This week, my husband was stung by a bee and had a reaction. The Epi-Pen we had on order was still on back-order, so the pharmacist recommended taking Benadryl. We said “NO” having read a report published in JAMA Internal Medicine that showed compelling evidence of a link between use of anticholinergic medications like Benadryl and dementia.
(I’ll tell you the natural alternatives we used in a minute.)
Anticholinergic drugs block the action of acetylcholine which transmits messages in the nervous system. In the brain, acetylcholine is involved in learning and memory.
Exposing Previously Hidden Dangers in Benadryl
The Harvard Medical School article I’d read said the study:
• Included 3434 participants 65 years or older with NO dementia at study entry
• Looked at pharmacy records and total doses, prescription and OTC, dispensed in the past 10 years
• Participants’ health was tracked for seven years
• During that time, 800 of the volunteers developed dementia
• Researchers found that people who used anticholinergic drugs (like Benadryl) were more likely to have developed dementia as those who didn’t use them
Results: Taking drugs with diphenhydramine for the equivalent of three years or more had a 54% higher dementia risk than taking the same dose for three months or less
1 minute.
Benadryl – The Blockbuster Drug
In 1943, Benadryl, or diphenhydramine, was the first effective antihistamine developed that didn’t cause extreme drowsiness. It proved to be a drug sensation, and was at first prescribed for what it was intended:
• strong allergic response
• hives
• insect stings
But soon it became so popular it was also used for symptoms that had nothing to do with need for an antihistamine such as:
• sleep
• sedation
• sniffling and sneezing-type allergies
• anxiety
• cough and cold symptoms
• motion sickness and nausea
Don’t Try to Make Your Child Sleepy with Benadryl – Many deaths already
Scientists began to notice the antihistamine often elevated mood, and they set out to create the first generations of antidepressants. In the 1970s, the molecule diphenhydramine (Benadryl) was “rearranged” to create Prozac, the first selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. (source)
You should know the dangers of Prozac (which is a Black Box drug) including an increased risk of suicide and violence for patients prescribed to Prozac.
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, the active ingredient diphenhydramine could increase the frequency of seizures in people with epilepsy.
Benadryl (aka Diphenhydramine) in Many OTC Sleep Medications
Diphenhydramine is the most common ingredient found in dozens of OTC sleep medicines. There are many more than I have listed below. Check labels carefully.
Why is it so easily available and recommended for regular use?
Addiction to Benadryl is possible. People do develop a psychological dependence on the drug, thinking they won’t be able to get to sleep without it.
Common Side Effects of Diphenhydramine
Side effects include nausea, vomiting, increased chest congestion, excitement (especially in children), erectile dysfunction, constipation, dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, muscle weakness, blurred vision, difficulty and painful urination, nervousness, and dizziness.
Also, confusion and delirium, rapid and irregular heartbeats, irritability, short-term memory loss, hallucinations, muscle spasm and twitching.
When mixed with alcohol or with virtually any other drug that is sedating, the effects will be exaggerated and dangerous.
Considering its profound effects on the brain, which can linger for days, it’s a mystery how this drug could be recommended by any thoughtful health professional for such complaints as seasonal allergies and insomnia, when there are so many better and safer alternatives.
Diphenhydramine and Driving
The National Highway Traffic Highway Association states “Diphenhydramine has repeatedly been shown to severely impair tracking and reaction time performance in actual on-the-road driving tests. Diphenhydramine clearly impairs driving performance, and may have an even greater impact than does alcohol on the complex task of operating a motor vehicle.” This is a serious drug that interacts dangerously with many other common medications and causes enough drowsiness in most people to make driving risky.
Benadryl is not recommended for Anaphylaxis
WARNING: Mayo Clinic says Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), IS NOT sufficient to treat anaphylaxis. This medication can help relieve allergy symptoms, but works too slowly in a severe reaction. An Epi-Pen or its generic version is a must.
WHAT WE USED IMMEDIATELY: Apis mell. 30 and Ledum 30 orally like this immediately (and then every 15 minutes till calm) for my husband, plus I used essential oils eucalyptus and rosemary (they both open and relax the airway) and lavender (calming) topically with a carrier oil on the stings and surrounding area of his throat. It was moderately-severe, and we were able to find an Epi-pen just in case. We did not need it!
Top Natural Remedies for Insomnia
• Magnesium Calm non-flavored (as directed, 30-45 minutes before bedtime)
• Melatonin (1-3 mg half hour before bed) Helps promote sleep, best used for a short period of time.
