| Product: |
Zirtek |
| Date: |
08.05.08 (221 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: They help relieve my symptoms
Disadvantages: I still suffer from some symptoms (less severe)
~ What is Zirtek and what does it do?
Zirtek contains Cetirizine which belongs to a class of medications called antihistamines. When you are exposed to pollen, pet fur, house dust or an insect bite the body can produce histamine. It is the release of histamine, which causes allergic symptoms. I'm sure those of you with hayfever/allergies will be familiar with the nasty symptoms. These can include rashes, sneezing, watery eyes, itchy throat and a running or blocked nose. Antihistamines stop the effects of histamine and help to relieve these symptoms.
~ Why do I take it? ~
I get hay fever all year round and I am sensitive to dust. I am also allergic to furry animals. My symptoms include watery eyes, excessive sneezing, blocked nasal passages, a tickly throat and sometimes when I touch animals (which I avoid now as much as possible) I get a bit of a rash. Obviously these symptoms are not very pleasant so I take Zirtek to help relieve them.
~ How long I've been taking it? ~
I found out that I had hay fever when I was 11 years old. I was really poorly so my parents made me an appointment at the doctors. I had already tried some medicine (Piriton I think) but it made me sick. I was initially prescribed Clarityn but this didn't seem to help so I went back to the doctors and I was then prescribed Zirtek and I've been taking it ever since. My dad and both of his parents (my grandparents) also take these tablets for their hay fever. They have been taking them for as long as I can remember so they obviously think they work too! They are all on other medication as well so these still work alongside other prescribed medicines. There is a chance that these may increase the side effects of other medication such as drowsiness.
~ Does it work? ~
Yes. I take one tablet everyday and they really do keep my symptoms at bay! I still sneeze quite a lot and my eyes get itchy sometimes but the symptoms are less severe than without the tablet. When I'm away from home I sometimes forget to take them and usually within a couple of hours of getting up (sometimes less depending on the weather and where I am) I start to feel poorly with hay fever symptoms. This usually reminds me that I haven't had my tablet that day so then I take one. Within about half an hour after taking the tablet my symptoms are less severe and I start to feel better.
Even though I take these tablets I still usually get one bad bout of hayfever every summer, which lasts a couple of days. This occurs when the pollen count is especially high. When this occurs I need to use my nasal spray and eye drops as well. However, without the tablets I would probably be poorly all through the summer. I'm currently suffering with hayfever symptoms but they are not so bad that I have to have time off university so I think my tablets are helping.
I used to get poorly a lot with my hay fever. I went back to the doctors and he said that if I was really poorly I could take an extra half of a tablet in the evening. He said I couldn't do this every day though. Even when I'm poorly though I tend to just put up with just taking the one as I don't like exceeding the stated dose. I have taken an extra half a tablet on a couple of occasions though and I found that it did help.
~ Side effects ~
As with all medications, some side effects may occur. If you do suffer from side effects or your symptoms persist consult your GP. Some side effects include:
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Headaches
Dry mouth
Fortunately I do not suffer from any side effects with this medication but my grandma often complains of being thirsty (dry mouth) after she takes them.
~ Who cannot take it? ~
You should consult your GP before taking these:
If you are pregnant, breast-feeding or trying for a baby
If you have epilepsy
If you are allergic to any other medication
~ Where can you get it? ~
You can buy this over the counter or you can get it prescribed from your GP.
I recommend this medication for relieving the symptoms of hayfever or other allergies.
As with all medication keep out of the reach of children.
Thanks for reading.
Summary: Allergy Relief
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