Benadryl working better than Hydroxyzine, but is this better in the long run? - Interstitial Cystitis Network Support Forum

musiclover · 10-15-2009, 07:51 AM

Hello everyone. I'm currently on Hydroxyzine along with other meds. From what I've heard hydroxyzine is better than other antihistamines because it actually blocks mast cells in some way, whereas others just are anti-histamines. I even wrote to Dr. Theoharides. the maker of Cystoprotek, and he said he recommends Hydroxyzine along with Cystoprotek, but not other antihistamines since Hydroxyzine blocks the mast cells.

Anyway, I have not found much relief with Hydroxyzine after several weeks. So last night I skipped the Hydroxyzine and took Benadryl instead and feel much better. I was taking Benadryl before I got the prescription for Hydroxyzine also and noticed benefits. Since switching to Hydroxyzine I haven't felt as good. Now I'm wondering if I should go back to Benadryl or not.

I just called the Pharmacist and asked if I could take both. She said I could as long as I take a small dose of the Benadryl. I'm afraid I'll get too sedated taking both, since I'm also on Elavil which is sedating as well.

Does anybody take both? Has anybody else found more symptom relief from Benadryl than with Hydroxyzine? I'm just worried that if I switch I'm not blocking mast cells in the long run, which is the goal.

Thanks!

jvr · 10-15-2009, 09:22 AM

Hi Musiclover,

I wish I had an answer for you in regards to the benadryl question...I was just curious though-did Dr. Theoharides advise that everyone taking Cystoprotek should be taking Atarax along with it? Sorry, I just want to clarify what you said.....

Thanks,
Jill

musiclover · 10-15-2009, 09:28 AM

Hi Jill. In my email with him, he didn't say if everyone should be on it or not. But visit the link below. In this article Dr. Theoharides says "So, my initial recommendation for younger, newly diagnosed patients or those that haven't had symptoms more than a year or two, is to start with hydroxyzine at 25 mgs at night and build it up over a few months to 75 mgs at night together with Cystoprotek."

Here is the link: http://www.ic-network.com/guestlectu...rides1205.html

jvr · 10-15-2009, 10:58 AM

Hi Musiclover,

Thank you so much for the link. I didn't know that, but am sure glad you pointed that out

Thanks again for the information!

Jill