Zyrtec or generic Zyrtec.

I also felt that way with Claritin. I have better luck with Zyrtec. Flonase might also help.

Vistaril is a prescription antihistamine used off label for anxiety because it calms people. Maybe ask your doctor about that?

OP I've found Claritin and Allegra (as well as Benadryl but only at night) not to cause the hyper jitters when cold medicines do.

I used to take antihistamines for my severe pollen allergies and they made me drowsy, not jittery. They are well known to do that, especially Zyrtec. Allegra and Claritin less so.

Codeine makes me hallucinate, and it's present in some cold/cough medications, so I steer clear.

What I now do is get the nasal spray Flonase. It's a steroid. Because of the nose's close proximity to eyes and throat, it treats all my previously severe eye allergy symptoms, as well as runny nose and coughing. I also have a strict hygiene routine in pollen season - no opening windows unless it's pouring rain, clean house, no lying on bed with street clothes, no shoes in the house, wash hands and face, brush hair after coming in from outside. I have an air filter as well.

Anonymous wrote:Does afrin not cause that jittery feeling?

It does not for me.

Does afrin not cause that jittery feeling?

Second the recommendation for a spray. Aaron for short term, immediate relief of congestion. Then fluticasone for prevention.

Have you tried Afrin? I can’t take any other cold meds so it’s my go to for congestion.

Would the regular Claritin (without the D) relieve sinus pressure? That’s my main symptom. I don’t have itchy, water eyes and I’m not coughing or sneezing.

I do better on regular antihistamines with no decongestant than intermittent with decongestant. So, I take an antihistamine even when I don’t “need”, but the balance is better than when I already have the inflammation and need a decongestant.

Anonymous wrote:good lord don't take the D on a regular basis. it absolutely hypes you up.

take regular with the D. the D is pseudoephedrine that types you up - it's a decongestant not an antihistamine. take the regular. that's what treats the allergic reaction.

meant to say take the regular WITHOUT the D.

good lord don't take the D on a regular basis. it absolutely hypes you up.

take regular with the D. the D is pseudoephedrine that types you up - it's a decongestant not an antihistamine. take the regular. that's what treats the allergic reaction.

I can't tolerate it -- it makes me manic. Haven't found one that doesn't, so will be watching the responses here.

My doc wants to see if my sinus pressure is caused by an allergy and advised me to try a medication but I’m someone who almost never takes cold medication because it makes me feel like I’m crawling out of my skin. Is there a seasonal allergy med you’d recommend with minimal side effects? I know the regular Claritin does not really help sinus pressure/congestion, whereas Claritin-D does - but I hesitate to take something that will make me feel miserable for hours.

Thank you.