The doctor explained the reasons for drowsiness when taking antihistamines
Many medications can cause drowsiness by affecting the central nervous system (CNS). This was reported to Izvestia on April 26 by Svetlana Burnatskaya, internist, occupational therapist at JSC "Medicine" (Academician Roitberg Clinic).
According to the expert, first—generation antihistamines are able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and block the receptors of histamine, a substance responsible for maintaining wakefulness. Sedatives and muscle relaxants, in turn, enhance the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid, which reduces the activity of the nervous system.
"As a result, the electrical activity of the cerebral cortex slows down, muscle tone decreases, and a natural feeling of drowsiness occurs. This is the expected pharmacological effect," Burnatskaya explained.
She noted that the severity of drowsiness depends on individual factors: age, metabolic rate, liver and kidney function, body weight and concomitant diseases. Elderly patients, whose elimination of drugs from the body is slowed down, are especially sensitive to such drugs.
A separate risk group consists of drivers, operators of complex equipment, as well as patients with obstructive sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, and severe depressive states. According to the doctor, it is important for them to avoid drugs with a pronounced sedative effect.
Burnatskaya added that light drowsiness in the first days of therapy may be a normal reaction of the body to treatment. However, severe weakness, confusion, or involuntary falling asleep during the day require medical advice.
"If drowsiness worsens after a week of taking it or is accompanied by dizziness, it is necessary to review the treatment regimen. If it is impossible to cancel the drug, it is important to take precautions: take the medicine before bedtime, discuss the dosage with your doctor, avoid a heavy dinner and maintain normal sleep conditions," the specialist emphasized.
At the same time, the doctor warned against common mistakes of patients — using caffeine and energy drinks, changing the dosage on their own or skipping an appointment. According to her, such actions can reduce the effectiveness of therapy and create additional stress on the body.
Burnatskaya called regular monitoring of the condition, keeping a diary of symptoms and mandatory discussion of any changes with the attending physician the optimal strategy.
On April 14, the Russian Ministry of Health updated the list of strategically important medicines, including 206 drugs. The document was prepared following a meeting of the interdepartmental commission and contains two sections: the first includes 61 drugs, the second — 145 more.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
