Histamine foods and antihistamines (e.g. Benedryl)

[philoff]

I keep reading that foods high in histamines can be triggers for RLS. But I also read that anti-histamine medications (like Benedryl) should definitely be avoided. (Benedryl and cold medications make my RLS go crazy.) I'm obviously not understanding something here. Help?

[badnights]

I actually don't understand that either. It is for sure that anti-histamines of the older variety (the type that cross the blood-brain barrier, and are known as the "sedating" type) will cause strong WED/RLS symptoms in everyone who has the disease. (Making the "sedating" part of the description a cruel joke.)

I also know that histamine-containing foods are a problem for some people with WED/RLS, not for everyone. With WED/RLS, it seems that your symptoms will be worsened if you have any other health problem that hasn't been dealt with. That must be the case for people who have histamine sensitivities.

But clearly there is something missing in this picture.