Oh, Ourfullhouse, I’m sorry I wasn’t clear. Dr. Theo recommends hydroxyzine (Ararax, Vistaral) for a variety of inflammatory conditions. If you read all his research he’s looked into a lot of inflammatory conditions. One thing they have in common is INFLAMMATION and mast cells play a huge roll in all of them.
from mastcellmasterdotcom
“Mast cells are known for their involvement in allergic reactions, but we were the first to show that they are also necessary to inititate inflammation, thus participating in inflammatory diseases that worsen by stress, such as autism, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, interstitial cystitis, migraine headaches, psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. We have developed in vivo and in vitro models for these diseases and we are studying neurohormonal activation of mast cells. The only plausible way to explain how mast cells can participate in so many diverse processes is their ability to secrete distinct chemicals relative for different pathophysiological settings.”
Here is Dr. Theo discussing hydroxyzine for Interstitial cystitis patients:
http://www.ic-network.com/guestlectures/theoharides1205.html
“Hydroxyzine is unique because it has four actions. (1) It is an antihistamine, of course. (2) It is also able to reduce anxiety. The word ATARAX is Greek and means to calm down. (3) It also blocks the release of histamine from mast cells (about 30% ). (4) When used in combination with opioid pain killers it creates better pain relief. So, my initial recommendation for younger, newly diagnosed patients or those that haven’t had symptoms more than a year or two, is to start with hydroxyzine at 25 mgs at night and build it up over a few months to 75 mgs at night together with Cystoprotek. If you only take hydroxyzine every now and then, it’s sedating. But if you take it every day, it’s far less sedating. Hydroxyzine is available in pill, capsule or as a liquid elixir. Atarax starts at 10 mgs, Vistaril at 25 mgs and the elixir starts at 5 mgs per teaspoon. As with Cystoprotek, you have to take it for 3 to 4 months. I do not recommend that it be used with anyone who has tremor in their hands because if you take more than 75 mgs per day, sometimes the tremor can get worse.”
I found this article about antihistamines and the BBB.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2892448
“Receptor effects of cetirizine.” (Zyrtec)
Thanks so much, Dr. Diana, for all your time and efforts bringing us hope and support.
Big hugs! SweetFeather