[Little Lulu]

I've had allergies all of my life but they have gotten worse as I've gotten older (I'm 56). I do not like the way the non-sedating antihistamines (i.e. Claritin) make me feel so I take Benadryl which helps a little. My health insurance plan does not cover meds so the high dollar ones like Singulair are out. I just feel lousy some days - congested and achy. Maybe I am just wanting to vent but any suggestions are welcomed. Thank you.

[reesecups]

Have you tried allergy shots? Not perfect but helps after a while. I take Zyrtec. Seems to work better for me than Claritin.

[UnderRugSwept]

I see an allergist and just started allergy shots yesterday...I was told I won't notice any improvement for about a year and that it's a 5-year commitment. I am super allergic to dust mites tho so for me it's worth it.

And if you can tolerate it, zyrtec is the strongest over the counter allergy med for both indoor and outdoor allergies.

[pngindreamr]

I completely understand! I've had allergies ever since I was little. They have gotten worse and when I was 17 I began to get allergy shots because I was using a box of tissues a day (with medication) and getting recurrent sinus infections. I was tested and I am allergic to grasses. Molds. Weeds. Trees. Cats dogs cock roaches. Dust mites and so on. It gives you a detailed analysis and tour shots contain the allergen so it builds up your immunity. I have been on them for the 5 years and my allergies have improved a lot. Nasal sprays are really helpful and zyrtec is the best antihistamine I've taken too.

[Little Lulu]

Thanks everyone for your input. I just may have to go with the shots but I've been resistant to that idea because of the commitment it takes, just as Elsewhere outlined. Giving it some consideration ...

[liveforfish]

My allergies kicked in early this year with headaches and fatigue.

I use Walgreen's version of Allegra. Works great, non-drowsy, and kasts 24 hours.

[Fuzzybear]

I don’t have advice .

[xmascarol]

Originally Posted by Little Lulu

I've had allergies all of my life but they have gotten worse as I've gotten older (I'm 56). I do not like the way the non-sedating antihistamines (i.e. Claritin) make me feel so I take Benadryl which helps a little. My health insurance plan does not cover meds so the high dollar ones like Singulair are out. I just feel lousy some days - congested and achy. Maybe I am just wanting to vent but any suggestions are welcomed. Thank you.

I have allergies to sometimes they can last for days.I take the generic brand of benedryl they really dont help that much but being a diabetic that is the only kind I can take,I also have had plenty of sinus infections they wanted to do a ct scan but I cannot do that it scares me to much.So I had to take antibiotics for it,I would say keep your windows closed but that doesnt work for me,my allergies get really bad sometimes.The funny thing about it is sometimes they feel better when I go outside cannot figure that one out.