20 Month Old Switched from Zyrtec to Allegra

I had a son who was on allergy meds from 13 months until almost 27 months. We finally went to the allergist and found out he is not allergic to anything but has not responded to the immunizations the way the doctors had hoped. Because he has not built the antibodies to respiratory bugs the way the doctors had hoped he catches every bug that comes along. He NEVER slept throught the night until we took him off all allergy meds. I recommend seeing an allergist and getting his opinion.

Hi M.,

My youngest son used to have a persistent cough due to sinus drainage. We made a few small changes in his diet and he's been okay since. We've cut out the milk--and switched to almond milk. (We let him have yogurt, ice cream, etc. Just no pasteurized milk. He had raw milk once from an organic dairy farm of some friends of ours and had no problem with that.) We took him off after OUR doctor told my husband and I that milk was probably contributing to OUR problems. Pediatrician wanted us to give him benadryl--which is such a strong drug.

Also, for a while, especially during allergy season, we gave him a teaspoon of local honey every day. We get ours from beekeeper Tony Allison in Fayetteville, $10 for a big quart jar, ###-###-####.) The key there is it should be made within 25 miles of your house. This will build immunity in your daughter. You could serve it on toast, over oatmeal or with a spoon or dropper.

Other common food allergens in kids are wheat gluten and soy. It might be worth experimenting for you. Giving up some dietary thing is a healthier than medicating. My son hardly coughs anymore.

If your little girl was one of mine, I'd have her off the allergy medication like yesterday's news. Sounds like it's got some nasty side effects. All the best to you and your daughters health!

E.

M.,
I have a 22 month old who also has an occasional runny nose but I attributed it to teething. Check with your physician on all the possible causes b/c she may not need to be on meds.
Years ago my second daughter was on respiratory meds and they caused a dramatic mood change. Your daughter's behavior as you have said is a deviation from her normal so it is worth a visit to a doctor's office even for a second opinion if necessary.

Good luck.

Hi M.,

Your beautiful baby girl needs to stay away from these drugs. There are much safer and baby-friendly remedies for her. Since you love to read, I would like to recommend that you go Amazon.com, check out a book by Dr. Abramson,
"Overdosed America". Also, let me know what city you live in so I can tell you where to get safer alternitives for your baby.

I. C

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I wouldn't expect it's the Allegra. They're both antihistamines -- just different ones -- still, chemically, the same kind of drug. Why don't you stop by your pharmacy and ask your pharmacist to look up Allegra and tell you if there's a mention of the sleep problem with it. Really, that's the best place to go for your answer. The other thing you could do is switch back to Zyrtec or try Claritin and see if the problem goes away.

Fexofenadine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

* headache
* dizziness
* diarrhea
* vomiting
* pain in the arms, legs, or back
* pain
* pain during menstrual period
* cough

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

* hives
* rash
* itching
* difficulty breathing or swallowing
* swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
* hoarseness
* difficulty swallowing or breathing

Fexofenadine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

take her back to her doctor and let him know what is going on, or if she is taking the med during the week days stop giving it to her on the week-end and see what happens and see if u can tell the difference.

Hi M.,
I feel your pain. My son suffered from allergies for ever until I tried Chiropractic Care. If you live in the Woodstock area. I would go see Dr. Eric Richards,owner of Healthsprout Chiropractic Care. He is so knowledgeable and has helped my son become medicine free. He is currently offering a free consultation. Let me know if you want his #
Good Luck,
B.

i have a two year old who constantly has a runny nose. my doctor wanted me to put her on something for it. I declined because I do not believe that medication is always the answer. She still has a runny nose but usually it clears up depending on the season. I dont mind cleaning it too. If i was in your shoes and you see drastic changes in your childs mood/sleep patterns than i would really reconsider keeping her on allegra. Sometimes the side effects of the drug are not worth the hassle, and in my opinion how bad is a runny nose really for a better nights sleep and a happy baby. hope that helps. kim