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==Introduction== | ==Introduction== | ||
− | This article provides clinical information about | + | This article provides clinical information about first-generation antihistamines commonly used in psychiatry, '''diphenhydramine (Benadryl)''' and '''hydroxyzine (Vistaril)''', '''cyproheptadine''' and doxylamine (Diclegis). This article does not cover allergy-related and antiemetic properties of antihistamines. |
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
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* Benadryl is '''generally safe in pregnancy''' (Category B), but is excreted in breast milk. | * Benadryl is '''generally safe in pregnancy''' (Category B), but is excreted in breast milk. | ||
* It can prolong QTc interval in large doses or in combination with other QTc-prolonging medications. | * It can prolong QTc interval in large doses or in combination with other QTc-prolonging medications. | ||
− | * It is possible to be allergic to Benadryl | + | * It is possible to be allergic to Benadryl; Benadryl can also worsen '''restless leg syndrome''' |
==Hydroxyzine (Vistaril, Atarax) == | ==Hydroxyzine (Vistaril, Atarax) == | ||
*Vistaril is another first generation antihistamine commonly used in psychiatry. It is just as sedating as Benadryl (if not more), but has fewer anti-cholinergic effects. It '''should not''' be used for treating EPS or dystonic reactions of anti-psychotics. | *Vistaril is another first generation antihistamine commonly used in psychiatry. It is just as sedating as Benadryl (if not more), but has fewer anti-cholinergic effects. It '''should not''' be used for treating EPS or dystonic reactions of anti-psychotics. | ||
* Just like Benadryl, it is widely used in child psychiatry for sleep and as PRN in behavioral emergencies. | * Just like Benadryl, it is widely used in child psychiatry for sleep and as PRN in behavioral emergencies. | ||
− | * | + | * Vistaril acts on 5-HT2a receptor which justifies its clinical use in generalized anxiety disorder. This is supported by at least one RCT. (2) |
− | ** A REVIEW [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC446220]: 5HT-2a is a '''post-synaptic serotonin receptor''' (do not confuse with 5-HTT, a pre-synaptic serotonin transporter, the primary target of SSRIs); '''blockade of 5HT-2a''' is an important property of second-generation antipsychotics, Vistaril, Remeron and Trazadone. SSRIs have a long-term effect on 5-HT-2a receptor. Hallucinogen '''LSD''' is a 5HT-2A agonist. | + | ** A REVIEW [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC446220]: 5HT-2a is a '''post-synaptic serotonin receptor''' (do not confuse with 5-HTT, a pre-synaptic serotonin transporter, the primary target of SSRIs); '''blockade of 5HT-2a''' is an important property of second-generation antipsychotics, Vistaril, Remeron, and Trazadone. SSRIs have a long-term effect on 5-HT-2a receptor. Hallucinogen '''LSD''' is a 5HT-2A agonist. |
+ | |||
+ | ==Cyproheptadine== | ||
+ | Cyproheptadine is a first generation antihistamine with considerable '''antiserotonergic''' properties. | ||
+ | Cyproheptadine is used for: | ||
+ | * treatment of nightmares including nightmares related to PTSD. | ||
+ | * management of moderate to severe cases of serotonin syndrome | ||
+ | * SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction | ||
+ | * drug-induced hyperhidrosis | ||
+ | * prevention of pediatric migraines | ||
+ | * [[Anorexia Nervosa|anorexia nervosa]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Doxylamine== | ||
+ | Doxylamine is another old first-generation antihistamine; it's relevant here, because doxylamine is believed to be a better alternative to Benadryl in pregnant women as a sleep aid. | ||
+ | * it still has potent anti-cholinergic effects as thus can cause dry mouth, ataxia, urinary retention, and drowsiness. | ||
+ | * '''Diclegis''' (doxylamine + Vitamin B6, extended release preparation) was recently approved by the FDA to treat pregnant women experiencing nausea and vomiting or '''morning sickness''' (Pregnancy Category A) | ||
== Black Belt facts == | == Black Belt facts == | ||
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** This also means that Benadryl can contribute to a serotonin toxicity, particularly when combined with other serotonergic drugs. | ** This also means that Benadryl can contribute to a serotonin toxicity, particularly when combined with other serotonergic drugs. | ||
* Most antihistamines undergo hepatic metabolism; one of Vistaril's metabolites is '''cetirizine''', a second-generation antihistamine. Cetirizine is excreted in urine. | * Most antihistamines undergo hepatic metabolism; one of Vistaril's metabolites is '''cetirizine''', a second-generation antihistamine. Cetirizine is excreted in urine. | ||
− | * | + | * Vistaril is a pamoate salt of hydroxyzine, while Atarax is a hydrochloride salt of hydroxyzine. This difference in preparations has no clinical significance. |
==References== | ==References== | ||
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[[Category: Medications]] | [[Category: Medications]] | ||
+ | {{completeness}} |
Latest revision as of 12:55, 2 October 2016
Contents
Introduction
This article provides clinical information about first-generation antihistamines commonly used in psychiatry, diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and hydroxyzine (Vistaril), cyproheptadine and doxylamine (Diclegis). This article does not cover allergy-related and antiemetic properties of antihistamines.
