Allergy Medication: Side Effects

Allergy Medication Side Effects

Low Libido

Lost that lovin' feelin'? Any allergy medicine that has a depressive effect can decrease your sex drive, says Sheikh. Of course, the allergy itself could be so severe that it robs you of your desire to have sex but if you suspect that your low libido is result of your allergy medicine, you should talk with your doctor.

Increased Appetite

Though there may be many reasons why you can't keep your hands out of that box of cookies, taking medicines with antihistamines can stimulate your appetite. If you're taking these medications regularly or over the long term, you may have noticeable weight gain.

Depression

Feeling unusually sad? A lesser-known side effect of some allergy drugs with antihistaminesis depression. The sedative in these medicines can exacerbate existing depression or aggravate underlying depression, Sheikh says. If you're prone to the illness talk with your doctor about allergy treatments that won't affect your mood.

Anxiety

If you feel a little amped up from your allergy treatment, pseudoephedrine might be to blame. This class of medication has an effect similar to drinking several cups of coffee, Sheikh says. The stimulant properties of these medicines give some people heart palpitations, insomnia and anxiety. If you're prone to panic attacks, these types of drugs will only worsen your condition.

Altered Taste and Smell

If you've noticed your favorite foods have lost their flavor, the problem might not be your taste buds. The preservatives and fragrances added to some prescription nasal sprays can sometimes change your sense of taste and smell. You might notice things just don't smell the same or as sharp or food is bland. Adding insult to injury, these additives can also increase your symptoms as you may be allergic to them. There are several sprays that don't contain fragrances or preservatives, so check with your doctor.

Long-Term Health Issues

People with skin allergies often find relief from topical steroid creams. But some prescription creams can be quite strong. The stronger the steroid, the more parts of the body it's used on, and the longer it is used can lead to illnesses associated with long-term steroid use including decreased growth rate in kids, increased chance of developing cataracts, osteoporosis and diabetes.

Infertility in Women

Though there are no studies to confirm the connection, some fertility specialists believe that the drying of mucous membranes caused by some allergy drugs could lead to infertility in women. Until there is conclusive evidence, seek the advice of your doctor.

Impairment of Thinking

The same antihistamine in allergy medicines that cause drowsiness and sedation can also be responsible for some cognitive impairment. You may notice that you feel sluggish, slow or not as mentally sharp as usual; your kids may have trouble functioning in school. Some people may experience difficulty driving as a result, so think twice about getting behind the wheel if you're taking a drug that causes drowsiness.