Dr Punam Krishan, an NHS GP appearing on BBC's Morning Live, has urged the public not to stop taking antihistamines due to unsubstantiated claims linking them to weight gain. While histamine can influence hunger and energy levels, she emphasised that significant weight gain is not a common side effect, especially with newer non-drowsy antihistamines.
Dr Krishan advised those concerned about increased appetite or fatigue to consult their GP rather than discontinuing medication. She stressed the importance of starting antihistamines early for seasonal allergies and maintaining consistency, as tolerance does not develop over time.
Addressing common mistakes, she highlighted that certain fruit juices—including orange, grapefruit, and apple juice—can reduce the absorption of fexofenadine by up to 70%. The NHS website similarly warns against consuming these juices while taking fexofenadine, recommending water instead and avoiding fruit juices for a couple of hours before and after the dose.
Dr Krishan also cautioned against stopping antihistamines abruptly when symptoms subside, as this can trigger rebound symptoms. She encouraged people to try different antihistamines to find the most suitable one, using the NHS lookup tool for guidance.