Background
All medications designated as antihistamines are strong antagonists or inverse agonist at the peripheral and central histamine receptors.
- Blockade or the inverse agonism of the peripheral H-1 receptor alleviates allergy symtptoms.
- Blockade or inverse agonism of the central H-1 receptor increases sedation.
- Second-generation antihistamines do not cross the blood-brain barrier, and thus are not sedating, do not diminish anxiety or act as anti-emetics.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine; in addition to blocking H-1 receptors, it is a potent anti-cholinergic drug (blocks muscarinic receptors) and therefore can be used to mitigate extrapyramidal effects of antipsychotics, and has a role in treatment of Parkinson's disease. As noted above, it crosses the blood-brain barrier, and thus quite sedating
- Its use is generally avoided in the elderly due to significant sedation (risk of falls) and potential for anti-cholinergic toxicity (dry mouth, tachycardia, urinary retention, and delirium)
- Benadryl is frequently used in inpatient child psychiatry as a PRN medication (PO or IM) for its sedating properties.
- Benadryl is generally safe in pregnancy (Category B), but is excreted in breast milk.
- It can prolong QTc interval in large doses or in combination with other QTc-prolonging medications.
- It is possible to be allergic to Benadryl; Benadryl can also worsen restless leg syndrome
Hydroxyzine (Vistaril, Atarax)
- Vistaril is another first generation antihistamine commonly used in psychiatry. It is just as sedating as Benadryl (if not more), but has fewer anti-cholinergic effects. It should not be used for treating EPS or dystonic reactions of anti-psychotics.
- Just like Benadryl, it is widely used in child psychiatry for sleep and as PRN in behavioral emergencies.
- Vistaril acts on 5-HT2a receptor which justifies its clinical use in generalized anxiety disorder. This is supported by at least one RCT. (2)
- A REVIEW [1]: 5HT-2a is a post-synaptic serotonin receptor (do not confuse with 5-HTT, a pre-synaptic serotonin transporter, the primary target of SSRIs); blockade of 5HT-2a is an important property of second-generation antipsychotics, Vistaril, Remeron, and Trazadone. SSRIs have a long-term effect on 5-HT-2a receptor. Hallucinogen LSD is a 5HT-2A agonist.
Cyproheptadine
Cyproheptadine is a first generation antihistamine with considerable antiserotonergic properties. Cyproheptadine is used for:
- treatment of nightmares including nightmares related to PTSD.
- management of moderate to severe cases of serotonin syndrome
- SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction
- drug-induced hyperhidrosis
- prevention of pediatric migraines
- anorexia nervosa
Doxylamine
Doxylamine is another old first-generation antihistamine; it's relevant here, because doxylamine is believed to be a better alternative to Benadryl in pregnant women as a sleep aid.
- it still has potent anti-cholinergic effects as thus can cause dry mouth, ataxia, urinary retention, and drowsiness.
- Diclegis (doxylamine + Vitamin B6, extended release preparation) was recently approved by the FDA to treat pregnant women experiencing nausea and vomiting or morning sickness (Pregnancy Category A)
Black Belt facts
- Benadryl was discovered and FDA-approved in 1940s; in 1960s it was discovered that Benadryl inhibits serotonin reuptake (i.e. blocks the serotonin transporter, 5-HTT). This eventually led to discovery of Prozac, the first SSRI.
- This also means that Benadryl can contribute to a serotonin toxicity, particularly when combined with other serotonergic drugs.
- Most antihistamines undergo hepatic metabolism; one of Vistaril's metabolites is cetirizine, a second-generation antihistamine. Cetirizine is excreted in urine.
- Vistaril is a pamoate salt of hydroxyzine, while Atarax is a hydrochloride salt of hydroxyzine. This difference in preparations has no clinical significance.
References
1. Pau Celada, M. Victoria Puig, et.al. The therapeutic role of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors in depression J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2004 Jul; 29(4): 252–265.
2. Llorca PM; Spadone C; Sol O et al. Efficacy and safety of hydroxyzine in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: a 3-month double-blind study. J Clin Psychiatry 2002, 63 (11): 1020–7. doi:10.4088/JCP.v63n1112. PMID 12444816
3. Kubo N, Shirakawa O, Kuno T, et al. Antimuscarinic effects of antihistamines: quantitative evaluation by receptor-binding assay. Jpn J Pharmacol. 1987;43:277-282 </br>
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