An Ontario health specialist says she has had some of her patients ask her about a TikTok trend involving two over-the-counter medications for relief from anxiety, mood swings and other symptoms of PMDD and menopause. But Dr. Alison Shea, menopause and reproductive health specialist, remains skeptical.<\/p>\n
PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a chronic condition that causes severe emotional and physical symptoms in the weeks leading up to menstruation. Both menopause and PMDD are linked to changes in mood and sleep patterns, as well as headaches and bloating.<\/p>\n
The viral remedy involves taking a Pepcid, commonly used for relief from heartburn and acid reflux, alongside Allegra, a seasonal allergy medication.<\/p>\n
Both medications are antihistamines, with Pepcid targeting histamine one (H1) and Allegra histamine two (H2). The unsubstantiated theory behind the trend is that the sex hormone estrogen interacts with immune cells that release histamine, potentially contributing to some symptoms. Antihistamines, social media users argue, may help counteract this effect.<\/p>\n
\u201cSymptoms associated with a higher histamine can be more bloating, more congestion, some skin flushing, headaches and insomnia, as well as brain fog,\u201d Dr. Alison Shea<\/a> told National Post. \u201cBut whether it\u2019s involved in anxiety or stress is not a solid connection that\u2019s been made.\u201d<\/p>\n Nevertheless, TikTok users who\u2019ve tried the Pecid-Allegra combination are convinced it\u2019s had a positive impact on their mental health.<\/p>\n One user, @danieladiaries1<\/a>, shared her experience, saying: \u201cI\u2019ve noticed that I\u2019m not going into my anxiety rages, I\u2019m noticing my anxiety is better. I don\u2019t feel as bloated, I don\u2019t feel as lethargic, I just feel like myself.\u201d<\/p>\n Daniela said she had been taking Pepcid and Allegra for five days \u201cto help with ovulation and PMS during perimenopause.\u201d<\/p>\n Another user, @lyssawulf47<\/a>, said in a video praising the viral remedy: \u201cI already take 20mg of Lexapro and that really wasn\u2019t cutting it\u2026but I\u2019m sitting in stop-go traffic right now for like 30 minutes and I don\u2019t care.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr. Shea said some of her own patients have also reported positive effects, though these tend to be related to physical symptoms such as bloating or nasal drips.<\/p>\n \u201cSome of them will say they feel better. But I think that if you\u2019re physically feeling better, that\u2019s going to trickle down to you sleeping better, and you feeling better overall,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n