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?

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

Dupe

Edited August 7, 20233 yr by GreenTealael

I use Benadryl for acute allergic reactions. Oddly my lifelong seasonal allergies disappeared about 8yrs ago for no reason at all.

Edited August 7, 20233 yr by GreenTealael

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!

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, 20233 yr by ChunkCat

I take Flonase and Singulair. I stopped taking Zyrtec for that same reason, and Claritin never really worked for me.

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.

Thanks all!

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.)

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".