Histamine and Salicylates intolerance

Histamine plays an important role in the body. It can protect us against seizures (for some it can trigger it) and can act as a neurotransmitter, it affects how (or whether) we sleep. And for many with nocturnal seizures especially this can be important.

Classical antihistamines and anti-allergy drugs, sometimes induce seizures in healthy children and those with epilepsy such as: Promethazine, Carbinoxamine, Mepyramine (Pyrilamine) and Ketotifen should be used with caution. Medications like Claritin and Zantac are both antihistamines. They block the H1 and H2 receptors respectively. Histamine receptors in the brain, where it acts as a neurotransmitter that affects serotonin, dopamine, and GABA.

It is well known that salicylates in drugs can cause seizures, less well known that dietary salicylates can do the same in people who are very sensitive like Kam.

Common salicylate-containing medicines include bismuth subsalicylate, choline salicylate, diflunisal, magnesium salicylate, and salsalate.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen) and salicylates (aspirin, magnesium salicylate, and sodium salicylate).

Magnesium salicylate is used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever.

More info on the Salicylates in food, there are Elimination diets for epilepsy.