A pharmacist has issued a caution about the potential dangers of mixing hay fever tablets with certain common medications. Combining these drugs could lead to serious side effects including

breathing issues, constipation, and heart complications. Throughout spring and summer, hay fever symptoms become a problem or millions of Brits. Known medically as allergic rhinitis, this

condition is triggered by an allergy to pollen. The Met Office recently alerted that "very high" pollen levels are expected in parts of the UK, with London and the southeast

bearing the brunt today (June 2). Meanwhile, regions such as the southwest, Midlands, and east of England are set to experience "high" pollen counts over the coming four days. To

or specific antidepressants might be at risk of experiencing adverse side effects. SLEEPING TABLETS Peter cautioned that individuals who are on sleep aids or tranquillisers, such as

diazepam or zopiclone, could face an increased risk of respiratory issues if these medications are combined with certain allergy treatments. "Hay fever is taking a toll on the nation,

but consuming these sedative-type tablets is not advisable if you're already on medication to aid sleep," he said. "Not only will they both work together to sedate you, but it

can affect breathing, leading to shortness of breath. It can also result in dizziness and in severe cases, individuals could even lose consciousness". The worry revolves around

first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine. These medications are notorious for inducing sleepiness, which can turn hazardous when mixed with other sedatives.

However, safer alternatives do exist. Peter pointed out that non-sedating antihistamines, such as loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine, are readily available and generally safe to use

alongside sleep aids or tranquillisers. "These are becoming increasingly prevalent on shelves and are less likely to cross the blood-brain barrier, so shouldn't induce the same

sedative effects", he stated. ANTIDEPRESSANTS Peter highlighted that specific antidepressants could pose sedation issues when mixed with drowsy hay fever medication, and long-term use

may even lead to severe heart rhythm disorders. He warned: "Tricyclic antidepressants – or TCAs, as they're known – are like sleeping tablets in that they're a powerful

sedative, so anyone who takes them and then takes a drowsy hay fever tablet runs the risk of developing serious side effects. "Both medications are anticholinergic too, so taking both

means people could start to see other issues, like dry mouth, blurred vision and constipation." Even commonly used SSRIs, such as sertraline, can cause issues especially when taken

alongside more outdated antihistamines. He continued: "SSRIs are some of the most common antidepressants prescribed, so many people are surprised to see that they can react badly when

combined with everyday tablets to tackle allergies. The various drugs within the SSRI category carry a range of side-effects relating to drowsiness, yet all have sedative qualities, hence

the recommendation to opt for non-drowsy versions while dealing with hay fever symptoms." ALCOHOL Lastly, Peter highlighted a crucial point regarding the dangers of mixing certain

substances with antihistamines, pointing out that one isn't even a medication. He said: "Alcohol significantly amplifies the sedative effect of first-generation hay fever tablets,

which can result in severe impairment and lead to unconsciousness or serious accidents. "Even non-drowsy antihistamines can occasionally react with alcohol, depending on individual

sensitivity, so it's best to avoid alcohol altogether if you're thinking of allergy medication." If you are grappling with hay fever, the NHS advises consulting with a

pharmacist to find the most effective remedies to help alleviate your symptoms.