Dealing with Allergy Medications

State Poison Control officials say Oklahomans will try anything to stop sniffling and sneezing this time of year.

Tuesday, June 2nd 2009, 5:57 pm

By: News 9


By Melissa Maynarich, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- State Poison Control officials say Oklahomans will try anything to stop sniffling and sneezing this time of year.

But many are taking too much medication to treat their allergies, or mixing the wrong drugs. There are potentially harmful side effects if you take too much allergy medication. And officials at the poison control center say that's easy to do.

You'll hear in Oklahoma, if you don't already have allergies from trees, pollen and weeds you will soon.

Check the Allergy Index, updated daily.

News9.com content producer Gina Petruccelli says, since she moved to Oklahoma City from Boston her allergies have flared.

"It does suck, a lot, because once my nose starts itching, I mean, until the medicine starts to take effect, if I remember to take it, it's like, I wish I could just cut off my nose," Petruccelli said.

So, she keeps medicine with her at all times. The pills provide her with relief from the itchiness.

But for many, allergy medication doesn't always work.

"A person takes medication and they don't get results in a half an hour or an hour," Scott Schaeffer with the Oklahoma Poison Control Center said. "It's tempting to take another one, to maybe speed things up a little bit."

Specialists say an increase in dose, increases the likelihood of side effects including excessive drowsiness, dry mouth, rapid heart rate or seizures.

Each person reacts differently.

"There are a lot of other factors that go into it," Schaffer said. "Medical conditions, whether the person has eaten or not when they took the medications, and just a person's susceptibility to the medication."

Petruccelli found which medicine works for her, and never takes more than the recommended dosage.

"I found that the 24-hour Claritin doesn't work as well for me," Petruccelli said. "I can only do the 12-hour cycle."

That way, while she's enjoying Oklahoma outdoors this season, she won't be sniffling and sneezing.

Specialists say you should always know possible side effects before you take drugs. And, be sure to consult a physician who knows your medical history before you double up on any medication.

If you have questions, you can call the Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

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