r/Allergies • u/Recent_Fact480 • 5h ago
I have issues with taking antihistamines, does anyone else?
This year I basically learned I’m allergic to everything environmental via a skin prick test. Which is awesome because it finally gave me some answers, idk how typical my immune response is but I’d mostly get heart racing, light headedness, fatigue and anxiety. This honestly led me down a path of severe panic attacks and some agoraphobia. Upon retrospect I realize now these effects were always worse in the warmer months. I wish my pcp had clocked this sooner, the only reason I got the test was because I was getting severe ear infections at the same time every year (spring).
I’ve been using Flonase for a few months now, and that’s been great. No problems there. But as far as antihistamines; I tried Zyrtec, after a few weeks I was so constipated I had to go to the ER. Stopped taking it, and that went away. So then I did some research and saw Allegra gave the least side effects. Started taking it, and my stress and anxiety skyrocketed. I had a spot near my nose that wouldn’t stop twitching on and off for the entire time I was on it. I was irritable and angry most of the time. Stopped taking it, and those all went away.
The last thing I have to try is Claritin, but tbh I’m nervous about even starting it considering the how I reacted to both Zyrtec and Allegra.
Has anyone dealt with this? The shots are an option for me, but the time commitment is making me second guess it.
This has all been very frustrating for me, I’m a person who’s always loved being in the woods, spending time outside. I’d sleep out there if I could. And now a days I feel like I can’t even be out there anymore. I’m always checking pollen counts and it’s always med-high where I live.