• Calms Forte (homeopathic, no drugs, take as directed)
• Somnapure – herbal blend (2 tablets 30-60 minutes before bed)
• Passionflower (500 mg before bed) Helps relax the nervous system and doesn’t cause drowsiness.
• Valerian (600-700 mg before bed) Is effective for insomnia, but may be a stimulant for some. It’s pretty amazing that a herbal remedy like valerian root can have the same anti-anxiety effects of prescription drugs without all the serious side effects of psychotropic drugs.
• Calcium and magnesium together (500 mg calcium/250 mg magnesium) These minerals work together for relaxation.
• Vitamin B12 (1500 mcg daily) Vitamin B12 supports cellular function and a deficiency can cause insomnia.
• Diffuse lavender EO before bed and during sleep to reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
• Eat melatonin-rich, sleep-inducing foods like bananas, cherries, ginger or radishes as a bedtime snack.
Natural Antihistamines
• Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine. One study suggests taking 2,000 mg. or more daily.
• Plain and natural out of the hive RAW honey!!!!
• Allergy Health contains 4 of these natural antihistamines
• Boiron’s RhinAllergy For age 2 and Up for hay fever, itchy and water eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy throat and nose (Amazon Choice product)
• Bromelain is popular for swelling or inflammation, especially of the sinuses and following injury or surgery.
• Quercetin is a natural antihistamine that helps stabilize mast cells to prevent both the manufacture and release of histamine.
• Stinging nettle leaf blocks histamine receptors. The leaf can function just like Allegra or Claritin with none of the side effects.
• Boiron Histaminum Hydrochloricum 30C is a powerful remedy for stopping histamine reactions. (Amazon Choice product)
• Euphrasia Officinalis (eyebright herb) has been utilized since the middle ages as a tool for treating all sorts of allergies and allergy related symptoms
• Probiotics help balance of gut bacteria and boost a person’s immune system, which can help the body fight off allergies.
“People in the U.S. are more cranked up on pharmaceutical drugs than any other culture in the world today. I want people using safer medicine. And that means plant medicine.” ~Chris Kilham
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Medical Disclaimer: I am no longer a practicing medical professional, and I am not doctor. I am a mother. I do seek scientific confirmation of the safety and effectiveness of the herbs and remedies I use. Using remedies is a personal decision. Nothing I say on this blog is intended to treat or prevent disease. Consult your own doctor.
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GenaT
Benadryl is also known to cause Tardive Diskinesia (sp?) which has symptoms very similar to Parkingson’s Disease, and is caused by damaging the receptors of dopamine in the brain. I have very bad allergies and people used to suggest I take Benadryl way more than I care for. I never cared for taking it, as it would make me have to go to bed and sleep for hours. And then it started also causing restless leg syndrome, so I now just don’t take it.
I do take generic Clariton. What is the consensus on that? When I was given allergy skin tests, I scored +4 on just about every tree and plant out there, and in certain times of the year have, for years, been given steroid shots or dose packs for the allergies. I have had bad reactions with the steroids, getting more than slightly manic and I get meaner than a bear with a sore tail (according to my late mother, who lived with me for years after my father died.) During ragweed season, mountain cedar season, and when the oak gets really bad, I am a mess, with constant congestion, swollen eyes, etc. Is there really any safe medicine for serious allergies that the side effects aren’t worse in the long run, than the allergies?
Jacqueline
Gena, I am just seeing your comment. How sad. I am on to something and once I check it out further, I may do it and will share it here with you! If I do fail to get back, PLEASE leave another comment as a reminder! <3 Thanks!
J
J
Look into methionine
Jacqueline
Joanie, is that as a replacement for Benadryl or to detox it? Could you elaborate for us?
Sparkle Prairie Creek
My hubby and I researched this and we found that it’s the Aluminum is the real issue with Benadryl.
This pink pill form of Benadryl has Aluminum in it. But the Liquid pill form does Not have any Aluminum at all.
Jacqueline
Sparkle Prairie Creek, fascinating! I will search that out, too! If you check back here, and have any pertinent links, I’d love it if you share them <3
Blessings, J
Devonna
Oh my!! I sure hope that that is accurate. I only take the liquid gel caps because I am allergic to corn & avoid all solid tablets. I regretfully say that I took Benadryl daily for years due to extreme allergies and insomnia. Very disturbing!!
