The hazards of drinking and driving are well-known. But what about taking non-prescription allergy medications--and driving.
That also could be dangerous, according to specialists who warn that the over-the-counter allergy medications can cause reactions similar to those associated with alcohol.This is important information to the more than 40 million Americans who suffer from hay fever or some form of allergy. Nine million of those experience the allergic symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, itching and watery eyes practically year-round.
As a result, more than $500 million is spent each year on allergy treatment and medication. Antihistamines are the most common medication, and a variety of non-prescription preparations can be bought over-the-counter. While the medications may be effective in treating the allergy, they can cause side effects.
Drowsiness is a common side effect especially when people first start taking the medications. But after a few days, most develop a tolerance to the drugs, said C. Neil Jensen, executive director, Utah Pharamceutical Association.
The severity of the reaction depends on the individual.
Yet, a study conducted by the Gallup Organization last fall shows that many people are unaware of the risks and are ignoring the warning labels.
The survey revealed that 61 percent of those who take allergy medications that warn against driving say they still drive.
The danger is this:
When an allergen is inhaled, histamine is released and interacts with the receptors on the blood vessels and tissues in the nose to cause allergic symptoms. Antihistamines interact with the receptors, blocking the histamine release and preventing symptoms from occuring.
Most antihistamines also block normal histamine reactions in the brain, which causes a variety of side-effects, such as impaired reaction time, impaired coordination, and drowsiness.
Patients often complain that the remedies make them feel drugged, foggy or dazed. People taking other non-prescription allergy products suffer from nervousness, excitability and even insomnia.
Dipenhydramine, the main ingredient in some non-prescription allergy relief medications, is also the active ingredient in common sleeping medications.
Jensen emphasized that the combination of alcohol and antihistamines can result in greater impairment than that produced by either drug alone.
In fact, in a recent Buffalo University study, subjects given a combination of alcohol and diphenhydramine made more errors in tracking, detecting peripheral signals, and in tracking and reaction time than subjects who received one of the two substances.
The skill of tracking and detecting peripheral signals were studied because they are important in driving.
Many people assume that if those medications are sold without a prescription, they must be safe.
But Jensen warns people about being so nonchalant.
Because a pharmicist is not there emphasizing the possible side-effects, consumers, he said, need assume more responsibility for themselves.
"People need to read the warning labels on any medication and follow the instructions," he said. *****
(Additional information)
Medicine alert
Before treating your allergies, read and heed package warnings on over-the-counter medication.
- Diphenhydramine in medications can cause sedation
- Decongestants can cause excitation
- Driving skills can be impaired