Allergy Medicine That Won't Keep Me Awake
Allergies are a common problem that affects millions of people in the United States. They can cause a range of symptoms, including a runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing. While there are many allergy medications available, some of them can cause drowsiness and interfere with your ability to function during the day. In this article, we'll take a look at allergy medicine that won't keep you awake so you can get the relief you need without sacrificing your productivity.
What Causes Allergies?
Allergies occur when your body's immune system overreacts to a substance that is normally harmless. The substance, called an allergen, can be anything from pollen to pet dander to certain foods. When your body encounters an allergen, it produces antibodies that cause your symptoms.
Types of Allergy Medications
There are several types of allergy medications available, including antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids. Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical your body produces in response to allergens. Decongestants work by narrowing your blood vessels, which reduces swelling in your nasal passages. Nasal corticosteroids reduce inflammation in your nasal passages, which can help alleviate symptoms like a runny nose and congestion.
Allergy Medications That Won't Keep You Awake
If you're looking for allergy medications that won't keep you awake, there are several options to consider. One of the most popular non-drowsy antihistamines is loratadine, sold under the brand name Claritin. This medication is available over the counter and is effective at relieving symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Another non-drowsy antihistamine to consider is cetirizine, sold under the brand name Zyrtec. This medication is also available over the counter and can relieve symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
If you're looking for a decongestant that won't keep you awake, consider pseudoephedrine. This medication can be found over the counter and can relieve congestion caused by allergies. However, it's important to note that pseudoephedrine can raise blood pressure and should be used with caution if you have a history of high blood pressure.
Nasal corticosteroids are another option to consider if you're looking for allergy medications that won't keep you awake. Fluticasone propionate, sold under the brand name Flonase, is a popular nasal corticosteroid that's available over the counter. It can relieve symptoms like congestion, runny nose, and sneezing.
Other Ways to Manage Allergies
While allergy medications can be effective at relieving symptoms, there are other ways to manage allergies that can help reduce your reliance on medication. One of the most effective ways to manage allergies is to avoid allergens as much as possible. For example, if you're allergic to pollen, try to stay indoors when pollen counts are high and keep your windows closed. If you're allergic to pet dander, consider getting a pet that doesn't shed or keeping your pet out of certain areas of your home.
You can also try using a saline nasal rinse to help flush allergens out of your nasal passages. This can help alleviate symptoms like congestion and runny nose. Additionally, using a HEPA air filter in your home can help remove allergens from the air.
Conclusion
Allergies can be a frustrating problem to deal with, but with the right medications and management techniques, you can find relief without sacrificing your productivity. By choosing allergy medications that won't keep you awake, you can manage your symptoms while still being able to function during the day. Additionally, by avoiding allergens and using other management techniques, you can reduce your reliance on medication and improve your overall quality of life.