Jacqueline
Devonna, I will tell you what I told Gena about her friend: We need to all detox heavy metals. If interested in a very gentle way with a spray, read Avalyn’s story for more info, and let me know if you want more information – if not for you, for others. We are all soo toxic! I am praying now.. all these drugs are so destructive!
https://deeprootsathome.com/avalyns-story-how-trs-a-safe-heavy-metal-detox-can-help-you-and-your-child/
Suzanne E Kenealy
Aluminum is horribly toxic to me. It is used to stop bleeding in open wounds. It was used on a dental surgery in my jaw to prevent a “dry socket”. My lower left jaw has been profoundly numb for the past 5 years. Now, with persistent detox, I am getting the feeling back in my jaw.
In 2017, the aluminum chloride was again used to stop bleeding from a biopsy on my thigh. When my entire thigh became numb and my hip became so painful that I could not walk, I went to the hospital where they could find no cause for the pain. At that point___Oh yes, I realized the connection to the aluminum! Medication I had been taking for years was coated with aluminum. Recently, I have found that I have a problematic genetic glitch “MTHFR’ that causes difficulty in detoxing any heavy metals and other toxic materials.
Jacqueline
Suzanne, what you are saying makes me sick. I am so sorry that you (and many, many more) are being harmed this way. Now that you know, you can do something about it. There is something you can do to correct it and rid your body of this poison despite the MTHFR component in your genetics. I will email you. ~J
Vicki
It’s wasp season in my neck-of-the-woods and everyone I know is stocking up on Benadryl. Thank you for this information and for providing alternatives. I will get the word out.
Jacqueline
Vicki, Thank You! It is nasty stuff! Enjoy the summer, and I hope the asps stay away!!!
Jane Jones
I also wonder just how many people in the study were also receiving annual flu shots.
Jacqueline
Jane Jones, probably a good number as medication takers often just do what they are told by the medical establishment 🙁 Good point!
GenaT
One way to know if a medicine you or a family member is taking is anticholinergic is if the person has dryness on the mouth. If it is drying your mouth it is having similar effects on other parts of the body. I asked a doctor once if medicines that are to effect the CNS would also effect the ANS, and he told me that since they are highly related, of course, a medicine effecting one would effect the other. If a person takes a medicine that slows down either system, it will do the same to the other. Often when people are taking drugs with side effects, instead of the doctors taking the people off those drugs they will instead add other drugs to treat the side effects, with some of those drugs having additional side effects. I have seen people who were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, and who were put in nursing homes, where they were weaned off some of their medicines, and were suddenly cured of their “Alzheimer’s Disease” and able to return home.
Jacqueline
Yes!!! Gena, that is exactly what we did to my father-in-law!! He was really slipping and we slowly (without telling the doctors – there were 4 who never looked at the drug interactions for what they had all prescribed), and in 3 months, he was playing euchre again, laughing and having a great time! Yes! People are suckers for doctors!
GenaT
I had a co-worker when I lived in another town whose wife kept getting violently ill and often times throwing up blood, at night, after taking her medicine. They had to keep air-evacing her to San Antonio, where the people at the hospital there would simply take her off her statin drug and her blood thinners. Within a few days she would be sent home, go back to her regular doctors, who would put her back on the same medicine. I kept trying to get my friend to gather all of her medicine, take it to one of the two local drug stores and have a pharmacist go over all of them to help determine what did not mix with the others. He and she refused to do so. Eventually she had a stroke, she is pretty much a vegetable now, her husband takes care of her, and she really cannot even feed herself. Plus all of that, plus her diabetes (which statin drugs worsen) ended up causing the amputation of both of her legs. I felt so helpless watching the decline of her health and knowing it was not at all necessary. They simply refused to question the advice her doctors gave her. I even offered them articles which described pretty much the things that were going on, and the relation to statin drugs.
Jacqueline
Gena, she needs to detox out the underlying heavy metals. This will kill her. If interested read Avalyn’s story for more info, and let me know if you want more information – if not for her, for others. We are all soo toxic!
I am so sad 🙁 https://deeprootsathome.com/avalyns-story-how-trs-a-safe-heavy-metal-detox-can-help-you-and-your-child/
C T
I wonder now about Zyrtec. I take an otc equivalent most nights, one half a pill, for itching/hives. My husband takes a whole pill most nights for sinus allergies. Are we dementing ourselves? It does make my lips dry out.
Jacqueline
CT, the key for anticholinergics is that if it makes your mouth dry, it also dehydrates the brain and function slows. Sadly, probably, yes. I don’t know if it will help you two personally, but there are some natural sleep aids I added to the post <3 Hugs!
bettina desrochers
I was given mega doses during cancer treatment. since then i have many many issues. Is anyone doing a class action about this? My memory is toast, i have developed a stutter, no one warned me it would cost me so much.
