How hard do the various antihistamines hit?

[Shypup74]

Hi everyone.
My doc keeps trying to get me to take an antihistamine to help with my pain level. I am scared to since Benadryl knocks me flat and leaves me with a hangover. Can some of you folks that have taken antihistamines tell me how they are on that score?

Thanks!

[ICNDonna]

I think you should discuss your concern with your doctor. I know that the active ingredient in benadryl is the same one that is in the over-the-counter sleep medications so you may react differently to antihistimines that don't contain the same drug. And you might give it a try when you don't have anything planned so you can rest.

Sending encouraging hugs,
Donna

[vm]

Benadryl affects me very strongly - I HATE taking it and used to only take it at night when I really needed it.

I am on Vistaril for IC, and have been for over 3 years --- it has not affected me in that way at all. I wouldn't take it if it did. The first week or so after I started it I was sleepy mid-day, but that slowly went away. benadryl always made me loopy and feel weird - Vistaril doesn't do that to me at all. :)

[dyno]

I also take Vistaril and have no problem. It works great for me. I have been on it for 2 1/2 years now.

[mink47]

I was on Atarax but stopped taking it b/c it knocked me out. I would take it at night but would have the hardest time getting up in the morning. Also, I didn't notice it helping pain symptoms. I'm able to take Benadryl and take Zyrtec everyday but I really noticed the sleepines with the Atarax.

[traceann]

I take Vistaril too,25mg at bedtime, and at first I felt groggy when I would wake up. That seemed to pass within a week or two at the most, I have no troubles with it now. Benadryl was a lot tougher on me than the Vistaril also. I was nervous about it when I first started it, but gave it shot and a good chance, and I am glad I did!!

Hugs,
Tracey :)

[Shypup74]

Thanks, everyone. I decided with my doc to give it a try. So far there is no huge hangover reaction or bad hit to my energy level.
Thanks to you all for responding.

[jen_dahling]

I take Allegra with no side effects. It's great! My allergy specialist said that benadryl has added ingredients that aren't as homeopathic, or something to that wording, and he never recommends it. Good luck!

[Julie B]

I take the atarax and I have to discipline myself to get up in the morning. Once I am up, literally, no problems! :-)

[mom_in_ma]

I take allegra and have no side effects. However, I tried Atarax and gave it up after a day because I was dead tired and had the worst time sleeping.