Episode
#151 - What Allergists Think About Antihistamines
- Published
- Apr 4, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1101
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Summary
If you have ever taken an antihistamine labeled "non-drowsy" and still ended up foggy and tired, you are not imagining it. Allergists have a lot to say about that label and about the foggy feeling that comes with allergy season in general. In part two of our live recordings from the AAAAI conference in Philadelphia, Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta talk to allergists from across the US about what they actually think about antihistamines. What we cover in this episode about antihistamines: Non-drowsy does not mean the same thing for every antihistamine. Zyrtec, Claritin, and Allegra are all labeled non-drowsy, but some are more likely to make you sleepy than others. Why allergists have moved away from Benadryl. First-generation antihistamines cross into the brain more easily, causing drowsiness and a range of other side effects that are far less common with newer antihistamines. The foggy feeling might not be your medication. Congestion from untreated allergies disrupts your sleep, and poor sleep creates its own fog. Sometimes it is the disease, not the drug. Timing your antihistamine makes a real difference. Taking it before you head out gives it the best chance to work. And if it makes you drowsy, switching to a nighttime dose is a simple fix. Not all second-generation antihistamines are approved for pilots. Fexofenadine has the lowest penetration into the brain of any antihistamine tested, which is why the FAA cleared it as the only option pilots can take while flying. Second-generation antihistamines (non-sedating or minimally sedating) Cetirizine — Zyrtec Loratadine — Claritin, Alavert Fexofenadine — Allegra Levocetirizine — Xyzal Desloratadine — Clarinex (prescription only) First-generation antihistamines (sedating) Diphenhydramine — Benadryl, ZzzQuil, Unisom Chlorphen…