OTC Allergy Med recommendations

[dara1012]

For the past 3 years I have an hive reaction to unknown triggers which means I have to take claritin daily as a low dose antihistamine to keep the hives from coming back. If I forget to take it for a couple of days they return.

In addition to the hive reaction I also have allergies to pollen and some trees, typical MN spring allergies. The last 2 days I have been absolutely miserable despite the claritin (loratidine). My eyes itch, my throat is sore, I have a headache, I sneeze all the time etc. It is obvious the claritin isn't cutting it. Anyone have any recommendations of over the counter allergy meds that work for their spring allergies?

[bunsy]

Allegra seems to be working best for my kid with severe spring allergies. Allegra D is available if you are congested. We have also tried Zyrtec--which you can get generic now. We did end up with a doctor visit to get Singulair and a nasal steroid to get him through the season.

[dara1012]

Thanks for jogging my memory on Allegra....I think I was on it once when it was still prescription only.

Of course I was just at my doctor last week for my physical and felt like everything was under control allergy-wise and today I am ready to scratch my eyes out and miserable (and too cheap to go back to the doctor)

[bunsy]

Definitely try the Allegra and there are antihistamine eye drops too. DS has prescription ones that are $200 a bottle (yikes) but we were desperate.

[dara1012]

I am generally very cheap when it comes to my medications (which is ridiculous, I know) and I just try to tough it out....but this is more than I can handle. I may have to make a run to walgreens and get ice cream on the way home.

[bunsy]

Maybe try zyrtec first--it's definitely cheaper than Allegra. You might get lucky!

[healerarina]

We just took DD1 to an allergist, the Dr has her on a half a zyrtec (she is allergic to dust mites, cats, dogs and grass), and DH is on 2 till October. He can't even mow without having an allergy attack. Dr also said to use ceterizine (zyrtec generic). It can make you sleepy, so take it at night. For $15 at Sam's club we got about 400 pills. We thought $30 for 100 of the brand name was a good deal, but the generics are waaay cheaper.

The Dr said that Claritin is the weakest, only need one day off for a valid skin test, zyrtec is the strongest, needing a full 5 days. Hope this helps.

[merrr]

Zyrtec has been my life line this allergy season. I used to have an Rx for allergy meds and then for two years I did allergy shots. I was the 1% or 2% of the population the shots didn't work for But I went to my doctor this spring and he said that what I had been getting an Rx for was now available OTC. He also suggested I try Zyrtec first. I bought the Target brand generic and it has been wonderful! Read your labels and make sure the active ingredient is the same in the name brand and generic and save yourself a little money by going for the generic. Good luck!

[jrose]

I just started using zyrtec. Dr. told me to take it until the house is cat free. It's definitely helped!

[dara1012]

Thanks ladies! I woke up miserable and stopped and got 5 pills of Allegra to see if that would work (I used to take it when it was prescription). I think after these are gone I will try Zyrtec based on your recommendations.

The reason I take claritin is because it is low dose and when I only need it to keep hives away I want as low a dose as possible.

[bunsy]

DS has less issues with sleepiness with Allegra than Zyrtec but the generic Zyrtec is SO much cheaper. Allegra is kicking my financial butt this spring--especially the Allegra D that he needs.

[dara1012]

Thanks for the heads up on the sleepiness factor of Zyrtec for your DS Bunsy.

Anyone else drowsy on Zyrtec? I certainly cannot afford to be sleepy this week.

[jrose]

I guess after lunch I feel like I could sleep for a couple hours...I take it around 930 and right now I feel a little tired.

[merrr]

I tend to take my daily meds before I go to bed - it's just when I remember to take them. I have skipped a few doses of Zyrtec and when I felt the allergies coming back on I'll pop a pill (just one a day) and I can't say I've ever experienced drowsiness from it.

[bunsy]

Yep. Take the 24 hour stuff at bedtime. Then you'll wake up feeling pretty darn good!