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Sleeping Pills, Sinusitis, and Antihistamines  

The active ingredients in most over-the-counter sleeping pills contain a sleep aid which is generally antihistamines like those allergy pills, and some with addition of pain reliever for those who suffer arthritis & other ailments.

Doctors sometimes prescribe antihistamines to those who suffer from sinus problems. 

The National Institutes of Health (USA) cited in a 2005 report “significant concerns about risks” of antihistamines sleeping pills, including the risks of residual daytime sedation, diminished cognitive function, and delirium in the elderly.

Delirium is described as sudden severe confusion with rapid changes in brain functions that occur with physical or mental illness. Symptoms include changes in alertness, feeling, movement; decreased short-term memory and recall; disorganized thinking; anxiety; depression.

Antihistamines - something your doctor will not tell you

Common side effects of antihistamines are drowsiness (which is why you should never drive or operate heavy machinery when taking them), dizziness, restlessness, nervousness and upset stomach.

Other side effects, which aren't as common are dry mouth, dry nose, irritability, difficulty urinating and blurred vision.

In most cases, the side effects from antihistamines are barely noticeable. However, the real problem with taking these drugs is not so much from what they do to you, but from what they don't do.

Over time, as you continue to take a particular antihistamine, you may notice that the drug doesn't seem to be working as well as it used to. The reason is simple. Your body's immune system begins to build up tolerance to these drugs. Usually, within a period of about three months, the drug stops working completely. At the very least, its effectiveness is greatly reduced. That is why a knowledgeable allergist, who doesn't have his pockets filled by the drug companies, will tell you to rotate your antihistamines every three months.

So for example, he might have you take Claritin, which contains loratadine, for three months and then have you switch to Benadryl, which contains diphenhydramine hydrochloride, for the next three months.

Otherwise, you will find your allergy symptoms getting worse and worse.

This never ending battle against allergies, which is really a no win war with drugs, keeps the drug companies in business and makes them richer and richer.

There is an alternative to antihistamines for treating sinus allergies and it does not involve taking drugs. Read more...

About Sinusitis

Sinusitis means your sinuses are infected or inflamed. Your sinuses are hollow air spaces within the bones surrounding the nose. They produce mucus, which drains into the nose. If your nose is swollen, this can block the sinuses and cause pain and infection.

Sinusitis can be acute, lasting for less than four weeks, or chronic, lasting much longer. Acute sinusitis often starts as a cold, which then turns into a bacterial infection. Allergies, pollutants, nasal problems and certain diseases can also cause sinusitis.

Symptoms of sinusitis can include fever, weakness, fatigue, cough and congestion. There may also be mucus drainage in the back of the throat, called postnasal drip. Treatments include antibiotics, decongestants and pain relievers. Using heat pads on the inflamed area, saline nasal sprays and vaporizers can also help.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are medicines deisgned to counter the actions of histamine, the main chemical produced in the body in allergic reactions. Antihistamines in tablet or syrup form may help reduce the allergic symptoms of sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, and may reduce mucus production. Your health care provider may elect to add this type of medicine to your treatment, particularly if allergies are present.  Common over-the-counter antihistamines include:

• Claritin® (loratadine)
• Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine)
• Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• Newer classes of prescription antihistamines do not cause drowsiness. They include:
• Clarinex® (desloratadine)
• Allergra® (fexofenadine)
• Zyrtec® (cetirizine)

Always consult your doctor before taking any medication, particularly if you already have an on-going medicaion or have any known allergies.