Are there any otc antihistamines that help?

[yarnia]

Or how about zyrtec, since I already have a prescription for that?

I am starting to feel like a bit of a nutcase calling my doc with stuff I want to try.

[Claredale]

My advice is that you don't feel like a "nutcase". You need to be your own advocate. If you feel your doctor isn't listening to you and allowing you to participate in you treatment, find another doctor.

When I first started having my symptoms of IC, I took Benadryl, but that quit working a long time ago. Hopefully you will get some postings with other info.

Tracey

[sickofmybladder]

I was taking OTC allergy meds prior to my diagnosis (for my normal seasonal allergies) and I never noticed a decrease in my I.C. symptoms. Now I take Visteral (prescription) and that has helped my I.C. symptoms (plus it works wonders on my normal allergies). I would suggest you talk to your doctor about it - and I agree with Tracy - you are not a nutcase - you are trying to manage your care.

Good Luck.

[leelee88]

Before I knew I had IC, I was Taking Clariton D for my allergies and I really think it was helping because I did notice less frequency. See before I was Dx with IC I just assumed I had a small bladder and thought my frequency was normal..But like Tracey said, If you feel like your Dr is not helping you, then its time to find a new Dr.

I know when I added Hydroxine to my meds it made a world of differance. Treating IC is very important and getting it under control. You should NEVER have to feel like a nutcase as you put it towards your Dr.. because what you have is real and there is meds out there that can help.

Good luck hun and I hope you find a Dr that will listen to you..

[malowi]

Visteral works for me, I've been taking that every evening (it can make you drowsey) since April along with a Claritin in the morning, and watched my diet , I was VERY strict at first, white rice and chicken breast kind of thing, lots of water, no coffee -- and the symptoms hardly ever bother me, and not nearly teh extent that they had before the medication. I am SO grateful, it was so painful before. Maybe that could work for you, I truly hope so.