Over the Counter Allergy Meds

[gillenkl]

I think this is budget because they are expensive and I'm spending alot on these. I can't seem to find an OTC allergy med that I really like.

Claritin D - keeps me awake all night
Zertec - puts me too sleep all day
Claritin - don't feel like it does much for me and makes me too stuffy

anyone have anything they can suggest I try?

 

[Marionnette]

I think this is budget because they are expensive and I'm spending alot on these. I can't seem to find an OTC allergy med that I really like.

Claritin D - keeps me awake all night
Zertec - puts me too sleep all day
Claritin - don't feel like it does much for me and makes me too stuffy

anyone have anything they can suggest I try?

Saline spray or irrigation? It sounds like you have a problem with congestion, which is why claritin alone makes you feel stuffy. You need the 'd' to reduced the nasal swelling. Saline can work to reduce the swelling without the other chemical side effects that claritin d and zyrtec are causing in you.

 

[mrudman]

I don't have too many problems with allergies, but when I do feel stuffy d/t them, I've tried Alavert... seems to do the trick fo me.

 

[I Believe n Fairies]

Have you been able to find Claritin D in a 12 hour formula? When I am really bad, that is what I will get. I take one in the morning and it doesn't effect my sleep. Also, I have bought and used (with success) the Breathe Right Nasal Strips. Really helps at night when my nose is stuffy.

 

[Charleneluvsdisney]

I have used the generic version of zyrtec D at Sam's Club. It is around $12 a box and I find it works well. - Available at the Pharmacy.

And, I agree with the previous poster who said to get the 12 hr. version. I take it in the morning, because all of them seem to keep me awake if I take them at night.

 

[girli565]

Do you mind prescriptions... I know you're asking for over the counter but I took Clarinex-D 24 hour and it was AMAZING!! It worked better than any over the counter med I've ever taken. If your co-pay is too high you can go to their website a request help paying for it. My copay was very high, like $50, but then I guess it moved tiers and is now $10 a copay.

It doesn't make me drowsy or overly alert. I feel completely normal on it.

 

[MEM]

Did you speak to your physician about what time of the day you take the medicine? I take my 2 Benadryl at bedtime and the medicine still works for me the next day.

 

[disfan07]

When are you taking the zyrtec? If you've been taking it in teh morning try taking it at night.
That is what my mom does and it is the only way she can take it. I have to take 2 zyrtec a day (once in the morning, once at night) so thats not an option for me but it might work for you.

 

[dfchelbay]

I have to take Benadryl everyday for my allergies. As we all know, Benadryl will make you drowsy, so, I take it at night around 8 or 9 o'clock. If you have an over the counter that works, but makes you feel drowsy, then I suggest taking it every night, instead of during the day. I find when I wake up, I can breathe, which is good first thing in the morning. If I don't take my meds the night before, when I wake up, I am so full of crud in my lungs and in my nose....and it's just plain miserable.

 

[Frye7127]

Alavert - Same as Claritin, but works SOOOO much better. I think it is the delivery system. Much cheaper than claritin too!

 

[JCMHutch]

Unfortunately, the "d" is going to keep you awake - decongestants can do that, especially real Sudafed, which is in most of those products (also why they are behind the pharmacy now).

I would talk to your doctor. This is something I did last year. Since I can't take real Sudafed anymore due to high blood pressure, she said to double the dose of the 24 hour Clariton. That has helped a lot. I found my allegies much better since I started doing that. I still have some days that I am more stuffy/sneezy than others so I use a nasal strip at night.

Also, since OTC Clariton can be expensive I switched over to BJ's Wholesale Club's version - you get a big bottle that lasts a while and you pay a lot less. You just have to make sure you check the date on the bottle and make sure you will use it prior to the exp. date.

 

[gillenkl]

OP here - - I'm still reading thru all the suggestions - thanks for all the info! I just can't stand being stuffy and I've been this way since August. My doctor suggested the Zyrtec at night but I was still sleepy the next day. Thanks for all the advice!

 

[rapmarks]

loratadine is over the counter, an antihistamine, about $8 for 60 pills. available in generic forms such as Walmart's version. I combine with Astelin a nasal inhalent.

 

[Dr. J.]

Loratidine=alavert=claritin
zyrtec=cetirizine

claritin d or zyrtec d has sudafed added to it.

If nasal congestion is the primary problem, talk to your doctor about a nasal steroid. If you are worse in the morning when you wake up consider the mattress and pillow encasings for possible dust mite allergies.

 

[MSSANDRA]

anti-histimines will not help with stuffy. Sudifed is good for stuffy stuff. It might be cheaper to go perscription if you have insurance. Ask your dr.