Posted by Ted (205.188.197.184) on November 21, 2000 at 10:04:37:
In Reply to: more preventive than abortive posted by Jennifer on November 21, 2000 at 09:31:14:
Below I've included what I found from my search on Periactin.
When you were given the O2 it might have been the wrong liter flow or the wrong mask (or maybe not a mask but the cannules). Also, it doesn't work everytime. I would suggest trying it again as when I first used it it didn't work for me because I had some of the things wrong with it because my doctor didn't know how I should use it properly. If it doesn't work for you, however, try Imitrex nasal or the self-injectables. There is also Maxalt. If you try that make sure you get the type that disolves quickly on your tongue. The other form takes to long to kick in to get any benefit from. Neither of these help me but they do help many people, from what I've seen on the board here.
Good luck.
PERIACTIN ORAL
Drug Overview for ANTIHISTAMINES - ORAL from First DataBank
IMPORTANT NOTE: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING THIS DRUG.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Atarax, Chlor-Trimeton, Dimetane, Dimetapp, Dramamine, Optimine, Periactin, Polaramine, PBZ, Vistaril
How supplied, brand names and manufacturers
USES:
This medication is used to relieve symptoms such as rash, hives, watery eyes, runny nose, itching, and sneezing due to allergies or the common cold. It is also used as a sleep aid (for insomnia); and can also treat motion sickness or anxiety.
Additional uses
HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION:
May be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Sustained-release or long acting tablets and capsules must be swallowed whole. Chewing or crushing them will destroy the long action and may increase side effects. Shake suspensions well before taking.
Label alerts and warnings
SIDE EFFECTS:
May cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite (less likely with cyproheptadine), stomach upset, vision changes, irritability, dry mouth and nose. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop breathing difficulties, heart pounding, irregular heartbeat, ringing in the ears or difficulty urinating while taking this medication. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Additional side effects
PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of glaucoma (narrow angle), stomach ulcers, difficulty urinating (e.g., enlarged prostate), heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, lung problems or an overactive thyroid. Change from a seated or lying position slowly to avoid dizziness. Use caution in performing activities requiring alertness. Limit alcohol intake to avoid excessive drowsiness. Do not give long-acting antihistamines to a child younger than 12 years of age nor other dose forms of antihistamines to a child younger than 6 years of age without doctor approval. This drug should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication may be excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Who shouldn't take this product
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all the medications you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, medication for depression or seizures, narcotic pain medications, and of any other medications for colds, hay fever or allergies. Because this medication may affect allergy testing, you may have to stop using this medication for several days before the tests are performed. Consult your doctor about this. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Drug-drug and drug-food interactions
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication.
IN EMERGENCY:
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.