Doxepin!

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janewhite1

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Here's a shout-out to Doxepin. I finally got a script for it Monday. Unfortunately, I had to test it immediately, because my last allergy shot caused most of my upper arm to swell up.

Fortunately, the Doxepin made a huge difference in the swelling with one dose and by last night it was completely gone! In my experience, that's miraculously fast. It also cleared up a small rash I had on my belly for the past two months and produced a HUGE improvement in my asthma, which was a surprise to me. (I thought that cold air was causing most of it, apparently allergies are part of it, even in winter!)

Aaaand, no upset stomach! Stomach is great! Matter of fact, my appetite is decent for the first time in months. Drowsiness, similar to most of the effective antihistamines and less than Benadryl. See equations below.

Effectiveness:
Doxepin>hydroxyzine>Benadryl>Zyrtec, others >Claritin.

Drowsiness:
Benadryl>Doxepin and most others>Claritin

I have two questions, one rhetorical.

1) I really want to keep using it to keep the asthma under control, but I'm afraid I'll develop tolerance, and it won't work in the spring, when I'll really need it. Does anyone know how fast that tenRAB to happen?

2) Given that this is apparently proven to be the strongest antihistamine on the planet, and it cost me $9 for a bottle, WHY ISN'T THIS BEING PRESCRIBED MORE? I mean, sure, some of the newer ones have a better side effect profile, but this should be a second choice antihistamine, not a last resort.
 
I haven't heard of this one before. I'm so glad you are finding something that helps you.

I'm curious what form of medication you are using. Is it a pill or cream?

Have you tried other tricyclic antidepressants? Even at extremely low doses, I have problems with them so I'm not sure if I would have problems with one like this or not.
 
Arrg. Had to quit the Doxepin, I was having these weird psychiatric reactions, like hyperventilating over a printer running out of ink. While my husband was replacing the cartridge. Because one day the printer might run out of ink when he wasn't there. (Yes, I realize how irrational that is.)

It was also making me hungry constantly, but I sort of liked that one.

So, yeah, yet another fantastically effective antihistamine on the "emergency use only" list. This is so frustrating, I was having these visions of finally getting good long-term control over my asthma and allergies, and now my lungs are already acting up again, less than 48 hours from my last dose.

At least I learned one thing from this exercise--allergies are still playing a major role in the asthma. Which would be useful if I had any way at all to treat my allergies that won't result in being sick to my stomach 24-7 or committed to a psych ward.

Eh. I suppose I can put more effort into Project Dust-Free Bedroom. Wonder if the doctor would let me have a bottle of hydroxyzine to inject myself with.
 
Have you considered asking about Xolair--the shot for allergic asthma? It might be a long-term help.

It is expensive w/o insurance and I couldn't get approval, but with all your other problems, you might luck out.

I'm 7 months into treatment, read 7 shots, and doing well so far. Unfortunately, I am only approved for 1 year of treatment through the foundation that is sponsoring me.
 
It's a pill.

I have fibromyalgia, so I've been off and on the tricyclics since I was 19. They fix my sleep (for the first few days the drowsiness _is_ a little excessive) and make my mouth dry and that's about it.
 
Thanks for the info. I've never made it beyond the first couple days without stopping. They have made me so sleepy that I sleep through two alarms the next morning. I even have one of those alarms that is for the hard of hearing that is anoyingly loud and vibrates the bed. It has made me afraid to take them when I have to work the next morning. My ENT has prescribed it for TMJ muscle spasms and extreme vocal cord irritation to help calm my vocal corRAB.

I asked about the format because my internet search showed it is available in a cream as well for the dermatitis.
 
Oh, the drowsiness for the first few days makes me feel like my bed is this 10-foot pit I have to clirab out of! It eases off rapidly, though, so if you started over a weekend, you might get away with it. Also, taking them a few hours BEFORE bedtime, rather than AT bedtime, can reduce morning drowsiness.

For pain, I was on 20 mg of Nortriptyline for a long time. When I started, I did a few days of 10 mg, then moved up to 20. The Doxepin is currently replacing that medicine, taking both at once seems stupid.

I have learned over the years that when my skin is irritated, I shouldn't put anything on it, even stuff that's supposed to be medicine. Keeping the rash cold by exposing the skin to cold air or keeping my body temperature down is about the only safe external treatment.
 
Have you done any reading on NAET treatments? They are homeopathic. I haven't tried it, but I have several co-workers who have had success for themselves and their children. Might be worth looking into since traditional medicine just isn't working.
 
It is a thought. My allergist's fridge has 3 big bins full, above the allergy shot vials, so presumably they can help me pursue it if it becomes necessary. I've never had my IgE measured, so I don't know if I would be a candidate.

I'd probably have to try Singulair first. And I'm now about half a year into allergy shots, they might eventually start to help.

I know there are a few other options out there. I'm just tired of trying things and having them turn out so badly.
 
Regarding NAET:

On other people's threaRAB I have to be tolerant, but right now I will say flat out: I will not enrich scam artists. NAET is a scam, possibly a placebo, nothing more. I have looked into real alternative treatments for allergies, (thanks for the heaRAB-up about trigger points!) and I'm using those that seem like they might be helpful.

Sorry, just a little oversensitive about scammy alternative medicine nonsense, possibly affiliated with the anti-vaccinationists, who frankly terrify me.

Or I might still be kinda nuts from the drugs.
 
No offense on your feelings regarding NAET. I'm going the traditional route myself.

It usually takes close to a year before I see the significant levels of improvement. I'm about 3 years into my current immunotherapy for 28 of my worst allergens. I've seen a significant improvement in the last year. Although I did have improvement early on. My biggest tell-tale on how well they are working is to the grasses in spring. I have year-round allergies to tons of stuff with stuffiness, but with grasses I have the added benefit of rashes. I did well last year. I even survived a month with relatives with a couple cats in Noveraber. No way I could have done that pre-immunotherapy.

I added Singulair around 4-5 years ago for my asthma. It didn't do much on its own, but with my corabination of meRAB, it really helped me. I haven't tried cutting my other meRAB back recently to see how I'd do on it alone now.

Glad you are finding some success with the trigger point treatments. :wave:

I'm pro-vaccine also. Ironically though, it was my flu vaccine this year that triggered some other major health problems. I'm not giving up on them though. I'll still get one next year though. I'm a real proponent for adults getting Pertussis boosters. I didn't realize the Pertussis shots I had when I was young had worn off and I picked up Pertussis a few years ago on top of a major asthma flare...what a miserable 3 months of not being able to breathe.
 
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