Jacqueline
Bettina, there is definitely something that can help detox you. How sad that they would give that when you are trying to get well 🙁
I will PM you with instructions! It will help a lot! Praying for you, too. Hugs, ~J
Kathleen Aherne
Thanks. we value your posts and information. We will feature this post on the next Blogger’s Pit Stop.
Kathleen
Jacqueline
Thank you, Kathleen! That is great! ~J
Jessica
Is this the same concern with childrens benadryl? My daughter gets really BAD reactions to mosquito bites and benadryl helps reduce the swelling and pain. Creams only work a little bit for the itch but not the intense swelling she gets.
Jacqueline
Hi, Jessica,
I am assuming the answer is yes if the ingredients in what particular brand you are using are the same! Do you know you can detox the harmful ingredients from that and all other environmental toxins rather easily?
Have you heard about TRS? Read AValyn”s Story: https://deeprootsathome.com/avalyns-story-how-trs-a-safe-heavy-metal-detox-can-help-you-and-your-child/
Then read how TRS works: https://deeprootsathome.com/surprise-giveaway-trs-a-safe-heavy-metals-detox-giveaway-for-3/
Let me know if you want an invite to the closed TRS FB group, and i can add you!
Blessings, J
Michele Gula
If you are looking for a replacement for allergies using Benadryl, I found huge success using dōTERRA’s combo of Lemon, Lavender & Peppermint. If you are using for Sleep ? Then a blend Serenity would work much better.
Joy
It would seem to me that the immediate dangers of a severe allergic reaction to the sting would outweigh the risks down the road especially since you did not have an epi-pen on hand. Besides the fact, that this study appears to be talking about long term use of benedryl. My son is allergic to many stinging insects and I will gladly give him benedryl along with his epi-pen to save his life in the moment that he is in serious danger of dying. I think it is completely irresponsibly to recommend a course of treatment like this in a life threatening senario. If you were suggesting people use alternatives as a sleep aid or daily allergy relief that would be different. But, you are giving medical advice for an immediate life threatening situation. People die from bee sting allergies and food allergies very quickly when they are not treated properly. Please if you have a severe allergy follow the advice of your healthcare professional. This is dangerous advice.
Jacqueline
Hi, Joy!
In the post, it states that “BENADRYL IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR ANAPHYLAXIS
Mayo Clinic says Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), IS NOT sufficient to treat anaphylaxis. This medication can help relieve allergy symptoms, but works too slowly in a severe reaction. An Epi-Pen or its generic version is a must.” There is a link to verify that…
I hope you realize it may not do what you hope it will do.
AC
I’m a Paramedic and teach a class on Anaphylaxis. Epinephrine is the emergency drug for life-threatening emergencies. Not Benadryl. Benadryl only mediates the effects of the histamine. What Jacqueline said is correct. Use Benadryl if you must, but realize that’s not making an immediate life-or-death difference.
Jacqueline
Thank you AC!! I appreciate that validation!
Blessings! ~j
GenaT
When I had been in the Army, admittedly over 50 years ago, when I had had severe allergic reactions, and went to the ER, I was given both the injection of Epinephrine AND Benadryl. Is that just an outdated protocol?
I was once given IV Benadryl, and felt like I was dying. The folks at Ft Sam ER had to put me in their observation unit. I had immediately collapsed. Will never allow that again. Not really sure what had happened, but I was totally out of it, could not stand or walk or talk. Horrible horrible feeling. I was suffering from an overdose of iodine containing seafood. Had really pigged out on fried oysters, scallops and fried clams, had turned all red and couldn’t stop the itching and scratching.
Jacqueline
GenaT, I do not know about that protocol of both things at once! They certainly can vary with doctor and institution. I will email you! I may be able to help in some way!
Blessings, ~J
Tjawanna
Patient took 400mg benadryl daily for 2 years..was also on subutex, 16 mg daily for opioid withdrawal.. now after stopping benadryl 7 mo. Ago is having events of fast pulse, elevated bp..lasts about 30 minutes but pt feels really bad all of the time..he is giving up on finding an answer to what is happening to him….no luck with any drs. All tests and bloodwork is normal…please help!!
Jacqueline
Hi, Tjawanna, I am in Oregon with my daughter right now and have spotty, poor bandwidth. I plan to email you when I return home on the 4th! I will try to help you with some ideas! ~J
Jacqueline
Tjawanna, I am emailing you now!
