Must be allergies. What good OTC drugs

[Hspotman]

I have always thought that I just get sick easily. But I have a generally very healthy lifestyle, I am a surfer. But when I am at home, I feel stuffed up alot of times. It will switch from one side of the nose to the other. I sneeze frequently. When I go outside or am driving somewhere, these symptoms dissappear. So I am under the assumption now that I have major allergies to something in my place. I do have a cat, but I was never allergic to her for the first year or so. I have tried vaccuming the whole place, and I may feel a little bit better afterwards, but that could also be psychosomatic because it usually comes back the next day. My question is, what are the best OTC drugs that I can buy at the drug store for this? I have been taking Sudafed ever since I felt I had minor cold symtoms, but that only semi-helps me. I still blow my nose ALOT.

[janewhite1]

The best stuff for my allergies is Benadryl, but that makes most people sleepy, so I only take it on "special" occasions.

Almost as effective for me is loratidine (brand name Claritin, you're supposed to take 1 per day) although, if you take it when you're already sneezing, it can take a while to start to work.

Remember, when you clean, open the windows and put on a dust mask. And get the cat a bath once in a while.

[Titchou]

Order OTC Cetirizine from Canada....it's Zyrtec here. Great for cat allergies.

[mkgbrook]

Zyrtec is going generic and OTC in the US in December! I think that is great for everyone else.. but I do not know how it is going to affect my prescription plan. I would have to start buying it at OTC prices because they went straight to OTC release versus generic production and physician prescription required. I do not think OTC will beat my 5 dollar generic 90 day supply copay.

Sincerely,
MG

[Titchou]

WOW! $5 copay for 90??? Boy, you sure have great insurance! It's $60 for 30 for me if I buy it here. But I only pay $40 for 90 from Canada including shipping.