I need a new antihistamine.

And I'm looking for recommendations, 'cause the pharmacists at my drug store don't know what the hell they're talking about.

So if you know of a good OTC antihistamine that'll not knock me out, not make me act all trippy and jittery, and that'll stop these fluids from flowing where they shouldn't be goin', you would truly be my hero if you'd share your wealth of knowledge.

Thank you in advance and stay the hell away from Children's Benadryl.  That **** is the devil.

Try a neti pot. Sounds strange but it works great.

And you will save a lot of money not buying the OCD's

My nose isn't the problem.  It's my ears.  When I get hay fever, everything drains into my ears and down my throat.  It's kind of gross.. actually.

I know, especially when they start to pop.  I have to get my ears irrigated every year.  The stuff that comes out is disgusting.

Try the neti pot, it is very easy, about $20. 

I can't take the anthistamines because of drug allergies.

I have the same problem with antihistamine. Benadryl really knocks me out so I can't take while at work. I started taking Claritin and it doesn't knock me out so I can function while taking it and it really works. I have the 24 hr pill, but you can also get one that's a 12 hour pill. Hope you feel better soon!

My allergies are the worst they've been in YEARS.  I tried Claritin with some success but when the pollen got really bad last week, it didn't touch my allergies.  I've been taking Zyrtec for the last few days and it is doing a much better job.  I've heard that Allegra is good but that's not OTC yet.

 

Pam

You gotta find one that works for you. Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-trimeton is the brand name version) is my buddy, but it does make some people jittery. For me, one tab is fine but two make me a little slow. Try Zyrtec or Claritin too - they both have OTC versions now.

My savior for about 8 months has been Singulair, but it's prescription only and hella expensive right now - and it has only reduced my overall allergy symptoms, not cured them. I still have to take chlorpheniramine pretty regularly. :/ (However, if I forget a dose of Singulair, like I did last night, I am miserable the next day. Better take my chlorpheniramine now... Singulair seems to take care of my dust allergy, which is by far the worst, but not my pollen or cat allergies.)

I too am hyper-sensitive to meds (2 Advil or Tylenol and I need a nap - 1 dose of Benadryl and I need a nice cave to hybernate in!!!)  My family and I SWEAR by a homeopathic remedy call "Sabadil" by Boiron.  It's non-drowsy and no drug interaction.  Even on my worst days when I feel like my nose is a faucet and my eyes are swelling, 2 doses (15 mins apart) are all it takes to relieve my symptoms.  Even my hubby and kids (15 and 17), who roll their eyes at anything organic or homeopathic, agree this works and works fast!  You can order these online or find them at most Whole Food type store.  My local HEB superstore also carries them.  Hope this helps!

 

I'm thinking I might give Claritin a try.  Thanks. =)

Zyrtec, for sure.  Take it at night.  Lasts 24 hours.  Great!  No side effects if taken at night. 

stay away from diphenhydramine, benadryl, because it will depress your central nervous system and make you drowsy.

I've always done well with Clartin and now you can get the knock off brand for significantly less $.

My preference though is to buy a plain saline nasal spray and use it regularly.  If your nasal passages are nice and clear, it helps clear out and moisten the attached passages.  I also like to take Vicks vapor rub and spread it inside each nostril, as you breath the menthol helps clear out your passages.  You might want to coat it first with a plain chapstick if your skin is sensitive.

Edit: for the ears specifically, you can put a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in.  It feels really wierd and cold and it fizzles but it seems to work.