New to Mast: Antihistamine Questions

Posted , 3 users are following.

I was just diagnosed with POTS, and my doctor feels that it is from some Mast Cell Disorder, but it is not yet diagnosed through objective testing. It came on somewhat suddenly, in the last 3 months or so I dealt with odd intermittent symptoms, but it has been with me almost all of the time for the last 4 weeks. I notice, that when I eat certain foods, or ingest something,  I feel odd, itchy, and my skin when scratched gets disgraphia, and I feel horrible.

I have to wait 3 weeks to see my doctor. And, since I can not bear the wait, I was thinking of learning about histamine foods, and putting myself on an antihistamine before diagnosis, for I am fairly sure that I have a mast cell issue. Can anyone explain how you started taking antihistamines? What ones are good, what to avoid? Dosages? Should I start with children's dosages just to see how my body reacts? I wanted to wait for my doctor, but I am not sure that I can hold out that long.  Thank you...

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    Cetirizine is a good antihistamine. I've been on it everyday for years with out problems. I have given it to my dog for her grass allergy. cheesygrin Dosage is on the packet. Available at any pharmacy, ask for a generic one as the branded ones are very expensive! I suggest you keep a food symptom diary for two weeks. That should help you decide what to avoid. If your symptoms get worse, dont chance it get to ER.
    • Posted

      Thank you, I think it has lactose in it, so I may avoid.  But, I truly appreciate the assistance and sentiments ;-)

      I may not have an issue, but I am lactose intolerant.  This mast cell issue has moved fast.  I went from not knowing why I do not feel well, to feeling odd right after ingesting something.  I hope it is in my head, but many times, I get visual histamine responses on my skin, like flushing and temporary hives...

  • Posted

    Liquid cetirizine is what I take. It does not have lactose. Also ask for the generic brand as the branded ones are 7 times the price!
    • Posted

      Thank you, I did not know it was out there.  Do they have one for babies?  I figured I would start low and titrate up to adult for now.  Then maybe eventually, my HCP will recomend a dose.  I understand, it is 2 x daily for most people...
  • Posted

    5ml for children and 10ml for adults. I have taken 30ml to calm a sudden reaction. It works well. I take mine at night, to combat house dust mite reaction. Beds are full of dust mite.
  • Posted

    Im also a combined Mast Cell and POTS. Im very intolerant of many foods which cause bad palpitations. I use a supplement called Daosin which works a little, but its expensive. I also have pantropazol which is a anti histamine for the stomach. I took Cetirizine but that was very unpleasant and made me gasp for air during night. 

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