Allergy Fix

Post date: March 28, 2024

by Joseph Racioppi

Spring has sprung, and with it tulips, daffodils, peonies, and allergies. Yes, it is once again that time of year, time to take 50 different allergy medications, and have half of them do nothing. Which raises the question, which is the best medicine? Which of course doesn’t have a simple answer, as different over-the-counter medications have various intensities and side effects. Some make you sleepy, others might constipate, and some just don’t seem to work. With so many options and side effects, it can get a little overwhelming. Thankfully you have the internet here to tell you everything you could ever want to know.

Antihistamines block histamine, a symptom-causing chemical released by your immune system during an allergic reaction. These tend to make you tired, specifically Diphenhydramine and Chlorpheniramine, so if you need to be alert it may be wise to avoid them. It may be better to try one of the following Cetirizine (Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy), Desloratadine (Clarinex), Fexofenadine (Allegra, Allegra Allergy), Levocetirizine (Xyzal, Xyzal Allergy), Loratadine (Alavert, Claritin). If your particular allergies are more focused on your nose, it may be better to try a nasal spray, such as Budesonide (Rhinocort), Fluticasone furoate (Flonase Sensimist), Fluticasone propionate (Flonase Allergy Relief), Mometasone (Nasonex), Triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24 Hour); although some people are bothered by the taste. If that is the case , you may want to try an aerosol formula such as Beclomethasone (Qnasl) or Ciclesonide (Zetonna).

If none of the aforementioned over-the-counter medications are helping, you are taking medications for something else, or if you have any chronic health conditions, it would be wise to see your doctor. Certain medications might be dangerous if taken together, especially if the medication is for a child or an elderly person. Always be sure to keep tissues on hand, and good luck out there.