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How do I Choose the Best Non-Drowsy Antihistamine?

Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers

If you are experiencing the bothersome symptoms of allergies, you may be looking for relief from the watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing that often come along with this condition. In the past, most antihistamine medications caused drowsiness, forcing people to choose between treating their allergies and staying awake for the day. Fortunately, newer non-drowsy antihistamine medications can allow you to reduce symptoms while staying alert. Before you choose, consider whether you prefer a prescription or over the counter medication, as well as whether you want it in tablet, chewable, or liquid form. You should also know that some brands of these cold remedies include decongestants, allowing you to relieve a stuffy nose while treating the rest of your symptoms.

You can visit your doctor to be officially diagnosed if you are not sure if your symptoms are indicative of allergies, at which time you can request a prescription for a non-drowsy antihistamine. If your insurance provider pays for all or most of your prescription medications, this may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you already know that you have allergies and see no need to visit a doctor, you may prefer nonprescription medication. This allows you to purchase it over the counter, and as a bonus, this kind of antihistamine is usually less expensive than the prescription kind, especially if you do not have insurance coverage for medications.

Some non-drowsy antihistamines are only available from a pharmacist.
Some non-drowsy antihistamines are only available from a pharmacist.

Most non-drowsy antihistamine products are available in pill form, as they often come in either tablets or capsules filled with liquid. Some people have trouble swallowing pills, though, in which case a chewable or dissolving pill may be preferred. Like many other types of medication, this kind of antihistamine is also usually available in liquid form, allowing you to drink flavored syrup instead of swallowing a pill. Whether you need an antihistamine for a child, or just cannot take large pills, you have options when it comes to this treatment.

In the past, the majority of antihistamine medications caused drowsiness.
In the past, the majority of antihistamine medications caused drowsiness.

Any of these kinds of antihistamines can eliminate common allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and irritated eyes. Unfortunately, you may also be suffering from a stuffy nose, in which case a decongestant would be helpful. Some cold medications now include a decongestant, and though they are usually available without a prescription, they typically require pharmacists to get a signature from consumers before selling them. Consider whether you want to go through the extra step of waiting for a pharmacist to have you sign for the medication, or if just prefer to purchase a separate decongestant.

Discussion Comments

serenesurface
@ysmina-- I like the chewable, non-drowsy ones. They're very easy to take. They even have a chewable one for kids with grape flavor, my daughter takes it from time to time.
ysmina
@burcidi-- It's not that one is better than the other, but prescription antihistamines can be stronger for people with more serious, chronic allergies. If over-the-counter is effective for you, you don't need to get a prescription.

I take a regular antihistamine at nighttime. The drowsiness doesn't bother me since I'm going to sleep anyway. But I want to switch to a day-time antihistamine because the drug wears out by morning and I'm dealing with allergies all day.

Does it matter which brand I get? I think I'm going to go for any affordable tablet type day-time antihistamine at the pharmacy.

burcidi
I've never used a prescription allergy medicine before. Is it better than over-the-counter medicines?

I don't experience allergies all the time. I have seasonal allergies, so I only experience it during spring. I just use an over-the-counter, non-drowsy antihistamine when my symptoms start. I think it works well. It stops my runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes.

I've been using non-drowsy antihistamines for several years because I work full time so I need to keep awake and alert during the day.

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    • Some non-drowsy antihistamines are only available from a pharmacist.
      By: mangostock
      Some non-drowsy antihistamines are only available from a pharmacist.
    • In the past, the majority of antihistamine medications caused drowsiness.
      By: Alliance
      In the past, the majority of antihistamine medications caused drowsiness.
    • Over-the-counter antihistamine medications may be preferred by patients who do not have money to obtain prescriptions.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Over-the-counter antihistamine medications may be preferred by patients who do not have money to obtain prescriptions.
    • Allergens cause the body to release histamine, which causes allergic reactions such as eye irritation.
      By: Kasi Lodrigue
      Allergens cause the body to release histamine, which causes allergic reactions such as eye irritation.
    • Indoor irritants can cause a person to experience watery eyes and runny nose.
      By: Ilike
      Indoor irritants can cause a person to experience watery eyes and runny nose.