Curious to see what works for you guys and what doesn't. I've been downing a dose of Benadryl every night before bed. It seems to do the job.

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You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman

I've been using Claritin or it's generic cheaper equivalent this Spring. I wouldn't say it's great, but it's better than nothing. Allergy season just ended for me about a week or so ago. No longer any need to keep the roll of toilet paper in bed with me.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Alevert (loratidine) is the only thing that works at all for me (pretty intensely allergic to most grasses, some tree allergies, and slightly allergic to cats).

Allergist says that the only reason the package instructions limit dosage on loratidine to one a day is that this was the max dosage they could use and still have a high enough "not drowsy" results in their testing to use the non-drowsy marketing claim. Said taking two a day was a no brainer if it didn't make me feel crappy (it doesn't), and could even consider three a day on an occasional basis.

Non of the other OTC's that I've used have helped at all. Doc said success rate for any one of the OTC's is somewhere in the 25-30% range for an individual - very much a try one for a while and switch if it doesn't work for you situation.

Darling Wife keeps pestering me to get more diligent in using my nose wash (saline solution squirted up yer schnoze) thingie. To her credit, research shows that doing this daily is as or more effective for most air borne allergens than an antihistimine. And, when I have forced myself to use it for a few days in a row, I have to admit it helps quite a lot. Just can't say I enjoy the process enough to make the effort routine

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1961 220b: first project car - sold.
2000 CLK 430: first modern Benz - sold.
2001 CLK 55: OMG the torque!!! - sold
1972 280SE 4.5: Baby Gustav
1991 300TE 4Matic: Gretel the Snow Bunny - sold
1978 300SD: Katz the Free Man - given away
1980 Redhead: Darling Wife

Claratin regular, Sudaphed PE and benedryl at night.

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"It's normal for these things to empty your wallet and break your heart in the process."
2012 SLK 350
1987 420 SEL

I'm allergic to grass, I use Reactine once a day during summer.

I think the key to effective relief from OTC allergy meds is to start using them before symptoms present, and use them daily until after the season/exposure to allergens passes.

Once the body has begun its allergic reaction to an allergen, I think it is much harder to stop and reverse the process than it is to prevent it initially.

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Chris
2007 E550 4Matic - 61,000 Km - Iridium Silver, black leather, Sport package, Premium 2 package
2007 GL450 4Matic - 62,000 Km - Obsidian Black Metallic, black leather, all options
1998 E430 - sold
1989 300E - 333,000 Km - sold
1977 280E - sold
1971 250 - retired

"And a frign hat. They gave me a hat at the annual benefits meeting. I said. how does this benefit me. I dont have anything from the company.. So they gave me a hat." - TheDon

x2

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I've probably tried the whole allergy medicin catalogue. Some did nothing, some worked well for a few seasons. Since last year I'm using a new immunotherapy tablets called Grazax, works terrific (so far)

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2011 Prius

That looks cool! I briefly explored immunotherapy via the traditional injections, but that is a lot of hassle (and trips to the doctor). I often wondered if they couldn't find a better way to administer the allergen for desensitization. Looks like they did.

I may see my doctor about this, looks promising. Thanks for sharing.

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Chris
2007 E550 4Matic - 61,000 Km - Iridium Silver, black leather, Sport package, Premium 2 package
2007 GL450 4Matic - 62,000 Km - Obsidian Black Metallic, black leather, all options
1998 E430 - sold
1989 300E - 333,000 Km - sold
1977 280E - sold
1971 250 - retired

"And a frign hat. They gave me a hat at the annual benefits meeting. I said. how does this benefit me. I dont have anything from the company.. So they gave me a hat." - TheDon

I have allergies but have shied away from the pills, as every one seems to have potential problems for the liver. Any thoughts ?

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95 SL500 Smoke Silver, Parchment 64K
07 E350 4matic Station Wagon White 34K
02 E320 4Matic Silver/grey 80K
05 F150 Silver 44K

Myself as well but I just try to avoid taking pills unless absolutely necessary. I never had typical allergy symptoms until recently, this year seems especially tough. Part of the deal with Alopecia is I have no nose hairs either so I wonder if just breathing all of that stuff in, year after year, has anything to do with it.

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1980 300TD-China Blue/Blue MBTex-2nd Owner, 107K (Alt Blau) OBK #15
'06 Chevy Tahoe Z71 (for the wife & 4 kids, current mule) '03 Honda Odyssey (son #1's ride, reluctantly) '99 GMC Suburban (255K+ miles, semi-retired mule) 21' SeaRay Seville (summer escape pod)

Claritin if I know I am going to working outside a lot.



If I need something quick, Benadryl.

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-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

My allergies only last the month of March, and they started fairly recently, 3 or 4 years ago. I usually just stick with Benadryl or Claratin.

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1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi

Q for you guys that take Benadryl...


Does it knock you out?

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-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

I've used pretty much all of them over the years. My favorite for best job and least side effects is Zyrtec/Cetirizine. Next choice would be Claritin/Loratadine. Take once daily at the same time each day.

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Michael

1988 300 SL (5 Speed)
1994 E320 Wagon
1997 C230

Yeah , but they do make non drowsy I think. I wouldn't want to pop one and go driving thats for sure. Might not knock me out but it can make you groggy.

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1985 CA 300D Turbo , 213K mi