Exercise and Antihistamines

Many people have environmental allergies and take antihistamines.  While it is more common for people to take the newer generation of antihistamines, like Claritin (loratadine), Zyrtec (certirizine), Allegra (fexofenadine), and Clarinex (desloratadine) which have fewer side effects, these might still cause problems with sedation.  For people taking the older antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Chlortrimeton (chlorpheniramine), the sedation is more common.  If you are feeling groggy, you’ll put less into your exercise and get less out of it.  Furthermore, side effects with antihistamines tend to increase as you get older.  So, if you are taking an antihistamine, be aware of how it affects you when you exercise and consider switching treatments.

Remember: before starting an exercise program, talk with your doctor first.