamines , such as Benadryl , which are very effective in the short term (especially if you have a strong reaction), but can cause drowsiness .
After half an hour, the woman felt sleepy but she did not go to sleep.
Half an hour later, the woman felt drowsy, but did not fall asleep.
They may constantly feel sleepy but are unable to sleep.
They constantly feel sleepy, but cannot sleep.
Kumis and araka It is a well-known... sick and sleepy but not drunk, as some people believe.
“If you drink too much of it, then you become sick and is sleepy, but is not drunk, as some claim."
To prevent this, try to get him into bed when he's sleepy but still awake, so he can fall asleep by himself.
To prevent this, try putting him to bed when he is sleepy, but is still awake, so that he can fall asleep on his own.
We are physically, mentally, and emotionally altered by electromagnetic charges from the sun, our body can feel sleepy but also become highly energized.
We are physically, mentally, and emotionally altered by the sun's electromagnetic charges, and our body may feel sleepy, but also become very agitated.
Three cheers for the sleepy but now wide awake pilot!
Three cheers for sleepy, but now awake pilot!
That's all I have to say. I am sorry my voice was so sleepy but I wanted to get that dream to the people as soon as possible.
That's all I have to say. I'm sorry that my voice was so sleepy, but I would like to get this dream to people as soon as possible.
You might think of drinking coffee in the lively Paris cafés where great intellectuals lingered in past times, or of eating croissants in a local bistro of a sleepy but gorgeous village in the countryside.
One might think of drinking coffee in the bustling Parisian cafes where great intellectuals lingered in times past, or eating croissants in the local bistro of a sleepy but gorgeous village in the countryside.
They are sleepy , but they simply cannot fall asleep.
They are sleepy , but just can't sleep.
The capital city that usually was lively and sleepless now seems sad and sleepy , but still so beautiful.
The capital, which used to be lively and restless, now seems sad and sleepy , but is still beautiful.
The pills make me sleepy , But I can't...
They put me to sleep , but I can't ... he will come if I fall asleep...
Merry was sleepy , but Pippin now seemed curiously restless.
Merry wanted to sleep , but Pin seemed to have no desire to sleep.
Paradoxically, they don't become sleepy , but they have difficulty focusing attention.
Paradoxically, they do not become sleepy , they just find it difficult to concentrate.
They make the patient sleepy , but do not let them go to sleep.
Keep the patient calm , but do not let him sleep.
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island read online Tracy Garvis-Graves (Page 8)“Me too, big deal,” TJ replied.
- It's a pity we don't have fishing tackle. The lagoon is full of fish. - At the word "fish" my saliva flowed, and my stomach growled.
- You can try to catch it with a harpoon. I'm going to wash now, and then we'll look for longer sticks. At the same time, we will collect firewood.
Five minutes later, TJ returned with clean clothes and wet hair. In his hands he was clutching some large, bulky object.
- Look what I found in the water!
- What is it?
He placed the strange object on the sand and turned it over so that the inscription on the side could be read.
- Wow, a life raft from an airplane! Dropping to my knees, I exclaimed. “I remember seeing him when I was looking for vests.
We opened the container and pulled out the raft. I tore open the waterproof bag inside the container, took out the package leaflet, and read aloud:
— “The awning in the emergency kit box has two rolling doors and a rainwater collector on the roof. The emergency kit includes an emergency beacon and a transmitter.”
I seem to have grown wings.
— TJ, where is the emergency kit box?
T.J. looked into the container and pulled out another waterproof bag. Tearing the thin plastic with trembling hands, I made a healthy hole in the bag and dumped the contents on the sand. We dug through everything that was found there - pushing with our elbows and snatching things from each other, we carefully examined each item.
But they did not find anything that would bring us closer to salvation.
Nothing resembling a means of communication.
All. Hopes were dashed.
- They seem to have decided that the emergency kit is already an unnecessary luxury.
TJ silently shook his head.
I imagined what would happen if we found an emergency beacon.
“What, would you just turn it on and wait for someone to come pick you up?”
Tears welled up in my eyes. I brushed them off and proceeded to examine the contents of the rescue kit box: a knife, a first aid kit, a tarp, two blankets, a rope, and two sixty-four ounce collapsible plastic containers [ Approximately 2 liters.].
I opened the first aid kit. Tylenol, Benadryl [ Antihistamine.], antiseptic ointment, hydrocortisone [ Anti-inflammatory ointment.], patches, alcohol wipes, and imodium [ Diarrhea remedy.].
“Show me your hands,” I said to TJ.
He held out his hands to me, and I smeared antibiotics on the blisters and covered them with plaster.
- Thank you.
“Remember, this could save your life,” I said, pointing to the package of Benadryl.
— In what way?
- Eliminates an allergic reaction.
— What is this for? T.J. pointed at the white vial.
- Imodium. Against indigestion,” I said, turning away in embarrassment.
TJ just snorted lightly in response.
