What is the strongest - best - allergy medication out there?

[dincubus22]

Zyrtec and the generic seem to work okay, though it makes me drowsy while at work. I have the worst allergies you can imagine and I also live in a dust bowl of a valley where allergenes simmer from April until September. Anybody have other suggestions as to what medications are out there. Allegra does not work...nor does Claritin...they're very weak. I'd prefer OTC, though I can go see my doc as well.

Thanks for the help!!

[sweet thang]

Zyrtec is safe and adequate, however there are numerous
natural things you can do. I presume you mean hay fever / seasonal rhinitis as you have mentioned Zyrtec.
Histamine is a natural chemical produced by your own body.
If your body releases histamine in your skin your skin itches.
If your body releases histamine in your nose it runs.
If your body releases histamine in your lungs you wheeze.
Butterbur Petasin is probably the best standardized to 7.5mg of Petasin and Isopetasin. 50mg twice a day
Two double blind studies have compared Butterbur extract with cetizine (Zyrtec). Both Butterbur and Zyrtec relieved symptoms equally well. Butterbur is just as effective as Zyrtec without causing drowsiness.

There are also other natural antihistamines: Bee pollen, Pycnogenol, Grape seed extract, Bromelain, Propolis, Mangosteen, Quercitin.
Vitamin C is the antihistamine vitamin

Garlic and onions are effective for sinus problems.
Luffa (sponge cucumber) for hay fever and allergies.
Stinging nettles prevent and relieve a runny nose and itchy eyes 450mg x 3 times daily.
Supplementing a particular probiotic strain (Bifidobacterium Longum strain BB536) during the pollen season significantly reduces the severity of hayfever symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, and nasal blockages) by 23%.

In the hay fever season you can put some vaseline under your nose, it is a barrier against pollen.
Wearing sunglasses help prevent the pollen in the air getting into your eyes.
Showering in the early evening makes sure you get the pollen out of your hair.

You can also try to cut out dairy products, sugar and mushrooms as these are mucous producing foods.

I hope this helps you !!!

[pancake]

this better help casue it took me an hour to type up. I know all of this stuff cause I also have severe allergies like you. I also have severe asthma. I have had about ever medication given here and I am only 16. anway, I really hope this helps you get an idea of what you need.


k, there r several kinds of medications you can use. hey r:

*Corticosteroids help prevent and treat the inflammation associated with allergic conditions.

* Antihistamines block histamine, an inflammatory chemical released by your immune system during an allergic reaction.

* Decongestants relieve nasal and sinus congestion.

* Leukotriene modifiers block the effects of leukotrienes, inflammatory chemicals released by your immune system during an allergic reaction.

* Cromolyn sodium prevents the release of histamine, an inflammatory chemical released by your immune system during an allergic reaction.

Corticosteroids:

Nasal sprays

Examples include:

* Beclomethasone (Beconase)
* Fluticasone (Flonase)
* Triamcinolone (Nasacort)
* Budesonide (Rhinocort)
* Flunisolide (Nasarel)
* Mometasone (Nasonex)

these prevent and relieve allergy symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, sneezing, and itchy, runny nose. 4 most people, these nasal sprays work the best 4 allergy symptoms caused by hay fever or pets.

Mild side effects can include:

* Unpleasant smell or taste
* Irritation, especially during the winter
* Crusting and nosebleeds, especially in the winter

Antihistamines:

Oral

Over-the-counter examples include:

* Loratadine (Claritin)
* Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
* Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
* Clemastine (Tavist)

Prescription examples include:

* Fexofenadine (Allegra)
* Cetirizine (Zyrtec)

now, the purpose of Antihistamines is to block the action of histamine, an inflammatory chemical released by your immune system during an allergic reaction.

Blocking histamine reduces such symptoms as redness, swelling, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and hives (urticaria).

side effects:

Older, first-generation antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) and clemastine (Tavist) may make you sleepy. Avoid using them before driving or operating heavy machinery.
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) may cause drowsiness in some people.

Nasal spray

Examples include:

* Azelastine (Astelin)
This prescription medication helps relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy or runny nose, sinus congestion, and postnasal drip.

side effects:
* Bitter taste
* Dizziness, drowsiness or fatigue
* Dry mouth
* Headache
* Nasal burning or nosebleed
* Nausea
* Runny nose or sore throat
* Sneezing

Decongestants:
Pills and liquids

Examples include:

* Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, others)
* Promethazine (Phenergan, others)
Decongestants relieve nasal and sinus congestion caused by hay fever, as well as eye congestion caused by allergic conjunctivitis. Most decongestants are available over-the-counter.

You should not use these medications if you have high blood pressure (hypertension).

Side effects of these medications can include:

* Lightheadedness
* Insomnia
* Nervousness
* Increased blood pressure
* Increased heart rate
* Irregular heart beat
* Worsening of prostate enlargement symptoms

Nasal sprays

Examples include:

* Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine, others)
* Oxymetazoline (Afrin, others)
Decongestant sprays relieve nasal, sinus and eye congestion.

Don't use a decongestant nasal spray for more than two or three days at a time. After longer use, you may develop severe congestion as soon as you stop (rebound congestion).
Nasal decongestants can cause:

* Dryness
* Burning or stinging inside the nose
* Runny nose
* Sneezing

Taking too much of a nasal decongestant may cause:

* Blurred vision
* Fast, irregular or pounding heartbeat
* Headache
* Dizziness or drowsiness
* Lightheadedness
* High blood pressure
* Nervousness
* Trembling or muscle weakness
* Insomnia

Leukotriene modifiers:

Pills and tablets

Leukotriene modifiers are available only by prescription. They're produced in pill and chewable tablet form.

Examples include:

* Montelukast (Singulair)
* Zileuton (Zyflo)
* Zafirlukast (Accolate)
These drugs block the effects of leukotrienes, inflammatory chemicals released by your immune system during an allergic reaction. Such medications have proved most effective in treating asthma, but montelukast also relieves hay fever symptoms.
Side effects differ for each type of leukotriene inhibitor, but can include:

* Cough
* Dizziness
* Headache
* Stomach upset or pain
* Stuffy nose
* Tiredness
* Insomnia
* Muscle weakness
* Liver damage (zileuton)

[Michael I]

Vodka....1 cup and you won't be feeling anything!

[oldknowitall]

I have taken Rx Clarinex for several years. M y doc said it was about 10 times stronger than claritin. It has worked really well for me and doesn't make me sleepy.Perhaps if you take your Zyrtec at a different time, you wouldn't get sleepy at work.