Allergy meds

Avatar for peoplearenuts
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Allergy meds
3
Wed, 03-21-2007 - 6:11pm

This is the time of year when I usually take allergy meds. Last fall when I came down with anxiety/panic disorder, I was getting chest pains constantly. When I stopped taking loratadine (Claritin) my chest pains eased up considerably. They weren't gone, but they were nowhere near as frequent. I'm wondering if there is some ingredient in loratadine that would exacerbate anxiety?

I hate taking allergy meds, but I also hate the constant headache, dry throat, runny nose and red itchy eyes that come with allergies.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Wed, 03-21-2007 - 6:33pm

Personally, I think that allergies exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Wed, 03-21-2007 - 8:01pm

It's six of one, half dozen of another. Like Sheri Ann said, my allergy symptoms trigger my health fears & increase the chance of panicking. OTOH, I cannot take ANY allergy meds. The side effects from them(sudafed, benadryl, zyrtec, coricidin, anything in cold meds) cause me anxiety. I have the racing heart, inside jitteriness/shakiness & feel as if the muscles are pulled tightly across my face. I dread the times of high pollen counts.


I saw an allergist/pulmonologist a couple of years ago & he suggested allergy testing & then those weekly injections. I wonder if I should consider that. Anyone have any ideas?


I wish you lots of luck. Let us know if you find a med that helps without causing side effects/anxiety. (((hugs))) jan

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Avatar for peoplearenuts
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Wed, 03-21-2007 - 8:41pm

Thanks for your replies. You'll be happy to know that I took a Benadryl Sinus & Allergy a couple of hours ago, and no major freakouts yet. LOL

I've read that peppermint is a natural decongestant. I think I'll stock up on peppermint tea.