Allergies messing with my schedule :explode:

Zyrtec is supposed to be a non-drowsy medication. I take mine of a morning, and have no issues with being sleepy whatsoever. Allergies are a pain in the *kitten* though. You might try adding a Tbsp or 2 of natural, local honey to your diet. It can help with your allergies. But it has to be local honey, not what most grocery stores have, maybe try the local farmer's market.

You could also try Clariten (sp?), it is supposed to be a non-drowsy medication.

Back in the day, I would have said Sudafed, but since pseudophedrine isn't available like it used to be, I've tried some other things. The best one for me has been Claritin, though it does make me feel loopy for some odd reason. I like it better than Zyrtec.

*edited to add - Also, try blowing your nose immediately after a hot shower. I find the heated moisture is really good at breaking all the stuff up and helps me clear my sinuses out, and I'm pretty sure doing that has lessened my symptoms. You could also try the Neti pot. A friend of mine raves about it, but it's not really for me. You never know, though, you may prefer it. It looks something like this. Of course, this is the more holistic approach to allergies.

Try taking it earlier. There is also a Rx called Zyzal which is Zrytec without the ingredients that make you drowsy. Unfortunately not OTC, but an amazing allergy drug. I suffer from allergies too living in Texas. Good luck.

Allegra is a godsend. I have really bad runny nose itchy eyes sneezing to death type allergies, and if I take benadryl I'd better be within 10 feet of a bed, because that stuff makes me feel like I'm high. I feel like my head is underwater and I can't think straight, and I'm so utterly tired. Allegra is the only thing I've found that works for me. Here's a stupid thing: In zyrtec commercials they make a huge deal about OH YOU CAN'T TAKE ALLEGRA WITH FRUIT JUICE! like it will kill you. The only thing that happens is the medicine bonds to the juice and just flushes out instead of working. So take it with water. :P

I recommend taking either Allegra-D or Claritin-D. The "D" is important! It will help open you up. You will have to ask the pharmacist for it, but it is NOT prescription. They just have to keep it behind the counter in most states because it contains pseudoephedrine, which people use to make meth. I HIGHLY recommend the ones with pseudoephedrine as opposed to the ones that you can just pick up on the shelves. It works much faster and more efficiently for me. If you have any heart/high blood pressure issues you should check with your doc first though. I've been dealing with the same thing...I'm hoping the rain we had yesterday will help!

over the counter allergy pills. 24 hour kind. look for claratin, then look underneath it for the store brand. usually cheaper and its the same thing.

take one at night, and you should be good to go for the morning. btw, they're not perfect. the pollen count has been so high in nyc that even with the pills, i suffer.

I had issues with Zyrtec as well. Currently I am on Allegra and if congestion is really bad, I take Mucinex D as well. It has worked really well for me.

Unfortunately, a lot of these things do take time and trial and error and everyone is different. I was on Zyrtec for about 2 months but it caused a lot of dizziness and headaches, then I switched to Claritin and it worked pretty well for a while but then it stopped working. Then I started taking Chlortabs which are decent but you need to take them every 4 hours for them to work. Allegra is great because just 1 pill a day when my allergies are acting up and I'm good to go.

Also, I have tried Wal-mart brand of Allegra and it really isn't as good. They say it is a 12 hour pill but it doesn't last 12 hours. The 24 hour Allegra really lasts the full 24 hours.

I use Zyrtec and do not experience any side affects, but I have a friend who is knocked out by it. I think she prefers Claritin.

My best friend, in regards to allergies for the last 4-5 years, has been my Neti pot. I use it every morning and every night to clear out my sinuses. I used to get really painful sinus infections 2-3 times a year and my allergies were awful. Since using the Neti pot, I think I've had maybe 2 infections in the last five years and my allergies are no where near as bad.

The Neti pot will cost you about $10-$12 at Walgreens and includes 50 solution packets. Rather than buying replacement packs I boil 2 quarts water on the stove, turn off the heat and add 4 tsp non-iodized salt (I use Kosher) and 2 tsp baking soda. Let it cool and store in a covered container. That amount lasts me two days using day and night.

*the Neti pot was recommended to me by my doctor and the solution I make is a recipe she gave me.

I am already a super duper lazy person

PLZ do not rec I go to the doctor I cannot afford to

I wonder if there is any correlation

Heh.

You know, they do have non-drowsy antihistamines...
Cetirizine (Reactine), Desloratadine (Aerius) etc.

ETA:
Scratch that (pun intended) the one you listed IS a non-drowsy. Zyrtec is cetirizine.
Never heard of effects like that. You must be special.

Nope, my mother is the same way. She can take a Zyrtec and be knocked out for hours on end. Where as I can take most anything and keep on bouncing. I've even become immune to Demerol/Phenegran shots. I can get one, and walk out the door, drive myself home (though the Drs won't let me), and do whatever. They don't even make the migraine go away anymore. Some people are more/less tolerant of drugs than others. That's why the note "Do not operate heavy machinery..." is on the bottle, because some people may be made drowsy by it.