Thanks in advance for clarification.Antihistamines cause flares, don't they?
-
handyman
Antihistamines cause flares, don't they?
I have some confusion in "our protocol "it talks of staying away from some brand name antihistamines. Yet posters including webmaster list antihistamines, as occasional treatment for flare ups. What kind or brands of products do you suggest. Hope it is a sensible Thanks in advance for clarification.
Thanks in advance for clarification.-
J Dimitrakov
- Urologist
- Posts: 326
- Joined: Wed Oct 30, 2002 4:59 pm
- Location: Boston, MA
Your question makes sense. Antihistamines (mainly hydroxyzine (Atarax, Neurolax) have been the mainstay of IC therapy because of their protective effects in mast cells. The available efficacy and safety data is based on IC studies in women where antihistamines do not have the negative effect of increasing bladder outlet pressure. In men, they can make an underlying urinary obstruction worse. Hence, they are not usually recommended in men with obstructive symptoms (CPPS/ prostatitis, BPH). All patients that are thinking of trying antihistamines must, of course, consult with their doctor BEFORE starting antihistamines!
This communication provides general information, and is not a substitute for face-to-face medical care. A doctor-patient relationship should not be assumed by the reader.
Jordan Dimitrakov, M.D., Ph.D.
Jordan Dimitrakov, M.D., Ph.D.
-
webslave
- Maintenance
- Posts: 11429
- Joined: Wed Oct 30, 2002 3:18 pm
- Location: Please give your location so we can help better
- Contact:
Jill Osborne, owner of an IC site for women, credits hydroxyzine with her recovery from extreme IC ill health.
Just a note: for the first few days that I took hydroxyzine I had a slight increased pressure/discomfort feeling in the bladder/prostate area, but this was controlled with an alpha blocker (Hytrin or Flomax). IMO you must start from a low dose (10mg - 25mg at night), and I don't recommend more than 50mg a day (I take 25mg a day). Newer antihistamines are not as bad for the prostate, but still have some effect.
Just a note: for the first few days that I took hydroxyzine I had a slight increased pressure/discomfort feeling in the bladder/prostate area, but this was controlled with an alpha blocker (Hytrin or Flomax). IMO you must start from a low dose (10mg - 25mg at night), and I don't recommend more than 50mg a day (I take 25mg a day). Newer antihistamines are not as bad for the prostate, but still have some effect.
Last edited by webslave on Thu Mar 13, 2003 10:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.
| HAS THIS SITE HELPED YOU? Say Thanks by donating. Keep the Forum alive on the Internet! PayPal link at end of page ↓ Contact me at support at ucpps.men |  |
Judging by all the good things being said, I think Hydroxyzine et al just moved to the top of the CP/CPPS/IC sufferers wish list!!! 
Richard
Age: 39. | Onset Age: 30. Onset Date: January 2002. Symptoms (back then): Supra-pubic pain, back pain, urinary frequency, urgency and difficulty, weak stream, nocturia, (and variously) chronic fatigue, IBS. Current symptoms: more frequent than normal, but pretty much under control. Current amelioration: Xatral 10mg, Mirtazapine 30mg. | Worsened By: Stress, binge drinking, strained bowel movements, bloating, sitting on hard surfaces, jogging, and regularly - THE WINTER!
I'm not a medical expert. My comment is opinion. See your medical professional.
Age: 39. | Onset Age: 30. Onset Date: January 2002. Symptoms (back then): Supra-pubic pain, back pain, urinary frequency, urgency and difficulty, weak stream, nocturia, (and variously) chronic fatigue, IBS. Current symptoms: more frequent than normal, but pretty much under control. Current amelioration: Xatral 10mg, Mirtazapine 30mg. | Worsened By: Stress, binge drinking, strained bowel movements, bloating, sitting on hard surfaces, jogging, and regularly - THE WINTER!
I'm not a medical expert. My comment is opinion. See your medical professional.
Yeah - I gave Hydroxyzine a quick go myself. If I don't keep up with the Elavil I'll probably give it another try in the future.
Richard
Age: 39. | Onset Age: 30. Onset Date: January 2002. Symptoms (back then): Supra-pubic pain, back pain, urinary frequency, urgency and difficulty, weak stream, nocturia, (and variously) chronic fatigue, IBS. Current symptoms: more frequent than normal, but pretty much under control. Current amelioration: Xatral 10mg, Mirtazapine 30mg. | Worsened By: Stress, binge drinking, strained bowel movements, bloating, sitting on hard surfaces, jogging, and regularly - THE WINTER!
I'm not a medical expert. My comment is opinion. See your medical professional.
Age: 39. | Onset Age: 30. Onset Date: January 2002. Symptoms (back then): Supra-pubic pain, back pain, urinary frequency, urgency and difficulty, weak stream, nocturia, (and variously) chronic fatigue, IBS. Current symptoms: more frequent than normal, but pretty much under control. Current amelioration: Xatral 10mg, Mirtazapine 30mg. | Worsened By: Stress, binge drinking, strained bowel movements, bloating, sitting on hard surfaces, jogging, and regularly - THE WINTER!
I'm not a medical expert. My comment is opinion. See your medical professional.