Cats + Me != Crazy Delicious

dw — Sun, 10 Dec 2006 14:32:59 -0800

MedicalFilter: What allergy medications work best against cat dander? I'm hauling the family to Mom's house for Christmas, like always. She has three longhair cats, though, and every year it turns into a game of "how much of this can I stand." Most years I endure, with a mix of bloodshot eyes, runny nose, wheezing, and a lot of standing outside in the cat-free air. It's only a week, though, and then I'm back to my pet-free house.

But now, I've had it. I want to be able to breathe again. I can't make her get rid of the cats (she couldn't have any while I was in the house growing up), we can't afford a hotel room, we have no place for her to stay in our tiny house, and I'd never hear the end of it if Grandma didn't see the grandchild.

I've decided that this year, I'm going to my on-again off-again doctor and asking for an allergy medication that works against cat dander. The problem is that I don't necessarily trust said doctor with having a clue. Last time around I ended up with Allegra... which is not indicated for pet dander. So, I need to know what to ask for (and check to see if it's on my insurance's formulary) so I know where to steer him.

This previous AskMe comment mentions Clarinex and Singulair. Are those the preferred remedies? What about an over-the-counter med like Claritin? Seldane used to work really well, but that's off the market now. Benadryl and Actifed are right out, since they both literally put me to sleep. Any ideas what the right option might be?

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Cats + Me != Crazy Delicious