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March 26, 2008, 9:19 am
Flag as Inappropriate Kathy22  

I have severe allergies, both indoor and outdoor. I started using Claritin about 4 years ago and it was like a miracle. It really made a huge difference in my quality of life. However, now it doesn't seem to be working or barely anyway. I've tried Allegra and that didn't work well for me. I'm thinking of trying Zyrtec now that it's OTC. Are there any other allergy medications that I should be aware of to ask the doctor or try?

I am in the same boat as you. I have taken Claritin for some time and find it un-effective as of late. I am also about to go with Zyrtec since it is now OTC. I will keep you posted.

Have you tried Claritin-D? My husband takes that for his allergies. He also just started using a nasal spray, Nasonex, I think. (It is prescription only)

Allegra was the only one that ever worked for me and now it has no real effect. I might as well take cheap Benadryl allergy or random cough syrup to knock some of the symptoms because nothing works any more. My step-grandma gets a shot of something every couple weeks to control her severe allergies, but I'd really rather not have to go to that extreme. :(

Thanks for the responses. I didn't think there were any other meds that I could try. I can't take ClaritinD or AllegraD due to hypothyroidism...can't have decongestants on a regular basis. I've used a nasal spray in the past, Vancenase, but I really hate nasal sprays and it didn't take care of much beyond the congestion. I may have to bite the bullet with the costs and try the Zyrtec.

I have allergies too and my doctor gave me Nasonex to use. If I use it everyday like I'm supposed to it works fine but I don't always remember. It is good though.

Many times people say that your body becomes immune to the meds. For me I can take Tylenol but thats about it and I get plagued with sinus issues anytime the weather changes.

Many drug stores are offering rebates on Zyrtec now that it is OTC, as well as coupons put out by the manufacturer. Pick up a flyer or ask an employee and they should be able to point you in the right direction. I use Claritin when my allergies get too bad to handle. I have found that managing my stress level is the best control though. I also have a homeopathic remedy for hay fever that I use daily after things start blooming.

I also have many indoor and outdoor allergies and have tried Zyrtec as well as Tavist. Benedryl seems to help me the most and I can regulate how much I take much better than with the 12 hour products. My sinuses tend to get too dried out if I take too much of any anihistimine.