Tulsa Doctor Cautions About Over The Counter Allergy Medications

As allergies start to flare up for many Oklahomans, over the counter medications can really help relieve the sneezing and watery eyes.

And while these medicines can be effective, you have to watch how much you take.

When it comes to over the counter allergy medications, to relieve symptoms from weeds and plants, the options are almost too many to count.

But no matter which one you choose, they can all have negative side effects if you don't read the label. The older generation sedatives, like Benadryl for example, can be dangerous if you don't pay attention to how much you take.

Dr. Tim Nickel, at the Allergy Clinic of Tulsa, says studies have shown that taking too much Benadryl and driving can impair you as much as alcohol. And nasal sprays can present their own set of problems.

"If you have any of those problems, waking up at night or having to carry it around in your pocket or find yourself going and buying a couple of these a week, that's probably a sign that we've developed a problem," said Dr. Tim Nickel.

Dr. Nickel added that too many squirts of Afrin, or other nasal sprays, can actually cause more congestion because your mucus becomes dependent on the medication.

Drying and nosebleeds are other problems you have to watch out for as well.

Doctors recommend only 2-4 doses a day with the nasal sprays. And there are other options, with relatively few side effects.

Claritin, Allegra, and alternative treatments, like salt rinses can give you effective relief, without the sedating affects of Benadryl or the dependence of nasal sprays, but as with any medication, always pay attention to the dosage recommendations on the box.