On Thu, 17 Aug 1995, Jeffrey P. Murray wrote:
 
> ...The literature is rife with
> reports of beekeepers who originally had minor reactions to mellifera
> stings, but who subsequently developed allergies.  In general, they
> are treatable with a series of desensitizing shots, plus you will need
> to subsequently keep an epi-pen with you at all times. The latter is
> no big deal. It is a self-injecting device that you can use to give
> yourself a dose of benedryl by pressing it against your thigh...
> and if you are severely
> allergic (as my brother is), you must get an antihistamine into your
> bloodstream within about 10 minutes to prevent a serious reaction....
>
>    Regards,
>
>    Jeef
>
 
To clarify the situation a bit, the "epi" in epi-pen, I believe, stands
for the epinephrine (a synthetic form of adrenaline or adrenaline
analog?) it contains. It is this substance that brings the blood
pressure back into the normal range in one who has gone into anaphylactic
shock. Antihistimines will help in a milder allergic reaction, such as one
causing hives. I've experienced anaphylaxis, and it aint no fun. But the
epinephrine really works, and brings you around in minutes.
 
Tom