I am allergic to a couple of soil-borne fungi, which apparently are rampant in Georgia. I have allergies all year 'round, but they are much worse in wet, warm weather, than when it is cold and dry out. I was using clemastine fumerate for years--the old Tavist stuff--as it works as well as Benadryl, but without the drowsiness and one need only take it 2X a day. I was able to buy it over the counter for years. Then the two manufacturers in the US that made the 1.34 mg. size quit making it and I couldn't find it anymore. So, I had to switch to Xyzal. It works fairly well, but isn't as strong as the clemastine. Every time I tried to find it online, I came up bupkiss--except for clemastine for vet clinics. I hunted everywhere for a human version that my doctor could subscribe for me, but could never find it.
While Xyzal works fairly well, it tends to get overpowered during long wet warm periods. I supplement with Nasocort and also take Singulair. But then, last fall, I did a search for clemastine againt that wasn't just offered to vets and found it, but at double the strength. At that strength I need an Rx. My doctor got it through my local pharmacy. I am so happy I found it. However, I cut it in half as I never needed more than 1.34 mg. I am afraid at full strength, it would make me drowsy.
One thing about the old time, first gen antihistamines, is that they are all cholinase inhibitors, which is how they help to dry up sinuses. But cholinase is used to make acetylcholine in the brain, which is necessary for memory function, especially short term memory. So, when it is really cold and dry, I will use Xyzal. It is cold and dry right now, but I am getting over a very bad cold and cough and don't want to take chances, so I am sticking with the clemastine for the time being. I am nearly over the cold. I will then go back to switching back and forth.
Just an FYI. Sorry to go on and on.