In the past, I took Zyrtec at night and Suphedrine during the day. Recently, the doctor gave me a prescription to take in lieu of the other meds. It helps, but I'm not sure it's any better than what I was taking before. I hate allergies!

I am following this...I am in full swing with allergies too.

Yes, I alternate Zyrtec for 1 year then Allegra for a year. My GP says they don't work much after a year cause your body gets used to them and I should alternate. Cant take Suphedrine due to High Blood Pressure.

Flonase, once a day, every day.

Zyrtec makes me sleepy and gives me jitters.

Massive at the moment. Happens every year like clockwork. Definitely tiring, even without the antihistamines (I try to limit those to bedtime). I have to remind myself every year that's what this is because it's exhausting.

Definitely don't want to run out of Flonase this time of year, either. And since I'm a mosquito and bug magnet I also keep the antihistamine creams lying around so I always have it and never have to look for it. The generic of that is like a dollar a tube at Wal-Mart. I keep a tube in the car, upstairs, downstairs, in the bathroom. There's probably a tube under the sofa cushions. Same with mosquito repellent.

For my nasal congestion - which is actually worse in some ways than the sneezing and itching - I also take something called Umcka. They make several products from Pelargonium sidoides. Yes, a species of South African geranium. I've tried them all, and I get the best results from the powder packets you mix with warm or hot water. Right now I'm drinking two or three cups of that a day. Makes me feel much better, and after taking it on and off for several years I have yet to notice any side effects.

Yes, there's definitely a plan of attack this time of year. If I just leave it be and fail to adapt I'll be down and out.

I get allergy shots every 2-3 weeks. Use Advair inhaler. Have 2 prescription nasal sprays. Take Allegra everyday. Suphedrine sparingly. Also use salt water sinus rinse. I do this year round. Spring AND fall are still killers.

Allergist told me to shower every night before going to bed. Get rid of carpet. Keep windows closed always, use ac when needed. Allergies truly suck!

It's best to go to pollen.com and figure out, what you are allergic to. Also, don't take over the counter allergy meds year round. Your body is used to them, and doesn't the meds don't help much when they are then needed. Take a break from them, after the stuff that bugs you is no longer listed at pollen.com

I take allergy shots, year round. I take over the counter stuff to top it off, during the spring cedar tree pollen time, and the fall ragweed pollen time. Sometimes I even add a nasal spray, depending on symptoms.

Most important is really to give your body time off between the bad pollen.

Moni

PS, cedar pollen is still strong here, and at the moment I sleep with an air cleaner running!

PPS, I also shower after I ride my bike, or work in the yard. Very important to wash that pollen off!

Katlan, I just went to refill my Advair and the price has jumped from $100 for 3 months to $428 for 3 months! Will see my allergist in 2 weeks and will discuss with him any options.

Oh my goodness yes. Everything is covered in pollen and I am suffering. I am still on antibiotics for the respiratory infection. I use Nasonex, allergy medication, inhalers, nebulizer if needed. I drink emergency C in orange juice.

I used to use Advair regularly but it caused me to lose my voice and I thought it would never come back. Google about Advair and losing your voice. It happens frequently. I use Dulera inhaler now.

https://fauquierent.blogspot.com/2011/06/steroid-inhalers-for-asthma-can-cause.html

Inhaled nasal steroids, like budesonide (Rhinocort), fluticasone (Flonase), and triamcinolone (Nasacort).

Year round allergies. My best defense has been a good offense. And in that vein-nasal rinse! and flonase. I'd go without medication before I'd go without the saline rinse. It's been a true lifesaver. Although I'm much better after the sinus surgery, nasal rinse is it's certainly the biggest weapon in my arsenal. Don't need zyrtec any more if that tells you. But I do it religiously. That may matter. Every day, at least once a day.

I just started with the annoying dry cough a day or two ago. I used to be able to count on May/June and again in Sept but it is way early this year. I was interested to read this post as it seems early for pollen. I take otc generic brands but only during the months I need them--not year round. They help me a lot.

No allergies. Thank God. I live surrounded by every kind of tree and weed you can think of. Right now everything is covered with yellow pollen from the pine trees.

Love my neti pot!

Right now all pollen sources here are covered under at least 15 inches of snow...

I'm allergic to many scents and find Spring brings drippy nose and itchy eyes. We've had a couple of nice days in a row, the flowering trees are popping blossoms all over the place and my black car had the first dusting of pollen all over it today. I'm sorry for those with severe allergies, but I gotta say, I LOVE Spring and all that comes with it.

Tim takes Zyrtec and Chip Singular. I stop both in the fall and restart right before things start comming to life outside. The doctor doesn't think I should do this but if they don't need it than why give it. They are both taking it for seasonal, enviromental allergies. Such as certain grasses, trees, plants. They both are allergy free during the winter so there's no sense in pumping them with chemicals if they don't need it. Chip does great on the Singular but the Zyrtec provided very little relief for Tim last year. Probably will have to try something else. These allergies and Chips asthma is why I can't use the clothesline which I love for sheets. Oh well less work using the dryer. Lol.