If You Have Indoor/outdoor Allergies...

[jenvan]

Hey all... I am looking for new allergy meds. I was on clarinex but their gluten-free statement was shady to me...and so I am shopping around to see how others compare. Zyrtec told me it would take a week or more to get back to me. Any thoughts on Zyrtec, Allegra or any others? I do not want any decongestants... Thanks!

[jmengert]

I have awful allergies, even having to use allergy shots for awhile, and Zyrtec is the only med that has worked for me. I was on it all last spring/summer/fall, and I never had a reaction to it. The gluten free drugs website said it was gluten free, as did one other site I examined (I don't remember what it was now), and I never had a reaction to it--and I'm extremely sensitive to gluten. However, when I get my next prescription filled for it (which will be soon, as I can already feel that pollen coming!), I'm going to call the manufacturer. If you hear back from them, I'd love to hear what they say.

Hope this helps!

[jenvan]

Thanks Julie...I'll let you know when I hear. Glad it has helped you. I did allergy shots for years until recently... They were a godsend...

[penguin]

Zyrtec is great. I took claritin for years but became immune to it. Allegra made me sleepy, and if it's more than once a day, I find it hard to remember to take.

I've also had flonase and another nose spray, but both gave me terrible headaches. I could breathe, though

[elonwy]

I take claratin daily, and then Flonase during specific times of the year. All of my allergies are specifically beacuse of the city, once I leave the city they go away.

Elonwy

[jerseyangel]

I take Claritan and Flonase as needed.

[dlp252]

I take Zyrtek and do okay with it. I'm also still getting allergy shots--in my 4th year. I was just able to go down to once a week and am anxiously waiting until I can do every other week, lol.

[Kasey'sMom]

Jen,

I've taken Allegra & Clartin before, but for the last 3 years I've taken Zyrtec. My dd takes Zyrtec as well. We take the Zyrtec Syrup at night and it helps us not to get drowsy during the day. I also do immuni-therapy and take monthly Xolair injetcions. When my allergies are at the worst I use Nascort AQ also.

I take Zyrtek and do okay with it. I'm also still getting allergy shots--in my 4th year. I was just able to go down to once a week and am anxiously waiting until I can do every other week, lol.

I know what you mean.....I'm on the maintance dose now but I'm still at once a week!

[jenvan]

Thanks for all the input--Zyrtec sounds like it must be pretty darn good!

[penguin]

Thanks for all the input--Zyrtec sounds like it must be pretty darn good!

Manna from heaven

[munchkinette]

I take Claritin in the morning and Benadryl at night. I had to stop taking the generics though because some have "starch". The brands are pretty reasonable at Costco. I take Flonase as I need it (usually before bed) and occasionally I'll use an albuterol inhaler.

Having an air filter has really helped me too. Mine just broke! I notice a big difference.

[Guest cassidy]

I too take Zyrtec. I take it at night because it can make you sleepy. It used to put me to sleep in the beginning, but it doesn't anymore.

I can't say that I'm impressed with the strength. When my allergies get bad I've had to take something over the counter on top of the Zyrtec. I don't feel that it lasts for the full 24 hours.

I took allergy shots for a few years but could never get past the once a week stage and that was very inconvenient.

I haven't taken my Zyrtec since going gluten free and I haven't needed it at all. I have no idea if they are related, but it is odd that I have suddenly outgrown my allergies. I'm allergic to dust mites and cats (including the one that sleeps on my pillow) along with seasonal stuff, so I'm not sure why I'm better.

[tiredofdoctors]

My doctor gave me 5-days worth of samples of all the meds out, told me to get back to her with the one that worked the best. I can't remember all that she gave me (there were about 7 or 8), but Zyrtec won hands down. I also take Mucinex if I'm just having some increased sinus congestion -- since guaifenassen (sp?) thins mucous, it helps to let the sinuses drain -- thereby avoiding an infection. (I like taking Zyrtec, though, so that I don't GET congestion!)

[munchkinette]

I haven't taken my Zyrtec since going gluten free and I haven't needed it at all. I have no idea if they are related, but it is odd that I have suddenly outgrown my allergies. I'm allergic to dust mites and cats (including the one that sleeps on my pillow) along with seasonal stuff, so I'm not sure why I'm better.

I think the gluten-free diet has helped! In the last week my allergies were the worst I've had in a long time. It was raining (that usually makes them flare up), my air filter broke, I cleaned my room, and of course I play with my pets every day. I had a cold as well. I could not take enough allergy meds. Until 2-3 days ago I was a mess in general because I had to eat a lot of wheat for a blood test.

Today I didn't take ANY allergy meds, even after it rained last night! I didn't even use my inhaler at the gym. I think the diet has made a difference in that I don't need my inhaler as much, but I also started taking only half a benadryl lately.... I must be absorbing it better.

[frenchiemama]

I take zyrtec also, and I'm very happy with it. I also use nasonex spray.

[jenvan]

Amy & Cassidy-

Glad to hear your allergies have improved post gluten-free. I know that has happened for some others. Not for me yet though They still aren't nearly as bad as when I was young, and taking the shots though...