Greer
I am 69yo and I take very little to no medication. I have taken Benadryl for bee stings since I’m a bee Guardian. not anymore. I have no health issues. Eat mostly plant foods Diet with very little meat. I do not take the flu shots any more. Last year I caught the flu two times back to back. The first flu experience ever in my lifetime. From time to time I will do the masterCleanser fast with great feeling results. I received a preferred Life Insurance rating. I don’t trust the medical And pharmaceutical establishment. My best friend is A malpractice lawyer with many examples of medical killings. My past marriage ended with her extreme med usage for depression. Doctors put her into the onset of adult respiratory distress syndrome. 59 days in a induced coma. She now lives alone with a full time care taker in a wheel chair.
Jacqueline
Hi, Greer! How sad about the damage that is being done to so many! Thank you for sharing your experiences and your perspective! I hope some will read and heed!
Blessings, Jacque
Chris
Thank you for this. Advice heeded.
But who takes 400mg of Benadryl per day?!? One dose is 25 mg right? In any case, I’m moving back to more natural remedies, even though allergies from bad air in the HVAC (yes, it’s been cleaned) are terrible. We are trying TRS, but hard to be consistent on it. Also bought “Allerplex” from Standard Process.
AC
Pharma sold us meds claiming they’re safe but they really aren’t? Who would’ve thought. What other products “necessary for our health” are they peddling. Unfortunately I’ve used Benadryl for years to deal with my insomnia issues. Melatonin only knocks me down initially but doesn’t keep me asleep like Benadryl has.
Jacqueline
AC, there is something else that can help you! Emailed you!
Beverly Carlisle
I really appreciate this information. As a Nurse Health Coach I see the misuse of Benadryl frequently.
Jacqueline
Beverly, I’m thankful maybe you cans teer patient/clients away from use of Benadryl! Thank you! ~J
Kate
Do you have a recommendation for an 8yo boy with severe environmental allergies. We currently do Zyrtec nightly, and supplement with Plant Therapy’s Sneezy Stop (diluted on his spine) or (sadly) Benadryl when he has a flair up. I would love a natural suggestion!
Jacqueline
Hi Kate,
This is Rebecca Jacqueline’s daughter. I’m helping her respond to her messages and comments since she’s recovering from a nasty case of the shingles. My mom would have some recommendations for you! I’m asking her now. I’ll email you!
Blessings,
Rebecca
ceecee
This is a good article. Thank you.
When I tried to use benadryl I felt like I was dying. My daughter who passed, was given this in the hospital and felt the same. My husband had some tests in hospital a few years ago and they routinely give this. Afterwards his nose would start to get very red and itchy, then he would have his either (cannot remember which one) his b/p or heart rate go very high. He felt awful and luckily one of the nurses knew what to do-use ice packs under his neck and on his wrists. She knew this because it happened to her. This releases histamine, if I remember correctly. We told them to put it on his record, to not use this again.
One of the best things that helps allergies for me is A/C or if you have an excellent air filter. I do not take meds for allergies, so this is very helpful to me, plus low inflammation foods and exercise.
Debbie
I was taking Boiron Histaminium for pollen allergies that affect my eyes. It worked well. The next morning I had an itchy rash in areas where you sweat, and part of my chest. I’ve not eaten or done anything different. Could this product have caused this? Right now I need relief, but don’t know what is safe to take.
Jacqueline
Hi, Debbie,
Well, you are my first. I have never had anyone I work with or in my family (in all these years) have an allergy or reaction to any homeopathic. All the websites and books I have studied from state that there are no know side-effects to homeopathy, but that said, when i searched “can you have an allergy to homeopathic product?”, this is what come up with:
Safety of Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies are generally considered safe.
They typically have minimal side effects compared to conventional medications. There are no drug interactions.
The risk of allergic reactions is low, but it is not entirely absent.
Conclusion
While allergies to homeopathic products can occur, they are relatively rare. If you suspect an allergy, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for guidance.”
And these may be helpful to read: https://chehomeopathy.com/histaminum-your-homeopathic-ally-for-hay-fever/ and
https://www.healthinhand.org/active-ingredients/histaminum-hydrochloricum
So, I would just stop that product and it should fade away if that is the cause.
I am sorry that it happened to you, but it is good to know it can happen.
If you want to try a product for hives or a rash, the one I would choose would be sulfur, considered the king of skin complaints. https://amzn.to/3R4lPSr
Let me know if it isn’t gone in a day or so.
