Question:
Do allergy tablets have side effect? What other ways to stop allergy?
Can anybody tell me about it?
Answer:
Definitely, there are side effects. With the older type of
antihistamines, drowsiness is the big one. The newer ones may cause
slight drowsiness. Weight gain is common with the newer ones. There's a whole list of reported side effects. If you have concerns
about side effects, you should talk to a pharmacist.
Other ways to combat allergies
- avoid the allergan (not always possible)
- desensitization shots
I never had really good luck with OTC allergy tablets. They worked only short
term, and I had problems with drowsiness and some of the other mentioned side
effects. Two years ago I began using a natural OPC supplement and my symptoms
have disappeared. They sure do. Just go to the drugstore & read the fine print on the package.
I'm looking at Diphedryl allergy tablests (diphenhydramind hydrochloride).
The warning says:
Do not take this product if you have asthma, glaucoma, emphysema, COPD, etc.
May cause marked drowsiness, may cause excitability especially in children. I find it drys out my mouth, but can be used as a sleeping pill.
A less sedating antihistamine is Chlortrimetron, also OTC.
The moral is read the FDA required label.
Some 'allergy tablets' contain pseudoephedrine for drying up runny noses.
This should not be used for more than 3 or 4 days, it shrinks the
capillaries in the nose, and everywhere else in the body.
Often a nasal spray like Nasalcrom is a better way to go.
Avoidance of the allergen or irritant is also important.
See web page on Rhinitis (hayfever) at
http://www.njc.org/MFhtml/ALR_MF.html also see www.aaaai.org
