I had to go to 3 different pharmacies because every one was sold out, but I finally found some Zyrtec-D. Also picked up one of those Neti pots, so I'm about to give that a shot for the first time. Should be interesting.
I use generic Flonase every day and a claritin once a day. Been doing that for years, what with the allergies we get in Austin. I didn't have any allergies when first moving here, not for about 10 years, but they suddenly started affecting me. This combo does the trick. Sure, on really terrible days, when it feels like you could cut the pollen in the air with a knife, I still get some mild symptoms, but that's usually the worst of it. Like you said, with Claritin (or Zyrtec, I think) you need to start taking the stuff a couple of weeks before the allergies are pumping out strong. Don't expect to get real relief immediately. I also wouldn't take two of those things at a time. There's a reason they say "one every 24 hours!" A couple of advil a couple of times a day doesn't hurt, either, and reduces the inflamation in your sinuses. Good luck, everyone.
This is the key. The recommended dosage (1 pill every 24 hours) is, I believe, too little for most full-grown adults. Whenever I come across someone who says that Claratin (or the generic loratadine) doesn't work for them, I always tell them: double the dose and give it 24 hours (i.e. - two once-daily doses). I've found this is the secret recipe for allergy-free living.
ITCHY EYES. WATERY NOSE. SNEEZING... accompanied by some coughing... ARGH. Home sick. You suck, allergies... you bastards...
I've been there before, and I am telling you - get a prescription of Flonase or the equivalent. Two years with no problems, and I am very allergic to ragweed.
I was starting to wonder if I was getting sick or if it was allergies. Had migraine like pain over the weekend, now my nose is messed up. Sinus pain. Ugh. Can't wait till it's COLD outside.
Hubby is battling allergies too...he is miserable. The meds he's taking are not helping. He has singular... I'm allergic to mold which is BAD since I live in a humid climate.
I have tried Claratin, Singular and Zyrtec. Neither Claratin or Singular did much for me. Zyrtec usually works for me, except during peak periods. I usually take Zyrtec before I go to bed, since when I lay down I noticed that my asthma becomes more pronounced. On bad days, I make sure I take Zyrtec at least a hour before bed to give it time to work.