The liferaft was inflated with a carbon dioxide bottle. When we pressed the button, the gas filled the rubber shell so quickly that we had to jump to the side. We fixed the awning and the rainwater collector. The life raft was somewhat like the inflatable house for children in which my nephews loved to frolic, except in a smaller size.
“This should hold about three gallons [ Roughly 11 litres.] of water,” I pointed to the manifold.
I was again thirsty. Hope it doesn't rain today.
Nylon flaps dangled from the sides of the awning, fastened with Velcro. In the daytime, they could be raised to let in more air and light. Roller doors closed the entrance.
Before going to our coconut tree, we dragged the raft to the hut and threw dry branches on the fire.
T.J. opened the coconut by sticking a knife in it and banging his fist on the handle. I immediately set up a plastic container to collect the milk.
“I thought it was sweeter,” TJ remarked, taking a sip from the container.
— Me too.
The milk tasted a bit bitter, but overall it will do.
T.J. scraped out the flesh with a knife. I was so hungry that I seemed ready to eat all the coconuts lying under the palm tree. T.J. and I ate five grand, and only then the feeling of hunger subsided a little. TJ didn't stop there and ate another one. I even became curious about how much a sixteen-year-old teenager could fit.
It started to rain an hour later. T.J. and I, soaking wet but overjoyed, watched the water containers fill. Enraptured by such abundance, I drank so much that I almost burst, the liquid gurgling in my stomach with every movement.
An hour later we both wanted to write again. Glad that the body seemed to be getting back to normal, we ate another coconut and breadfruit.
“Perhaps I like coconuts better,” I said.
Me too. Although now that we have a fire, we can try roasting breadfruit. Suddenly it tastes better.
We collected more branches for kindling, as well as long sticks to use as a harpoon. To protect from rain, we covered the roof of the hut with a tarpaulin, securing it with a rope for reliability.
TJ made five notches on a tree trunk. We didn't talk about the plane.
When it was time to go to bed, we put more wood on the fire, but not to set fire to the hut. T.J. climbed into the life raft. Putting on the shirt he gave me as a nightgown, I climbed in behind me and pulled down the screen doors behind me. At least now we had at least some protection against mosquitoes.
We lowered the nylon flaps by attaching them to the floor with Velcro. I spread out the blankets and put the seat cushions at the head of the bed. The blankets were terribly scratchy, but warmed well. So, we are no longer afraid of cold nights.
The pillows were thin and smelled of mold, but anything is better than sleeping on the bare ground.
“Simply fantastic,” TJ said.
- I know.
The life raft was a little smaller than a double bed, and TJ and I were only a few inches apart. But I was so tired that I didn't care.
- Good night, T.J.
“Good night, Anna,” he said in a sleepy voice, then rolled over and passed out.
A second later, I fell asleep too.
I woke up in the middle of the night to check on the fire. Seeing that barely smoldering embers remained from the fire, I added dead wood and, raising a column of sparks, poked around with a long stick. The fire flared up again, and with a calm soul I went to sleep on.
As I was laying down next to TJ, he suddenly woke up.
— What happened? - he asked.
Nothing. I threw wood on the fire, that's all. Sleep well.
I closed my eyes and did not wake up until dawn.
8
TJ
I woke up because I got up again.
The usual story, nothing depends on me here. Now that we've recovered a little, my body must have decided it's time to go back to normal. And if you sleep next to a girl, especially one as beautiful as Anna, a morning erection is guaranteed.
She was sleeping on her side, facing me. The cuts on her face slowly healed and, fortunately for her, were not deep enough to leave scars. She'd kicked off her covers during the night, and now I was staring at her legs, something I shouldn't have done with what was going on in my pants. If she opens her eyes now, she will definitely notice that I am staring at her, so I crawled out and, to distract myself from the boner, started solving geometry problems.
Anna woke up ten minutes later. We had breakfast of coconut and breadfruit, after which I brushed my teeth by rinsing out my mouth with rainwater.
“Here you are,” I handed her the toothpaste and toothbrush.
- Thank you. She squeezed out some toothpaste and brushed her teeth too.
“Maybe another plane will come today,” I said.
“Perhaps,” Anna answered without looking at me.
- I want to go for reconnaissance. See what else is here.
- We need to be more careful. We don’t have shoes,” Anna noted.
I gave her a pair of my socks so she wouldn't go barefoot. Hiding behind a hut, I put on jeans to somehow protect myself from mosquitoes, and we went into the forest.
Humid air enveloped the skin. We were immediately covered with midges, so we had to keep our mouths closed and wave our hands away. The further we went deeper into the forest, the stronger the smell of rotting plants became. The canopy of dense foliage practically did not let in the sun's rays, it was so quiet that we heard only the sound of our heavy breathing. I was already sweating through, and I could only guess when these damned trees would finally end and we would find ourselves on the other side of the island.
Fifteen minutes later we came across a hut.