Sending peace,
Jacque
Debbie
Thank you, Jacque. Picking my brain here and thought of one other thing. A few days ago I started a new and organic body powder. It has only kaolin clay and slippery elm. I wonder if the slippery elm could do it? I will check in again letting you know what happens. Right now I am sprinkling a mix of baking soda and organic cornstarch on all the itchy areas and it has relieved a little bit.
Also, I am not getting the emails showing I had a reply from you. I used to, but it quit at some point. I have to come back on site and look for it.
Jacqueline
Hm..I’m sorry about that, Debbie, I have to to tell my web helper about it, but trying to keep costs down, so I may not get it fixed.. every little thing costs $$ today.
Baking soda and organic cornstarch is a great combo for rashes! Do let me know how you do with that itch! ~J
Debbie
Oh my! In reading the one link it says to take 1 30 cc pellet every 15 min. for one hour. Then one 3 times a day. The Boiron directions say to take 5 every 15 min for 1 hour, then again every hour till symptoms are gone. So I had 25 pellets in 1 hour! Why would the directions say that! I feel like writing the company and complaining.
Jacqueline
Debbie, I am not tracking with you.. what is the link you are referring to? Sulphur? Different brands may have different directions… Is that what you mean?
I need more specifics. When something is acute, often we might recommend to take 3 pellets every 15 minutes (4 times) in an hour (that would be 12 pellets), and then one would taper down to 3 pellets every hour, then 2-3 times a day…. that would be for something like shock or a bladder infection. It is possible that itching is so acute in certain instances that it would be recommended, but most itching is not acute..
If they say that on the label, it is the protocol. ~J
Debbie
The info that I read where you are only to take one every 15 minutes is in the first link you sent me in your first answer to me. It’s about histaminium, and when you scroll down, it tells you how to take it.
Right now, I am using a generic Claritin to take away the itching and the rash. But I’ve only had one tablet so far, and it’s done nothing yet. I am miserable.
Jacqueline
Debbie, I have no idea what is causing the original itching. I seriously doubt it was homeopathic histaminum, but whatever the cause, I am praying it stops very soon.
Be careful with Claritin (loratadine):
Applies to loratadine: oral capsule, oral syrup, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet disintegrating.
General adverse events
The most commonly reported side effects included headache, somnolence nervousness, and fatigue.[Ref]
Nervous system
Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 12%)
Common: Sedation/somnolence
Very rare: Dizziness, convulsion
Frequency not reported: Syncope, paresthesia[Ref]
Psychiatric
Common: Nervousness
Uncommon: Insomnia
Frequency not reported: Depression, paranoia [Ref]
Other
Common: Fatigue
Frequency not reported: Fever, viral infection, tinnitus, malaise[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Common: Dry mouth
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Nausea, gastritis
Frequency not reported: Dyspepsia, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal/gastric pain, altered taste, increased saliva[Ref]
Metabolic
Uncommon: Increased appetite[Ref]
Dermatologic
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Angioedema, rash, alopecia (widespread hair loss)
Frequency not reported: Pruritus (itching), rash on face[Ref] Source: https://www.drugs.com/sfx/claritin-side-effects.html
I am concerned about Claritin’s side-effects, so stinging nettles tincture is what I used to make and take before I went to homeopathy because of it’s reputation for almost no side-effects: https://deeprootsathome.com/stinging-nettles-for-allergies-hay-fever-arthritis-diy-tincture-recipe/
Sending peace,
Jacque
Debbie
Thank you. I don’t want to take it, but feel like I could go crazy. The only other thing new to me is a body powder with slippery elm. I have taken slippery elm internally with no issue.i will look into the stinging nettle. Thank you so much.
Jacqueline
Debbie, is there anything else besides slippery elm in the body powder? If you send me the link here, I can look at it.. J
Debbie
Sorry it has taking me a while to get back to you. Have a granddaughter graduating from college and we needed to be there, itching or not.
Here are the ingredients listed on the bottle: arrowroot, bentonite clay, slippery Elm powder. And that’s it. The rash is not improved much at all. I am still itchy. I soothe that with some almond oil and body powder that I made with organic cornstarch and baking soda.
About three weeks before the rash happened, I started taking green lipped muscle for aches and pains, and it works very well. Since I was on it for at least three weeks I can’t believe it’s what caused the rash. And I do not have a shellfish allergy.
Jacqueline
No, worries, Debbie! it is so odd! I’ll continue to lift you up! ~J