Hivemind: I seem to have developed seasonal allergies for the first time in my life. I had about a month of itchy throat caused by postnasal drip this spring, and now it's back. Can anyone recommend a safe, no-side-effect, cheap OTC medicine to help make me feel less like ripping my throat out, and possibly the throat of any innocent being who happens to annoy me? I have tried taking sudafed at night sometimes, and it helps some, but I am wary of taking a sudafed every night for weeks on end. Or do I need to see a doctor?

Ann Coulter is speaking on Xavier University's campus September 6 in Cincinnati.

I thought for a second you meant Xavier in New Orleans, and I was prepared to be very surprised.

Can anyone recommend a safe, no-side-effect, cheap OTC medicine to help make me feel less like ripping my throat out

Benadryl will help, but it may make you sleepy. Afrin will help, but it can only be used for about three days before it starts making things worse. Theo is a big proponent of plain old saline nasal spray.

flea, I'd see the doctor since sometimes getting a prescription can cost less than an OTC medicine. The doc might be able to give you some samples to try and see what works.

Personally, I think the nasal sprays that have a very, very low dose of steroids work miracles for me without much in the way of side effects. (eta: Not Afrin, but things like Beconase)

But I really think that there isn't one good choice here - it's going to be what works for you.

flea, I'd see the doctor since sometimes getting a prescription can cost less than an OTC medicine. The doc might be able to give you some samples to try and see what works.

For me, at least, while Claritin does nothing for me, Allegra is the shit.

Personally, I think the nasal sprays that have a very, very low dose of steroids work miracles for me without much in the way of side effects. (eta: Not Afrin, but things like Beconase)

Yeah, Afrin will treat the symptoms. Nasal sprays like Sparky is talking about will block the allergens. I think there's at least one non-prescription kind out there called Nasalcrom.

I use OTC Claritin and NasalCrom, although I'm tempted to go to the doctor and get back on prescription allergy meds now that I have, like, insurance.

Oh, and Dana -- just went over the D*C schedule and I don't have anything until 1pm on Friday. Cassandra Claire only has one panel this year, and she was so boring last time I doubt I'll go to heckle.

Cassandra Claire only has one panel this year, and she was so boring last time I doubt I'll go to heckle.

I know, god. What a disappointment. So it's good. You/we can sleep in, if necessary.

And it's time for everyone to play "What did Dana forget to pack?"

I have: clothes, socks, underwear, shoes, cell phone and charger, iPod and charger, camera and batteries and charger, hairbrush, makeup, drugs, boarding pass, con registration card, books. And probably other stuff I forgot to list.

I thought for a second you meant Xavier in New Orleans, and I was prepared to be very surprised.

This.

Cute hair shrift!

Yay Owen's first day. That lunch looks yum! I always hated how the jelly started soaking into the bread before I could eat the sandwich for lunch. Has anyone invented anything to deal with that yet?

toothbrush?