Tomo 1,195 Posted August 7, 2023 I have been suffering from the worst allergies and started taking Zyrtec. I thought it was my imagination but it increased my appetite. I looked it up and it does indeed have that as a side effect for some people. While it is minimal compared to first generation antihistamines, it still crosses the blood brain barrier. I changed over to Claritin (doesn't cross so no effect on appetite) but that doesn't work so well for me. [emoji24] What do you all do if you have allergies? 1 1 GreenTealael and summerseeker reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pintsizedmallrat 473 Posted August 7, 2023 I take Claritin. That's interesting about Zyrtec, I used to take it and during that period of time I gained weight (many years ago, before my surgery), so now I wonder if that's why 2 Tomo and GreenTealael reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GreenTealael 25,443 Posted August 7, 2023 (edited) Dupe Edited August 7, 2023 by GreenTealael Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GreenTealael 25,443 Posted August 7, 2023 (edited) I use Benadryl for acute allergic reactions. Oddly my lifelong seasonal allergies disappeared about 8yrs ago for no reason at all. Edited August 7, 2023 by GreenTealael 1 Tomo reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CarmenG 151 Posted August 7, 2023 I stick with Benadryl. I've had allergies most of my adult life. They're perennial. I tried Zyrtec and Claritin, but they don't work as fast. Also, because I'm chronically dehydrated due to my sleeve 14 years ago, I try to deal with my allergies until I just can't handle it anymore. Too much allergy medication exacerbates my dehydration. Hope you feel better! 1 Tomo reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChunkCat 734 Posted August 8, 2023 (edited) I wonder if Allegra crosses over? That's what I take when I need it. Though to be honest the big winner for me is Nasonex nasal spray. I have the itchy, burning, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing symptoms primarily and had two allergists tell me nasal sprays are by far the best for controlling those symptoms--especially the eye symptoms. I use it twice a day, when I wake up and at bedtime and if I miss a day man do I feel it. Much more effective than just a pill and no systemic side effects! Edited August 8, 2023 by ChunkCat 1 Tomo reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SleeveToBypass2023 2,677 Posted August 8, 2023 I take Flonase and Singulair. I stopped taking Zyrtec for that same reason, and Claritin never really worked for me. 1 Tomo reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tomo 1,195 Posted August 8, 2023 I wonder if Allegra crosses over? That's what I take when I need it. Though to be honest the big winner for me is Nasonex nasal spray. I have the itchy, burning, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing symptoms primarily and had two allergists tell me nasal sprays are by far the best for controlling those symptoms--especially the eye symptoms. I use it twice a day, when I wake up and at bedtime and if I miss a day man do I feel it. Much more effective than just a pill and no systemic side effects!Allegra does not cross it according to studies Hmm may have to try that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
learn2cook 594 Posted August 8, 2023 This is a constant problem for me too. I take Zyxal or Zyrtec for the 24 hr control, Singulair and Flonase, and Benedryl for nighttime. Then there’s puffers galore for asthma. I have tried dropping the Singulair because it makes me stupid. It worsens everything about menopause, but it does help nighttime asthma. If there’s other ideas for moderate to severe asthma/allergies I’d love to hear it! (Yes I boil the sheets, use a hepa air purifier, and shower nightly.) 1 Tomo reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pintsizedmallrat 473 Posted August 8, 2023 4 hours ago, learn2cook said: This is a constant problem for me too. I take Zyxal or Zyrtec for the 24 hr control, Singulair and Flonase, and Benedryl for nighttime. Then there’s puffers galore for asthma. I have tried dropping the Singulair because it makes me stupid. It worsens everything about menopause, but it does help nighttime asthma. If there’s other ideas for moderate to severe asthma/allergies I’d love to hear it! (Yes I boil the sheets, use a hepa air purifier, and shower nightly.) that is interesting to know; I have to take Singulair to treat an autoimmune condition in my lungs and I DEFINITELY feel like it makes me "derpy". 1 Tomo reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites