Hello all:)
I won't get too into my story as I've put it on here before, but long story short, I've been dealing with anxiety (both physical and mental) panic attacks, derealization (surreal feeling of walking around in a dream, detached feeling- very unnerving and scary) insomnia, constant vertigo and dizziness, severe brain fog (to the point where sometimes I feel I have dementia), confusion and disorientation, moments of irritability and feeling spun out, and intrusive racing thoughts (sometimes uncontrollable suicidal thoughts )  for nearly a year now. It's been horrible and scary. I want my life back. My husband wants his wife back, my son needs his mom back, my parents want their daughter back.

I've been all over the country looking for answers- including renown psychiatric facilities and the mayo clinic in Scottsdale. They just say it's anxiety and an inner ear vestibular dysfunction.

I have a diagnosis of autoimmune urticaria and loose diagnosis of MCAS. I have been taking Zyrtec, Zantac and Allegra since diagnosis 5 1/2 years ago.

I am wondering if the antihistamines COULD be part of my problem. Has anyone experienced any long term side effects from antihistamines? Is it possible to feel "ok" on antihistamines for 4 years and then suddenly get new side effects from them? (Although I Think it's fair to say that I have been dealing with more severe anxiety symptoms than I used to over the past 5 years)

My other thought is whether or not the is could be mast cell related and I either need more antihistamines, or need to try other medications. I have an appointment to see Dr. Afrin, but it's not until next June

I know this is a touchy subject as we need our antihistamines, but this past year has been truly unbearable and I'm looking for answers. I feel that there has to be an answer to all this, a missing puzzle piece,  I just need to find a doctor that is willing to help me figure it out.

Yesterday I forgot to take my antihistamines for the first time in a long time, which is what got me thinking about this. I did have an ok night last night- I was able to go to a movie with my husband and son which is a big deal for me these days- but did not sleep at all, mind was racing all night, and feel yucky and spun out this morning, but I'm sure missing just one dose is too soon to tell what the effects would be. Wondering if it would be worth trying to go without for a few days to see how I do.
Thanks for reading! Looking forward to any thoughts or experiences!

*** I did end up taking 1/2, 5 mg Zyrtec this morning and Zantac 150 this afternoon.
Also been doing some googling... Looks like Zantac can cause symptoms such as anxiety, dizziness and insomnia! Interesting...has anyone experienced this from Zantac?

Two more thoughts. Have you tried a mast cell stabilizer, such as Gastrocrom or Ketotifen?  If not, it might be worth testing them to see if one might help.  Try to take the name brand of Gastrocrom if you try it. I've found the generic to be less effective.

PJP123  I'm with you.  I've basically stopped my antihistamines because my memory problems were becoming worse.  I'm close to 65 years old, and I want my memory back before I go!  I still take 3 doses of the H2 blocker Ranitidine, though.

I have also been told I have autoimmune gut disease, but of unknown origin.  I, like you, feel I am in a downward spiral with no help in site. I'm assuming my problems are here to stay and that they are incompatible with life.  I am doing the best I can, but every day is a challenge since I have no idea when my "autoimmune gut problems" will bring me down. Basically, I feel cursed. I have cut out many foods, as I react to almost anything I eat, with one symptom or another. I am expected to act normally" and do what "normal people" do, but it is increasingly difficult.  Traveling is torture.  Making any plans to do anything brings on anxiety as to what problems I may encounter. I pray a lot.

Any medication I take just makes me much worse.  So, basically,  no medicinal intervention has helped me, and if it has, the side effects were not worth living with. I do not want dementia on top of everything else.

Just wanted to let you know that I understand your issues, and I pray that we all find relief.  God's peace to you. I usually do not frequent this forum anymore. I find more relief trying NOT to think of my problems.