Hydroxyzine and Promethazine

[emmablondevoyage]

I have some questions about these two anti-histamines Hydroxyzine and Promethazine, which can be used for sleep, anxiety, allergies, MCAS etc

Do you know why the anti histamine promethazine is available over the counter (in UK) but the antihistamine hydroxyzine isn’t?

Why is this? What is the difference between the two? Do you know?

How do they work to reduce anxiety? What is the mechanism of action of them? Do you know?

Can these two anti-histamines be used interchangeably? Do you know? thank you!

 

[heapsreal]

I have some questions about these two anti-histamines Hydroxyzine and Promethazine, which can be used for sleep, anxiety, allergies, MCAS etc

Do you know why the anti histamine promethazine is available over the counter (in UK) but the antihistamine hydroxyzine isn’t?

Why is this? What is the difference between the two? Do you know?

How do they work to reduce anxiety? What is the mechanism of action of them? Do you know?

Can these two anti-histamines be used interchangeably? Do you know? thank you!

I use both and rotate between them in my sleep stack. Personally I still need a benzo to get me to sleep but antihistamines help me sleep longer.
I don't find much of a difference between the 2 in dosing or affects. It's just the blocking of histamine that makes them sedating.
Antihistamines are also useful for migraine type headaches and for nausea and motion sickness.

 

[emmablondevoyage]

Thank you that's very helpful!

I have noticed more dry mouth, dry eyes, sore throat with the promethazine compared to the hydroxyzine. I think it's because promethazine has more anticholinergic effects than hydroxyzine.

How come you alternate between the two and not just use one?

 

[heapsreal]

Thank you that's very helpful!

I have noticed more dry mouth, dry eyes, sore throat with the promethazine compared to the hydroxyzine. I think it's because promethazine has more anticholinergic effects than hydroxyzine.

How come you alternate between the two and not just use one?

I alternate between about 4 different antihistamines. I do this to avoid tolerance from their sedating effects.

 

[emmablondevoyage]

thanks for explaining! which other ones do you use?

 

[heapsreal]

thanks for explaining! which other ones do you use?

Doxylamine which is commonly found in many otc sleep aids. Diphenhydramine also a common sleep aid. Periactin, which I don't use as much but it's commonly used for migraines and nausea.

You may know this, but commonly prescribed sedating antidepressants used for sleep, work through their antihistamine effects. Doxepin and Amitriptyline are the common sedating antidepressants.

 

[Beatrice12849]

Doxylamine which is commonly found in many otc sleep aids. Diphenhydramine also a common sleep aid. Periactin, which I don't use as much but it's commonly used for migraines and nausea.

You may know this, but commonly prescribed sedating antidepressants used for sleep, work through their antihistamine effects. Doxepin and Amitriptyline are the common sedating antidepressants.

I agree that antihistamines can be effective for sleep. Doxylamine and diphenhydramine are popular, but it’s also worth considering doxepin and amitriptyline if other methods fail.
Remember, everyone reacts differently to medications, so it’s good to consult with a doctor before changing your treatment.

Greetings, Beatrice