Sqad ..

[Elina]

Can you tell me pese how Hydroxyzine tablets prescribed for anxiety & also described as an antihistamine differ from say Claritin & other brands you can buy over the counter? Do all antihistamines work for anxiety as well as treating allergies? Thanks!

[Elina]

'please'

[Sqad]

I am not a pharmacologist, so my explanation will be simple....for your benefit and for mine.

Claritin and the other over the counter anti-histamines work by suppressing the formation and effects of histamine which produced the allergic effects that we encounter...e.g runny nose, sneezing, hives etc etc
Any sedative or anti- anxiety effects are secondary.

Hydroxyzine acts in exactly the OPPOSITE way....it 's action is on the brain and main nerves to counteract anxiety. Any anti-histaminic effects are purely secondary.

Both of the above types can be used for their primary uses or their secondary effects.

I hope my explanation is clear.....;-)

[Elina]

Crystal sqad, thank you!