1: My understanding is that there is sound evidence suggesting that Benadryl usage can increase the long-term risk of some neurodegenerative concerns. Is this true of other antihistamines as well, or just diphenhydramine?
2: Diphenhydramine is often used as a sleep aid. But my understanding is that “sleep quality” (whatever that means) is negatively impacted with this … is this correct?
3: In general, is taking common allergy medicines (cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine) on a daily basis safe? My ENT says yes, but a second opinion is always nice.
1- this would not be true for second-generation antihistamines, which lack the anticholinergic effect of diphenhydramine.
2- correct. do not recommend this for regular use
3- yes, it is safe. it should be noted that depending on the specific symptoms involved, oral antihistamines like those you list may not be the best choice. Allergic rhinitis, for example, is best treated with intranasal corticosteroid sprays.