Wellness

[AngelPuppy1]

I have been experiencing a type of rash which seems to be weather related.  I have been to many doctors and specialists and get the same result.  They don't know for sure!  My latest derm. seems to think my body produces too may histamines and thinks I might benefit from taking one of the above.  When I asked which one, he said --- Claritn, Zyrtic, or any of them, but if I am concerned about drowiness, Claritin might be a better one.

What are your experiences with these type of meds?  Don't they really give you dry mouth?  I seem to recall that a long time ago when I was on one of these that it gave me such dry mouth at night.  Not a good feeling!

I don't know if I really want to go this route.  I have a topical that I was given also.  It's just one thing after another.

Thanks for your posts! 

[Karie2022]

Life long allergy sufferer here....of course this is only MY opinion and experience, obviously others will have different views...Claritin never helped me at all, Zyrtec makes me very drowsy and groggy not sure why it just does...Allegra was probably the best for me out of all the newer drugs...I’m on allergy injections, have been for years probably will be for the rest of my life...I feel some of the older drugs taken at night are stronger and more effective, but of course they will make you drowsy and if your sensitive, that drowsiness can last into the next day...but sometimes in the end there just more effective for me..I’m afraid it will be trial and error for you...good luck😀🤯

[CalminHeart]

I am also a long-time allergy sufferer. I take the generic version containing loratadine.  I found that some of the supposed non-drowsy OTC allergy meds made me tired, like Zyrtec.  Claritan never helped me.  Loratadine works best for me and the generic saves a lot of money.

[gidgetgh]

I've only tried one, Zyrtec, many years ago.  It made me so drowsy....and quickly.... that I went to bed and slept for hours.  When I woke up I was so groggy.

Waited a few weeks and tried again.  Same result.  I've never taken it again.

[maestra]

@AngelPuppy1  I also have chronic uticaria (hives/rash) and Zyrtec has been the most helpful. I make too many histamines as well.

Cheapest way to go is brand name of Zyrtec at Costco or Equate brand at Walmart.

I've not had any side effects that I've suffered with other antihistamines. I take it daily as well as Vit.D3 and  Vit. C (both are supposed to help w/rashes).

Really hot weather just makes me want to itch more so do have to use a powerful topical steroid cream when the going gets really rough, but I try not to let things get out of hand.

Check your laundry soaps (I use All Free and Clear w/2 rinses for towels, sheets, and MY clothes) bath soaps, body creams.)  These can be triggers as well. hth.

[shopperqvc]

I used to see an allergy doctor a couple of times a week. Lots of shots over the years. Doctor gave me samples of both Claritin and Zyrtec. Claritin helps some people, not me. Zyrtec worked for awhile, but if you have to be up and ready to go in the morning, it's not a good idea. Now, none of them work for me. Yes, they all dry out your mouth and throat. At least they are all OTC medicines now. Even with insurance Zyrtec used to cost $90.00 a month. I only took it 2 months a year due to the cost. This past year has been awful for allergies. They never let up for the winter, and even people that rarely had problems with allergies suffered. After all these years of fighting allergies, I've found nothing that really works. The shots helped during the years that I worked, but are too expensive now that I'm done working. Benedryl is my best friend, but that makes you feel sleepy, too. I just try to stay indoors with the AC running and an allergy filter in the furnace.

[Laura14]

The gold standard is Benadryl for anthistamine which I know comatoses people including myself.

Get the children's version to lessen the effects and dose and take it before bed just in case. It will probably solve your issue literally overnight.

[riley1]

The only one I can take that seems to help with my allergies is non-drowsy Allegra. I have no side affects at all. And, I take it all year.

[CatLoverDogsToo]

I take generic Zyrtec I purchase from Sam's Club. Before it was available in generic form, I took the brand name for years. It works great for me.  It has never made me tired.

I tried Claritin and it did nothing for me.

I am allergic to dogs, cats, birds, pollen, mold...you name it, I react to it. I have 5 cats and 2 dogs, and I also have a pet sitting business. This has been a miracle drug for me.

Before Zyrtec came out I took benadryl and was in a "sleepy fog" all the time.

[VaBelle35]

Allegra works best for me. I'm on it about 10 months out of the  year.  This year, we didn't get much of a winter, so I was on it for 11 months.

They all work differently, so I would try each one for 30 days and see how you feel on it.

You might want to invest in some allergy tests.  I did one for beauty products with my derm and another one for all kinds of trees, grasses, mosses, etc. specific to my region of the country.

It helps to get a feel for what is causing it vs just treating the symptoms.