Medicine question...

My nasal drip is getting really bad so I called my Dr. today. The tech told me she has been getting calls with people having the same problem. Anyway she told me to try either Claritan or Zertec (sp). If that doesn't help, I need to see the Dr. to check my throat and nose.

Have any of you tried either one of these meds and did they help. I am going to the pharmacy a little later so please let me know what you have tried.

I have taken both. I love Zyrtec! It seems to help me a lot! Claritin, not as much though! I cannot take any of the "D" forms of these though because they make my heart flutter

Originally Posted by capt_jordi

I have taken both. I love Zyrtec! It seems to help me a lot! Claritin, not as much though! I cannot take any of the "D" forms of these though because they make my heart flutter

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Thanks so much. I'm sorry I don't know what you mean by D forms, is there more than one choice. I'll have to read the labels carefully.

I've tried both before, and even allegra years ago. Antihistamines never helped me, but that's because my problem is non allergic rhinitis. If you have allergies, they may help you, and if they don't it may be viral or something else irritating your sinuses.

The D formulas have pseudoephedrine in them.

Claritin helps my allergies. Some times I wake up a bit sniffly, but nowhere near as bad as when I forget to take the claritin. I got a really good deal, a years worth the generic for $13 at Sam's Club.

Originally Posted by strange_wings

I've tried both before, and even allegra years ago. Antihistamines never helped me, but that's because my problem is non allergic rhinitis. If you have allergies, they may help you, and if they don't it may be viral or something else irritating your sinuses.

The D formulas have pseudoephedrine in them.

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Thank you! I could not come up with that to save my life! LOL! Pseuoephedrine and I are not friends.
Its used more if you have a stuffy nose though

There is something going around. So many people here have runny noses and eventually sore throats and congestion. So it might be the same where you are.

Any non-drowsy antihistamine will help dry up those secretions. If your doctor suggested one to you, go with their recommendations.

Originally Posted by capt_jordi

Thank you! I could not come up with that to save my life! LOL! Pseuoephedrine and I are not friends.
Its used more if you have a stuffy nose though

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No stuffy nose, it's just the opposite. I go thru tissues like crazy. Thank you all for your suggestions, I'll let you know what I come home with.

My allergies have been terrible this year, for the first time in many years. I bought some generic Zyrtec (cetirizine or whatever it is). It helps, but doesn't completely dry me up. However, it's a whole lot better than if I didn't take it. I, too, have been going through tons of tissues. My nose is a faucet! (eew, sorry, I know. )

I hope whatever you get works for you!

...and boy are they expensive. Clairtin is even more expensive. I took one as soon as I got home, I just hope they help. Thanks for all your help guys.

There's generic, did you look around or ask the pharmacist to help you? If you have to end up regularly taking them compare generic OTC prices to what generic prescription would cost (if you have anything to cover the costs) - it may end up being cheaper that way.

Originally Posted by strange_wings

There's generic, did you look around or ask the pharmacist to help you? If you have to end up regularly taking them compare generic OTC prices to what generic prescription would cost (if you have anything to cover the costs) - it may end up being cheaper that way.

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I'm suffering so much with this nasal drip that I figured I'd try the brand name. I know generic is supposed to be just as good as some of my prescriptions are generic. I'm just hoping this helps or I will need to see what the Dr. says. I'm hoping this is not more serious than I think it is.

Good luck for the Zyrtec to turn off your faucet nose!!

Originally Posted by DarkMavis

Good luck for the Zyrtec to turn off your faucet nose!!

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LOL, yep I need all the help I can get.

I should also mention that the effects of claritin aren't instant. I have to take it for three days before I noticed a difference. If I miss a day, I'll have symptoms for a day or two even after I take one.

Have you ever used a Netti Pot? Not sure if it would help - but it might?

http://www.iherb.com/Ancient-Secrets...-Pot/6346?at=0

this is the salt:
http://www.iherb.com/Himalayan-Insti...0-oz/6019?at=0

these are just to show you what I'm talking about -

My runny nose is caused by allergies and I have had good luck with Nasonex. It is a spray. My insurance co-pay is $30.00 but you can sign up online and get some $$ off coupons.

Originally Posted by GloriaJH

Have you ever used a Netti Pot? Not sure if it would help - but it might?

http://www.iherb.com/Ancient-Secrets...-Pot/6346?at=0

this is the salt:
http://www.iherb.com/Himalayan-Insti...0-oz/6019?at=0

these are just to show you what I'm talking about -

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No I have never tried either of these, never even heard of them.

Originally Posted by LaRussa

No I have never tried either of these, never even heard of them.

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the salt is the solution that is used in the Netti Pot - the directions for the Netti Pot are found on that first link with the word "Pot" in the address

you actually rinse out your sinus with the salt water using the Netti Pot

if you do try it - make sure you use WARM WATER - cold water will freeze your brain !!!! Not too hot and not too cold.

Here's a youtube video: