Sedation, cognition, and antihistamines

Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2002 May;2(3):216-22. doi: 10.1007/s11882-002-0022-1.

Abstract

First-generation antihistamines are well-known to cause subjective drowsiness. A myriad of studies has also been published that suggest a clear relationship between the use of these drugs and objective performance impairment. Although not all of the tests used in these studies have been validated, the data are fairly consistent, and suggest a difference between earlier (first-generation) sedating antihistamines and the newer (second-generation) nonsedating antihistamines.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cognition / drug effects*
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists / adverse effects*
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Psychomotor Performance / drug effects
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / drug therapy
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / drug therapy
  • Sleep Stages / drug effects*

Substances

  • Histamine H1 Antagonists