Why you might lose weight after stopping antihistamines

Antihistamines are a common remedy for allergic reactions, but their effects can extend beyond symptom relief.

There are two main types of antihistamines: first-generation and second-generation antihistamines. Weight changes when taking antihistamines are often linked with the first-generation type, but the choice between them depends on your specific allergy needs and how you react to them.

Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes. For $29, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a US-licensed healthcare professional. Get started here.

How can antihistamines affect your weight?

First-generation antihistamines work by blocking histamine receptors in the brain, which are involved in regulating both allergic reactions and your appetite. This block can lead to increased feelings of hunger, so you may feel like eating more.

They can also indirectly slow down your metabolism by making you feel tired. This could lead to you being less physically active and burning fewer calories. Plus, they can increase the amount of water your body holds, which can also lead to added water weight.

Second-generation antihistamines are much less likely to have these side effects, but they can still occasionally occur.

Just as taking antihistamines can increase your weight, when you stop taking them, you might notice that you lose some of the added weight.

Why might you experience weight loss after stopping antihistamines?

If you’ve noticed weight loss after stopping antihistamines, this could be for a few reasons:

• Appetite: Your appetite might decrease, leading to slight weight loss.
• Energy: You might feel more energetic and active without the drowsiness that some antihistamines cause. This means you’d burn more calories throughout the day.
• Water retention: If the medication was causing your body to hold on to water, stopping it might lead to losing water weight.
• Metabolic rate: Any slowdown in your metabolism while on the medication might pick back up once you stop.

Remember, everyone’s body reacts differently, so not everyone will gain weight when taking antihistamines or lose weight after stopping them.

Antihistamine types that may cause weight gain

First-generation and second-generation antihistamines have different side effects, but both have the potential to cause weight changes. Here are some examples:

First-generation antihistamines

These medications are more likely to cause side effects like sedation, increased appetite, and water retention, which can potentially lead to weight gain. Examples include:

• diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• promethazine (Phenergan)
• hydroxyzine (Vistaril)

Second-generation antihistamines

These medications are less likely to have side effects but may still cause mild drowsiness, increased appetite, and water retention in some people.

Examples include:

• cetirizine (Zyrtec)
• loratadine (Claritin)
• fexofenadine (Allegra)

If you’re concerned about antihistamine side effects, including potential weight gain, it’s best to speak with a doctor for personalized advice and possible alternatives.

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.

When to contact a doctor

A healthcare professional can offer guidance, adjust your medication if necessary, and provide strategies for effectively managing both your allergy symptoms and weight. You should consider contacting a doctor if:

• you notice significant weight changes
• you have persistent side effects
• the antihistamines do not work for your allergies
• you need weight management guidance

You might also benefit from discussing alternatives to antihistamines with a healthcare team.

These might include:

• nasal corticosteroids, like fluticasone (Xhance)
• leukotriene receptor antagonists, like montelukast (Singulair)
• nasal antihistamine sprays, like azelastine (Astelin, Astepro)
• decongestants, like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
• allergen immunotherapy, like allergy shots
• lifestyle modifications, like reducing allergen exposure, using air purifiers, doing nasal rinses

Weight management when taking antihistamines

Managing weight while taking antihistamines involves a combination of mindful medication use, dietary considerations, and lifestyle adjustments. These may include:

• Monitor appetite changes: Keeping a food diary can help you track changes in your eating habits and make more conscious dietary choices.
• Follow a balanced diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support overall health and help manage weight.
• Regular physical activity: If you can, consider incorporating regular exercise into your routine. This can help offset any potential decrease in activity levels due to the sedative effects of some antihistamines.
• Hydration: Stay well-hydrated. Sometimes, people mistake thirst for hunger. Drinking water can also help manage appetite and support metabolism.
• Sleep hygiene: Try to get some quality sleep, as interrupted sleep can affect hormones that regulate hunger and appetite, potentially leading to weight gain.
• Regular health checks: Consider getting regular check-ups with a healthcare professional. They can help you manage medication side effects and monitor any weight management progress.

Remember, individual responses to medications can vary, and it’s important to find a personalized approach that works for you.

Summary

It is key to find a good balance when using antihistamines and thinking about weight management.

Consider how much they help with your allergy symptoms alongside any side effects you might notice. If you’re unsure or notice changes that concern you, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional.

Your healthcare team can help you build the right allergy treatment plan that also considers other health conditions and medications.

Remember, with the right approach and support, you can manage your allergies effectively and maintain a lifestyle that makes you feel good.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.