What to Do When Allergy Medicine Doesn’t Work

Many people rely on over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription allergy medicines to manage symptoms like stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. However, these medications don't always work for everyone, even for those who are following an allergy treatment plan.

If you are experiencing incomplete relief, chances are your current plan might need some adjustments. There may be several reasons why your medications aren't working as expected. We’ll discuss them in this article.

Why is My Allergy Medicine Not Working?

You might be dealing with a condition that mimics allergies but isn’t, or perhaps changes in your environment are overwhelming your current treatment. Rather than just one single cause, there may be multiple factors contributing to your incomplete relief from you allergy medicine:

• Incorrect diagnosis. Sometimes, conditions that mimic allergy symptoms, such as respiratory infections and other non-allergic issues, can lead to incomplete results from your allergy medication if the underlying cause isn't actually allergies.
• Incorrect medication. You might not be using the right type of medication for your specific allergies. For instance, oral antihistamines generally work well for sneezing, itching and runny nose but might not be effective for nasal congestion [*]. For congestion, combination nasal sprays are often more appropriate.
• Dosage issues. You might not be taking the correct dosage or frequency. Taking less than the recommended dose might not provide sufficient relief from allergy symptoms, while taking more than the recommended dose may increase the risk of side effects.
• Medication tolerance. Sometimes, people develop a tolerance to certain medications, making them less effective over time. Tolerance to decongestants, for instance, is a well-documented issue known as rebound congestion or rhinitis medicamentosa. When OTC nasal decongestant sprays are used for more than a few days, the nasal tissues can become more inflamed than before, causing a cycle of worsening congestion.
• Medication interaction. Other medications or supplements you're taking might be interfering with the effectiveness of your allergy medicine or enhancing the side-effects. One example may be sedating medications, which may enhance the side effects of oral antihistamines.
• Incorrect usage. Some medications like nasal spray require proper technique. If not used correctly, the medication might not reach the intended area or work as effectively. You should always follow the instructions provided with the medication — if still unsure, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
• Expired or poor quality medication. If your medication is expired or has been stored improperly, its effectiveness can be compromised. Watch out for changes in color, texture, or smell can indicate that a medication has degraded or is no longer effective.
• Underlying health conditions. If you have other conditions like sinus infections or nasal polyps, these might affect how well your allergy medicine works. Sinus infections can cause additional inflammation and mucus production, while nasal polyps may require additional treatments, such as nasal corticosteroids or surgery.

What to Do When Allergy Medicine Doesn’t Work?

When allergy medicine doesn’t work, there are several steps you can take to address the issue:

Reevaluate your diagnosis

A thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider helps differentiate between allergies and other conditions. This may involve reviewing your symptoms, potential triggers, checking for any signs of infection, and conducting tests.

Reassessing your diagnosis is a key step for identifying whether your symptoms are due to a different condition or if additional factors are at play.

Get tested for new allergies

Allergies can develop at any age. You might become allergic to something you were previously tolerant of, or new allergens might become problematic as you encounter them over time. Existing allergies can also change in severity.

By undergoing updated allergy testing, you can pinpoint specific triggers that could be causing persistent or unresolved symptoms despite current treatment. Blood tests involve measuring the amount of IgE antibodies in your blood that are specific to certain allergens, which can help identify sensitivities to various substances [*]. Skin testing is thought to be the most sensitive test to detect environmental allergies and is done in the allergist’s office.

Adjust medication

If your current medication is not providing relief, it may be due to the type of medication being unsuitable for your particular allergies or the dosage being incorrect. For example, antihistamines are generally effective for mild seasonal allergies but may not be as effective for more moderate or severe rhinitis.

This is why regular follow-ups are important to make sure that the treatment remains effective over time and allows for adjustments as needed.

Explore alternative treatments

Exploring alternative treatments can be beneficial when standard allergy medications don’t work because it offers additional options to address persistent symptoms and provides a more comprehensive approach to managing allergies.

One reliable allergy treatment is Allermi nasal spray, which combines multiple active, clincally proven ingredients to effectively target various allergy symptoms at once. This approach provides more comprehensive relief tailored to the specific needs of each patient.

Additionally, immunotherapy or allergy shots, targets the root cause of allergies by gradually desensitizing the immune system to specific allergens, potentially offering long-term relief.

Considering other treatments might provide better symptom control if traditional OTC medications are ineffective.

Implement lifestyle and environmental changes

Improving your home environment by using air purifiers, regularly cleaning, and keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons can significantly lower the presence of allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.

Practices such as frequently washing bedding in hot water, using hypoallergenic pillows, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollen times can further decrease allergen contact.

One study found that daily vacuuming of mattresses can effectively reduce the symptoms of allergic rhinitis in those who are sensitive to house dust mites [*].

These proactive measures can complement or even enhance the effectiveness of allergy medications, which can lead to better symptom management and overall relief from allergic reactions.

Related: Why Do My Allergies Get Worse at Night?

Take your allergy medications on schedule

Many allergy medications require regular dosing to build up their efficacy and fully mitigate allergic responses. Skipping doses or taking medications irregularly can disrupt this process.

Set alarms on your phone or use a medication reminder app to alert you when it’s time to take your medication.

Make sure your allergy medications are not expired

Regularly check the expiration dates on all your allergy medications. Expiration dates are typically printed on the packaging or the medication bottle, and they indicate the last date by which the manufacturer guarantees full potency and safety.

If you find that a medication has expired, replace it as soon as possible. The chemical compounds in expired medications are less effective at managing allergy symptoms, which is why using expired medication may result in insufficient symptom control or a complete lack of relief.

The Bottom Line

There are numerous reasons why allergy medications may not be providing the desired relief, ranging from incorrect medication types to incorrect usage. Given the complexity of allergy management, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider regularly, especially if your symptoms remain. For seasonal allergies, consider a combination nasal spray like Allermi that combines multiple medications into one nasal spray bottle.

Combining professional medical advice with diligent practices, such as maintaining a clean environment and taking your medications consistently as directed, allows you to better manage your allergies and improve your quality of life.

References:

1. Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.-a). Antihistamines. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/antihistamines
2. Birch, K., & Pearson-Shaver, A. L. (2023, July 24). Allergy testing. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537020/
3. Jeon, Y. H., Lee, Y. J., Sohn, M. H., & Lee, H. R. (2019). Effects of Vacuuming Mattresses on Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms in Children. Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research, 11(5), 655-663. https://doi.org/10.4168/aair.2019.11.5.655