Can Antihistamines Cause Weight Gain?

Posted on Aug 31st 2010 2:00PM by Kristen Seymour

woman blow nose Getty

If you use antihistamines and are carrying around a few extra pounds, one could be linked to the other, according to a recent study, reported Reuters.

Then again, they might not be related at all.

Basically, the study (carried out by researchers at Yale University) found that prescription antihistamine users were overweight or obese more often than their non-using peers. This does not necessarily mean that antihistamines cause weight gain, the researchers are quick to point out. The lead researcher told Reuters that allergies and asthma (which could cause someone to get a prescription for antihistamines) have also been linked to obesity, so this study is far from determining any cause-and-effect relationship.

What about you? Have you ever noticed a fluctuation in your weight when you're using antihistamines? Be sure to share your experience in the comments!

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Tags: allergies, antihistamines, asthma, obese, overweight, study, weight gain, yale university

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

lindaloo 8-31-2010 @ 6:00PM

Does allegra count as an antihistamine? I've taken it since 2001. I've also been taking singular for about a year and a half. I have a terrible time taking weight off despite hours of exercising. Only with extreme dieting added can I take maybe 5 lbs. off.

smilinggreenmom 9-03-2010 @ 5:40PM

I actually don't know that I have noticed this! I am always trying to boost my immunities with my Vidazorb probiotic and have not really had to take a lot of this lately. I will have to check next time I the sniffles.

Linda 9-04-2010 @ 8:07PM

No, never have gained weight taking these. Why are people always quick to blame meds on weight gain?

Audrey 9-04-2010 @ 8:41PM

I am a nurse , and I will put in my 2 cents. Drugs are drugs, you either gain weight or lose weight. gaining weight is mostly fluid . or you lose weight .drugs have fillers in them . taking drugs you either feel better or you feel worse. Be causous of what you take. like tylenol take one , if and hr. later not relieved take the second , take care of your body and your body will take care of you. be aware of what you taking and for what. always be aware.don't abuse your body . study yourself. * predisone will increase your weight. AKW

fun4life 9-04-2010 @ 11:47PM

I think this is excellent advice, thank you so much for stating perfectly to let people know to be cautious on whatever you take.

The nose knows 9-05-2010 @ 1:13AM

Audrey-what about the fact that a bunch of nasal sprays are steroid based? I know for a fact that my cortisol level went from 64 to 20 within 3.5 weeks of stopping Flounase. I have medical records and an Endo-to prove it.

Kent 9-04-2010 @ 8:38PM

This explains things. I've been overweight since since I started taking prescription anthistimines in the second grade, 40 years ago. Back then, it was Dimatane and Dimatapp. Later on, I went to En-Tex in the 80s, when the generation of antihistimines that didn't cause drowsinees came out.

I actually stopped taking prescription antitistimines in the mid 90s, since my allergist felt that he had done all that he could, which was quite considerable. Yet, the weight didn't disappear.

Jessi 9-04-2010 @ 8:55PM

Wow. You think you're overweight because of allergy medicine? It specifically says in the article that antihistamines do NOT equal weightgain. I find it funny that you quit taking allergy medicine and expect the weight to drop off. The entire source of allergies is DIET! If you eat crap you'll feel like crap! My entire family is overweight, depressed, alcoholic, and bi-polar back to when they didn't have paper to write on and I barely top 100 pounds, no mental issues, no allergies, I can drink but haven't gotten drunk since I was underage... and the only thing I do is only allow myself to have fast food once a month. The rest of the time it's pasta and shrimp, veggies, cheese... whatever I want. Just nothing processed. Blame Dimatapp all you want but you'll always be fat with that attitude. Don't blame it on something or someone else and do something about it!

Jessi 9-04-2010 @ 8:59PM

Because they're quick to blame weight gain on anything but themselves.

Kelly 9-04-2010 @ 9:37PM

I am with you Jessi. I have taken allergy meds for sometime, but am not overweight. I eat right and try to excercise when I can and that helps the allergies alot. Someone is always looking for an excuse, look into yourself first.....

blssdnhghlyfvrd1 9-04-2010 @ 10:08PM

I have been taking claritin for about a year, and have had a very difficult time keeping unwanted pounds off. I did not think to connect it to antihistimine, but I'll just work harder b/c the reactions are just too much.

blssdnhghlyfvrd1 9-04-2010 @ 10:13PM

Let me also add that I am not overweight, but I am just finding it more difficult to be free of the extra. I do take full responsibility for overeating and the lack of self control. Knowing there could be a link between antihistamine usage and weight gain has alerted me to searching for other means of alleviating my symptoms.

SKW 9-04-2010 @ 10:10PM

I would think any correlation would be that allergy and asthma sufferers, like me, are less likely to exercise outside due to the allergens in the air that no medicine can completely block.

blssdnhghlyfvrd1 9-04-2010 @ 10:17PM

I can agree with you because during early spring and fall I basically give up my walking regimen because my legs become inflamed from the pollen, dander,etc.

Patty 9-04-2010 @ 10:23PM

No, I haven't noticed weight gain and I've been on many different types of antihistamines almost continually over the years. What I have noticed though, is a puffiness that comes from fluid retention during allergy flare-ups.

PonyGirl 9-05-2010 @ 12:14AM

I take Allegra D. It makes me completely LOSE my appetite for about four hours. If anything, I have lost weight using it. Timed right, it's an appetite suppressant AND it causes me to lose extra water, so it's a diet plan for me....

Pam 9-04-2010 @ 10:38PM

Yes, the side effects of antihistimines can cause weight gain. Antihistimines can leave you feeling sleepy and tired. They can give you the "munchies" as well. Not all people suffer the same side effects. So, to say that antihitimes have not affected you simply means you are lucky. I do not "blame" my weight gain on antihistimes, but they have contributed to it. I would much rather deal with weight gain than suffer from the horrible effects of allergies.

crabby 9-04-2010 @ 11:13PM

What I have noticed is that certain OTC medications stimulate my appetite: benadryl....naprosyn..and a few others. Like an insatiable hunger. So I refuse to ingest those meds.

Amara 9-04-2010 @ 11:23PM

I took that survey about prescription drug problems. -Interesting. Look forward to getting my free booklet.

LenaeaDR 9-04-2010 @ 11:26PM

The extra couple pounds I have come from my love of bread, not from the allergy medication I take.

Please don't blame your weight issues on allergy medication. Blame yourself.

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