Why not just make them all non-drowsy…
In: 266
The “allergy medicine” you’re referring to is antihistamines, specifically drugs that block the H1 receptor.
The first H1 blockers developed (first-generation, like Benadryl) can cause drowsiness because they cross the blood-brain barrier. This was obviously a problem which is why newer drugs have been developed to avoid this side effect.
The newer drugs (second-generation, like Zyrtec and Claritin) do not cross the blood-brain barrier and thus do not cause drowsiness.
There are other histamine receptors too, not all of which are implicated in allergies. For example H2 receptors play a role in stomach acid production, thus the drugs that block H2 receptors (like Pepcid) are used to treat reflux / heartburn. So not all antihistamines are used for allergies.
The “allergy medicine” you’re referring to is antihistamines, specifically drugs that block the H1 receptor.
The first H1 blockers developed (first-generation, like Benadryl) can cause drowsiness because they cross the blood-brain barrier. This was obviously a problem which is why newer drugs have been developed to avoid this side effect.
The newer drugs (second-generation, like Zyrtec and Claritin) do not cross the blood-brain barrier and thus do not cause drowsiness.
There are other histamine receptors too, not all of which are implicated in allergies. For example H2 receptors play a role in stomach acid production, thus the drugs that block H2 receptors (like Pepcid) are used to treat reflux / heartburn. So not all antihistamines are used for allergies.
Sometimes when I’m really unwell with a cold or something, i need a sleep aid. A medication that relieves symptoms but also lets the transmitters in my brain that tells me to sleep are necessary. Other times I haha to do things like parent or drive so I need something that blocks those transmitters and doesn’t make me sleepy. So I choose the drowsy or non drowsy depending on my situation and what I need to do that day. Sleep is very healing for a sick person and sometimes when we are sick we need something that helps us get the right level
Of sleep or a day time nap we couldn’t otherwise get.
Sometimes when I’m really unwell with a cold or something, i need a sleep aid. A medication that relieves symptoms but also lets the transmitters in my brain that tells me to sleep are necessary. Other times I haha to do things like parent or drive so I need something that blocks those transmitters and doesn’t make me sleepy. So I choose the drowsy or non drowsy depending on my situation and what I need to do that day. Sleep is very healing for a sick person and sometimes when we are sick we need something that helps us get the right level
Of sleep or a day time nap we couldn’t otherwise get.
[removed]
[removed]
Well it depends on what you’re taking it for. Are you taking it to sleep better or to get through the day? There’s a market for both
Well it depends on what you’re taking it for. Are you taking it to sleep better or to get through the day? There’s a market for both
I imagine because when you’re sick, you’re also often having issues going to sleep, so there will be times when you need to feel clear headed and able to work, and times when you’re just wanting it all to fade away into black for a bit.
I imagine because when you’re sick, you’re also often having issues going to sleep, so there will be times when you need to feel clear headed and able to work, and times when you’re just wanting it all to fade away into black for a bit.
Latest Answers