Do antihistamines make you drowsy?

Older active substances significantly so, modern preparations from newer generations only rarely. If you do become drowsy, there is usually a well-tolerated alternative — raise it with your practice or pharmacy.

May I drive a car while taking them?

With modern, non-drowsy preparations, driving is generally possible. However, especially at the beginning, observe how you react individually, and refrain from driving if you feel dazed.

How quickly do antihistamines work?

Tablets usually work within one hour, eye drops and nasal sprays often even faster. With urticaria, it may take some time for the hives to subside completely.

Can I take antihistamines for months?

For persistent allergies or chronic urticaria, longer-term use of modern preparations for months is fundamentally possible and common — sensibly under medical supervision, so that the underlying cause is not lost from view.

What if the antihistamine is not sufficient?

In that case the allergy should be examined more closely. Depending on the findings, other treatments may be considered, such as corticosteroid nasal sprays or desensitisation treatment, which tackles the allergy at its root.

Antihistamines — Procedure, Preparation & Cost

Antihistamines block the action of histamine — the messenger substance that triggers itching, sneezing, watery eyes and hives during allergic reactions. They are among the most important medications for hay fever, urticaria and other allergies, and are available as tablets, nasal sprays, eye drops or gels. Modern preparations cause significantly less drowsiness than older active substances.

Typical Areas of Use

Hay fever and pollen allergy
Urticaria (hives)
Allergic conjunctivitis
Itching associated with allergic skin reactions
Reactions to insect stings
House dust mite and animal hair allergy

How It Works

1Your doctor will discuss when and where your symptoms occur, thereby determining whether an allergy is the underlying cause — if necessary supplemented by an allergy test.
2Depending on the pattern of symptoms, she will recommend the appropriate form: tablets for widespread symptoms, nasal spray or eye drops for locally confined symptoms.
3For seasonal allergies, you will discuss whether taking the medication only as needed or regularly throughout the pollen season makes sense.
4If the effect is insufficient or symptoms keep recurring, your doctor will consider further steps — such as desensitisation treatment for the trigger.

How to Prepare

Note in which situations and at what time of year your symptoms occur.
Mention your other medications as well as any pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Before a planned allergy test, only discontinue antihistamines after consultation — they can distort the test result.

Side Effects & Risks

Drowsiness is the best-known side effect — rare with modern active substances, more pronounced with older ones.
Dry mouth, headaches or mild gastrointestinal problems are possible.
In combination with alcohol or sedatives, the dampening effect may be intensified.
In cases of impaired kidney or liver function and in small children, the selection requires particular care from your doctor.

Afterwards — and When to Seek Help

Observe whether your symptoms subside sufficiently. Contact your practice if the effect is not adequate, if the urticaria persists for longer than a few weeks or keeps recurring — in that case a more detailed examination is worthwhile. Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, shortness of breath or circulatory problems following an insect sting or food contact constitute an emergency: in this case, immediately call the emergency services on 144.

Cost & Insurance

Antihistamines prescribed by a doctor from the specialist list are generally covered by basic insurance, minus the deductible and co-payment. Many preparations are also available over the counter — in that case you usually pay for them yourself. This is for guidance only without guarantee; if in doubt, ask your health insurer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do antihistamines make you drowsy?: Older active substances significantly so, modern preparations from newer generations only rarely. If you do become drowsy, there is usually a well-tolerated alternative — raise it with your practice or pharmacy.
May I drive a car while taking them?: With modern, non-drowsy preparations, driving is generally possible. However, especially at the beginning, observe how you react individually, and refrain from driving if you feel dazed.
How quickly do antihistamines work?: Tablets usually work within one hour, eye drops and nasal sprays often even faster. With urticaria, it may take some time for the hives to subside completely.
Can I take antihistamines for months?: For persistent allergies or chronic urticaria, longer-term use of modern preparations for months is fundamentally possible and common — sensibly under medical supervision, so that the underlying cause is not lost from view.
What if the antihistamine is not sufficient?: In that case the allergy should be examined more closely. Depending on the findings, other treatments may be considered, such as corticosteroid nasal sprays or desensitisation treatment, which tackles the allergy at its root.