Allergy Medicine That Doesn't Make You Tired
Allergies are a pain, no matter what time of year it is. Whether it’s pollen, pet dander, or dust, allergies can make life miserable. But when you take allergy medicine, it can come with an unwanted side effect: drowsiness. Fortunately, there are allergy medicines that don't make you tired. In this guide, we'll explore those options and help you find the best allergy medicine for you.
What Causes Allergies?
Allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to something that's normally harmless, like pollen or pet dander. When your body senses an allergen, it releases histamines, which cause allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Antihistamines are the most common type of allergy medicine, and they work by blocking the histamines that cause allergy symptoms.
Common Side Effects of Allergy Medicine
While antihistamines are effective at relieving allergy symptoms, many of them can cause drowsiness. This is because they work by blocking histamines, which also play a role in regulating wakefulness. Other common side effects of allergy medicine include dry mouth, dizziness, and nausea.
Allergy Medicines That Don't Make You Tired
If you're looking for allergy medicine that won't make you tired, there are a few options to consider:
1. Loratadine (Claritin)
Loratadine is a popular non-drowsy antihistamine that's available over-the-counter. It's effective at relieving allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose, and it doesn't cause drowsiness for most people. However, it can cause side effects like dry mouth, headache, and fatigue.
2. Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Cetirizine is another popular non-drowsy antihistamine that's available over-the-counter. It's effective at relieving allergy symptoms, and it doesn't cause drowsiness for most people. However, it can cause side effects like dry mouth, headache, and nausea.
3. Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Fexofenadine is a non-drowsy antihistamine that's available over-the-counter or by prescription. It's effective at relieving allergy symptoms, and it doesn't cause drowsiness for most people. However, it can cause side effects like headache, nausea, and dizziness.
4. Nasal Corticosteroids
Nasal corticosteroids are a type of allergy medicine that's available by prescription. They work by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages, which can relieve allergy symptoms like congestion and runny nose. Nasal corticosteroids don't usually cause drowsiness, but they can cause side effects like dry nose, nosebleeds, and sore throat.
How to Choose the Best Allergy Medicine for You
When choosing an allergy medicine, there are a few things to consider:
1. Allergy Symptoms
Think about the specific allergy symptoms you're experiencing. If you're mainly dealing with congestion and runny nose, a nasal corticosteroid may be the best option for you. If you're dealing with sneezing, itching, and runny nose, an antihistamine may be a better choice.
2. Side Effects
Consider the potential side effects of each allergy medicine. While many non-drowsy antihistamines don't cause drowsiness, they can cause other side effects like dry mouth or headache. Nasal corticosteroids can also cause side effects like dry nose and nosebleeds.
3. Cost
Some allergy medicines are available over-the-counter, while others require a prescription. Prescription allergy medicines can be more expensive than over-the-counter options, so consider your budget when choosing an allergy medicine.
4. Medical History
If you have other medical conditions or take other medications, talk to your doctor before starting a new allergy medicine. Some allergy medicines can interact with other medications or worsen certain medical conditions.
Conclusion
Allergies can be a nuisance, but allergy medicine can help relieve symptoms. If you're looking for allergy medicine that won't make you tired, consider non-drowsy antihistamines like loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine, or nasal corticosteroids. When choosing an allergy medicine, consider your specific allergy symptoms, potential side effects, cost, and medical history. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.