Antihistamine Side Effects: Histamine Blockers Might Hinder Muscle Recovery After Workout, Study Finds

Allergies can cause puffy eyes, skin rashes, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose and breathing difficulties. One of the most effective ways to reduce the symptoms of allergy is by taking antihistamines. However, a new study finds that antihistamine side effects might include disruption of optimal muscle recovery after working out.

Antihistamines affect exercise recovery, may or may not be a problem https://t.co/TISKx4u0sW pic.twitter.com/agvAtm4dAt

— Science (@scienmag) April 16, 2016

"A team from the University of Oregon believes that high doses of antihistamines can blunt gene responses responsible for helping muscles recover after vigorous exercise, potentially causing problems," Medical Daily reports. Overproduction of histamines can cause allergic reactions but it can also help the muscles repair after physical exercise.

"We saw evidence of that, but we also saw gene expression associated with glucose uptake by muscles, restructuring of muscle in response to exercise, immune responses, and intracellular communications," professor John R. Halliwill noted via Medical Daily. All of these body functions that could be disrupted by antihistamine side effects are beneficial for people who exercise.

Exercise activates ~3,000 genes affecting muscles & blood vessels, but antihistamines blunted this effect by ~27%. https://t.co/xFaIHnJqzT — Dr. Rhonda Patrick (@foundmyfitness) April 15, 2016

The research team took biopsy samples from the muscles of the study participants before and after working out for one hour. The researchers found that almost 800 genes that help in muscle recovery are not functioning at optimum levels. However, the researchers noted that the antihistamines that were given to the study participants were three times greater compared to the recommended amount.

Therefore, it is not yet known if people should actually avoid antihistamines before working out. Other antihistamine side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, and blurred vision, according to WebMD.