If you suffer with allergies- what meds do you take?

I have never had allergies as bad as I do this year. I am suffering almost every day and the OTC pills that used to work (Claritin and Zyrtec) just aren't cutting it anymore.
They will take the edge off but I'll still be having symptoms and they will wear off after 12 hours when you can't take another one for 24 hours- so I end up suffering for 12 hours.

I'm not sure if it's something in the air, or my new cats or what but something has to give.

What allergy meds do you take and how do you like them? I will need to see a Dr for a prescription I think, but I wanted to see thoughts/feedback on the drugs out there and what works for you...
I have heard raves about the nasal allergy sprays like Nasacort, Nasonex etc

Any feedback?

TIA!

Message edited 8/21/2009 9:02:31 AM.

Re: If you suffer with allergies- what meds do you take?

Our allergist rarely prescribes pills anymore. He says the nasal sprays are much more effective. We use Nasacort.

Re: If you suffer with allergies- what meds do you take?

I take all prescription stuff - Allegra in the morning; Singulair at night. For nose sprays I take Astepro and Nasacort 2x a day. I also go for allergy shots. I used to be a sneezing and runny mess. Now I won't sneeze for weeks on end. Now the only time when I sneeze is when I've missed a dose.

It seems excessive but I am prone to nasal polyps and already had to have surgery to get rid of them so I need to stay on top of my allergies or they will return.

I'm allergic to cat (but won't give her up!) tree, weed, grass, pollen and mold. Only thing I'm NOT allergic to is dust. The allergist said I should live on Mars, maybe I would't be affected there. Hey, at least I dont need to clean the house like a crazy person to get rid of dust, since that's the ONLY thing that doesnt bother me....


ETA: The one thing I do every day without fail is the Neil Med Sinus rinse; that's just saltwater and it gets rid of any allergens in the nose and clears it out if there is any mucus.

Message edited 8/21/2009 9:46:19 AM.

Re: If you suffer with allergies- what meds do you take?

My brother and I both suffered terribly from allergies. Last spring I was using a nasal spray, an inhaler and prescription pills twice a day.

Now, we just use the neti pot! I use it every night before bed and in the morning if I have time before work. If I am outside for an extended period I will start to get the sniffles but otherwise, I have had NO issues this season! My brother is off allergy medicine for the first time in ten years!

Of course, it doesn't work for everyone but I would at least add it to your routine.

Feel Better!

Re: If you suffer with allergies- what meds do you take?

Re: If you suffer with allergies- what meds do you take?