Interesting Improvement... X-post

[momw/ic]

So, 3 weeks ago I went to see my pain doc and I was in the throws of a horrible allergy flare up. I only have allergy issues in July and August each year. Interestingly my first IC symptoms showed up in July 2002. Anyway, my pain doc started me on Zyzal a new allergy medication to help me get through. It is extremely expensive! Since starting on it I have had hardly any IC symptoms! Each day that goes by and I do things to "test" the waters and nothing happens. I am wondering if it is just a coincidence or if this drug is actually helping me. I have tried atarax before and it didn't help any. I'm not complaining but I never have a reprieve in my symptoms so this is certainly strange. Now I don't want to stop taking it and cause my symptoms and pain to return full on but I have to consider the cost. Anyone else take this medication? Notice any differences?

[momw/ic]

Well since no one replied to this message it probably doesn't matter but my reprieve from symptoms has been over for a couple of days. Must have just been a fluke. Oh well...

[KaraY]

My pharmacist told me that it is the same drug as Zyrtec. Apparently the Zyrtec patent was up so they reformulated it a bit and gave it a new name. He suggested sticking with Zyrtec, which is much, much cheaper!

[Toto]

I'd like to add something about allergy meds. I have severe allergies and have tried every kind of med over the years. I take Claritin and Flonase nasal spray currently. My doctor said up to 4 Claritin can be taken, depending on symptoms. Two will knock me out and give me dry mouth. (he said in Europe they prescribe 40mg...the typical here is 10mg) So he recommended taking Zyrtec at night (even in addition to Claritin) He said to get the children's syrup and cut the dose in half. (personally Zyrtec knocks me out and makes me feel weird and so I can't tolerate much...but it clears my sinuses right up)

Anyway, I thought I'd mention my treatment in case you want to talk further with your doctor. I see an allergy specialist and he told me that his patients who have IC do have some improvement in symptoms with more antihistamines in their system. Unfortunately, I haven't yet experienced that but am hopeful.