Allergy Meds

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fiction's avatar

fiction

USA American

347 posts
Mar 17, 2010 8:59 PM
Mine seem to be worse this year than I remember. Anything that works, but won't make me too drowsy?
Mar 17, 2010 8:59pm
C

cat_lover

Senior Member

2,388 posts
Mar 17, 2010 9:27 PM
Zyrtec works well for me.
Mar 17, 2010 9:27pm
D

Dthane

Senior Member

169 posts
Mar 18, 2010 12:48 AM
I will take a stab at this one. From least drowsy, but maybe least effective to most drowsy, most effective as far as oral med go:
Claritin (loratidine) least
Zyrtec or generic
Rx Allegra (fexofenadine)
Chlortrimeton (chlorpheniramine)
Tavist (clemastine)
Benadryl (diphenhydramine)-most effective, but produces so much drowiness they use it in sleeping pills. Individuals may notice that for them, maybe Tavist is less drowsy than Chlortrimeton or Allegra is less than Zyrtec, but this is pretty close for comparisons sake.

Also remember that generic Nasalcrom (cromolyn) spray is OTC, non-drowsy, quite effective, but if it has a drawback it is that you have to use it multiple times per day. If I am into a dusty, smoky, or call it an unclean environment, I always try to saline rinse as soon as possible to rinse as many particles away before they penetrate and cause a reaction. I also think if seasonal, severe, you can ask your Doctor about Rx generic Flonase. Hopefully you have insurance and it would be a generic copay. Hope this helps, there may be other ideas also.
Mar 18, 2010 12:48am
S

slide22

Senior Member

330 posts
Mar 18, 2010 1:52 AM
Zyrtec works great for me and doesn't make me drowsy at all. If I have a fit where Zyrtec doesn't help I'll take a Benadryl and hopefully stay awake.
Mar 18, 2010 1:52am
fiction's avatar

fiction

USA American

347 posts
Mar 18, 2010 2:00 AM
Thanks guys. I think I'll give Zyrtec a shot.
Mar 18, 2010 2:00am
D

dave

Senior Member

4,558 posts
Mar 18, 2010 2:18 AM
zyrtec is also available as a generic. walgreens and or kroger almost always have it on sale. just wait for the right time and stock up for about $5 a month.
Mar 18, 2010 2:18am