Hi Dr. Thompson,

I know I'm not the "typical" patient when experiencing these side effects, I experienced severe dizzy attacks that came on suddenly & totally imobilized me. Which scared me to death!

Because of this, I was too afraid to take any decongestants for my congestion. I have used rhinocort aqua which worked great without experiencing negative side efects. I also do nasal rinsing which actually seems to work wonderfully without any side effects at all!

Gloria

James Thompson, MD

6/19/09 1:05pm

Thank you for your comments Gloria.

 

You have a lot of company when it comes to having side effects from oral decongestants. There is maximum strength pseudoephedrine in the newer combination pills (e.g. Claritin-D, Zyrtec-D and Allegra-D).

 

Nasal steroid sprays and nasal rinsing can be a great combination for managing bothersome allergic or non-allergic rhinitis. Most people are much more tolerant of nasal sprays when used correctly (as I addressed in the posting).

I am glad you have a working formula!

 

Stay Healthy,

 

J. Thompson, MD

Gloria

6/19/09 5:24pm

Thank you Dr. Thompson,

 

I do everything within my power to keep my health good...

 

I hope you have a wonderful Fathers Day!

 

Gloria

Kathleen MacNaughton

6/22/09 4:06pm

I've experienced another side effect of the "D" formulations of Claritin and Allegra (the antihistamine + decongestant combo drugs). They keep me from sleeping! I took Claritin-D for 3 days before I finally complained to my doctor that I hadn't been able to fall asleep for 3 nights and learned about this less common side effect. A few years later, having forgotten, I did the same thing with Allegra-D before I remembered what the decongestant does to me.

 

So I have also used the nasal rinse when congestion gets too bad.

 

Kathi

Thanks for the article Dr. Thompson!

I have been feeling very frustrated lately because none of the loretadine or desloretadine meds seem to be working. I have what I think have been mold related allergies-- I have symptoms all winter long up here in B.C, however it is the WORST when we get a warm spell with rain, which has always confused me until I made the mold connection. It's been unseasonably warm and rainy for 3 weeks, and I have been miserable, with much congestion and post-nasal drip. I've been taking Aerius, and while it's helped my itchy eyes and nose, it has done ZIP for my congestion, runny nose, and sinus pressure, which are in my opinion, the worst symptoms. I'll try the meds with the decongestant and hope for the best! Thanks,

Gillian G