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Allergys
Over the past couple years I've gotten itchy eyes, stuffy nose, etc from what must be allergies in the sping. The first year (2010) I figured I just had a cold, but it went on for a few weeks. Last year the same exact week I had problems, I figured it wasn't just a cold. I went to my crack pediatric doctor and she prescribed me some generic Zertec after suggesting that I take claritin, which failed miserably in controlling symptoms. I took that and I don't think it really did anything either. It was hard to tell.
This year the weather is wayyyy warm and it has been in the high 60s for temps. Almost immediately I noticed itchy eyes and nose, very annoying. That was in the beginning of the week. I took one of the zillion generic 10mg Zertec pills I have at about noon nothing happened, at least not immediately. The itching got better during the afternoon, but it wasn't something dramatic. That day I went out to eat. I ate like a pig, as usual and it was good. However, on the way home I felt like I was very sleepy. Like, "probably wouldn't have been able to drive safely" sleepy. Luckily I didn't drive home. That was Monday. Since then I have been taking the 10mg pill in the evening. Same troubling itchy eyes and runny nose today after taking the zertec 3 hours before. It's not working.
Questions: My old doctor was not very good so I'll have to go to a new doctor. Do doctors do an actual allergy test or just prescribe some pills like my old doctor or do they usually actually do some test to see what you're allergic to? I have never know that I've been allergic to anything so I'm a total noob.
Any OTC recommendations other than claritin or Zertec? Are there other prescription drugs that a doctor could prescribe that might actually work? I hear about other people with hay fever that can take a pill and then they are absolutely fine. This doesn't seem to work for me. At least with the pills I've tried.
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I had an allergy test done when I was very young (I barely remember it), though I think it typically requires a specialist (not sure). I've been taking Zyrtec for seasonal allergies for as long as I can remember. I used to take it as a syrup, but switched to the 10mg pills within more recent years. It used to be year round, now it's mostly just in the spring (sometimes in the fall, if it becomes bothersome at certain points). As for effectiveness, I personally can notice the difference when I haven't taken it; that said it does have its limitations. I will note that I am told it causes drowsiness, as you seem to have noticed, and I've always taken it just before bed.
It seems that my allergies were worse when I was younger, and for some time I took a prescription called Singulair (brand name for Montelukast). In short, this seemed to take care of a lot of the stuff that Zyrtec was less effective for. Rather than blocking histamine action like Zyrtec, it blocks leukotriene receptors. I'm not overly knowledgeable when it comes to medicine, but I'm thinking that might help. As far as OTC options, I'm not familiar with anything else.
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I have mild seasonal allergies. I usually ignore it, but the dry eyes drives me bananas the most because dry eyes make my body think it's sleepy. I've been taking OTC Diphenhydramine. It makes me VERY sleepy at just 25 mg. I take it before bed and it gives me incredibly vivid dreams (a mixed blessing). But I only take it when the allergies become more unbearable. I use eye drops mostly.
I've never had an allergy test done.
Hope you find some relief.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
Zhaylin
I use eye drops mostly.
http://static-resources.goodguide.ne...rge/334855.jpg
Oh, I almost forgot. If you have problems with eye irritation, this shit will be a godsend. Generic CVS brand drops. I've not tried many other brands, but I never really needed to; this works very well and doesn't burn going in. I wouldn't go using it all the time, but when you really need it, it will get the job done.
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A real allergy test from an allergist consists of putting a bit of different allergens in liquid solution on your skin (forearm) and pricking it with a needle. If you're allergic to that allergen your skin will go red and maybe produce a hive. To treat allergies over the counter you want anti-histamines, Benadryl is popular. Most allergy medications cause drowsiness and warn against operating heavy machinery etc.
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I was reading in a Dr's office, just yesterday, that if you suffer from allergies for something like 3 continuous months throughout the year, you might be eligible for a shot. I don't know what's available, but mention it to your doctor if it sounds like something you'd be interested in.
