Question: Are over-the-counter allergy remedies safe and effective? I have hay fever, but don’t want to go for allergy shots.

Dr. Hibberd's answer

Yes. Antihistamines such as Zyrtec are very effective. Benadryl is tried and true, but does cause sedation. When you need to use these products daily (except for just seasonal or exposure use), it is usually time to ask your doctor about other agents (such as leukotriene blockers like Singulair) to use daily.

Such medications are most effective after 6-12 weeks of daily use. Allergy shots are not always necessary. In fact, preparation of allergy extracts and administration orally under the tongue is standard treatment in Europe, but is slow to be accepted in the U.S. This is truly an effective immunotherapy for some allergy sufferers, where avoidance is not a reasonable solution.

Some hay fever sufferers get relief with "prescription" nasal products, but over-the-counter nasal sprays are not recommended for allergy relief when needed for more than 3-5 days. Doing so can lead to a sinus condition that is a very uncomfortable condition that will require additional prescription management.