Zyrtec has cetirizine in it, and zyrtec is a very common and recommended antihistamine for us. I don't know anything about the different benedryl types, because I actually get a rash from benedryl (go figure!). That is very rare, though, and I have only met one other person who has the same reaction to benedryl as I do. Some think that what must be triggering me is an inactive ingredient, perhaps the dye. Some people take children's no dye liquid benedryl for that reason.

Can some of you Benedryl takers chime in here and give your opinion? I do know, Nick, that most people take Benedryl as needed and not as a daily med. Advice anyone?

In the US, Benadryl is the brand name for diphenhydramine.  I just looked up "acravistine" and it's a second-generation H1 like Zyrtec.  Should be safe!

I also use Benadryl as a "rescue" medication.  In those situations, it doesn't make me sleepy... it just helps me return to normal.  I've also started using it as my bedtime H1 and it DOES make me sleepy then  Hydroxyzine and doxepin work the same way.  Unlike second-generation H1s, they easily cross the blood-brain barrier.

Heather

Hi everyone! I thought this would be an ok thread to piggy back on! So here I am again! Not nessessarily in panic mode (as I usually am!) but more in question mode. I know I've been a broken record on this forum telling me story, so I won't do that, but I have a question....my body has been hit by many storms, all which come together forming a strange, vague gray area of symptoms (anxiety, urticaria, high insulin) leaving me sometimes wondering what's going on with me.
For the past couple of months I've been battling with anxiety and angioedema. I take my Zyrtec, Zantac and sometimes Allegra. But over the past few days, I've been using Benadryl, normal dose twice a day and it seems to help all my gray area symptoms(at least it has for a few days)
So my question, is it ok to take Benadryl everyday? It doesn't really make me drowsy. Thanks!

Thanks Joan! Should i try Chlorphiramine instead of Benadryl? I tried vistoril, but it completely spun me out and wired me. I've never tried a stint on Claritin. I'm wondering if that one would be good for me. I "think" the antihistamines that do break the blood brain barrier might be good for me. Not sure

With many allergies as well a problems with triggers, I find Benedryl (diphenhydramine) to be very effective in bringing an acute attack down quickly. It has kept me from having to use the Epi-Pen on numerous occasions.

As to what kind, I have to use ones without red dye as that causes oral itching and severe vomiting. Years ago, when I had an allergic reaction to something like insect bites, the only antihistamine in the house at the time was my child's liquid cherry flavored Benadryl, which had red dye in it. That produced the vomiting. I have since learned that smaller doses of red dye #40, like found in sugar sprinkled on cookies causes itching in the mouth. So I steer clear of all dyes, additives and preservative whenever possible.

I prefer to also have ones that are not combined with any other antihistamine or decongestant since already taking daily doses of antihistamines. Plus, I operate on the premise of less is better- less ingredients means less to worry about having problems with.
So, I use dye free, no extra meds added, diphenhydramine in either liquid or gel capsule.

The bottle of liquid is not always the easiest to carry with me, so the gel capsules are good to put in a pocket. When there has been no liquid to wash it down or with swelling in the throat, I have bitten the capsules and spit out the empty capsules. It doesn't have a pleasant flavor, but it does the job.