So, I am planning to do a little experiment with my meds. I will keep you all posted as to how it goes. I don't take too many meds (only zantac, allegra, and zyrtec), and I feel really well. The one complaint I have is the lack of energy/fatigue, which I believe is mainly a result of my meds. So, I am going to decrease my meds slowly and see what happens. Since I only take one allegra in the morning and one zyrtec in the late afternoon, I have to figure out how to decrease it. I think I might chop in half the allegra and take 1/2 pill and see how that goes. If that works with no symptoms appearing, then I will continue that 1/2 pill for about 2 weeks. If all is well, then I might chop the zyrtec in half and see how that is.

It will be an interesting experiment, and I will probably start it in about a week or so -- when I know that my life will be very stable and calm with no unusual triggers around.

Now, I will point out to our newbies, that I wouldn't advise most people to try this, as they are generally still trying to get a handle on their symptoms. I have had IA for many years now and figured out how to feel well on a daily basis, largely by the right meds, adapting my lifestyle, and identifying and avoiding my triggers. I am very fortunate that I am at a point in my life that I have been at for a very long time where I am stable and on the few days when I trigger, can only blame myself for breaking my own rules. I am going to share how I do with my new experiment so that others can add this info to their knowledge base, be it positive or negative info. We all learn from others' experiences, and, as I like to say, it is my hope that new people can learn from my mistakes and not make the same ones! LOL. Hopefully, this experiment will be one of success, though, and not a mistake!

If you would like to comment, feel free! Not looking for any criticisms, though, as this is more of an "intent" post, not an advice seeking one.  

I'm staying at my parents' house right now (on vacation)... and for some reason their air conditioning is so DRY!  Even though it's summer, I had to cut back to my "winter" dose of H1s... I was waking up at night because I couldn't breathe through the rock-hard boogers

I don't think your experiment will cause a crash!  You can always take an extra dose if you start feeling "off."  You've definitely been dealing with this long enough to know if you're on the right track or not... I look forward to hearing the results.

Heather

Hi Debbie
I know you are in control but it still makes me nervous cause I know what you went through when you were first ill... I hope you get the answers youre looking for--I would suggest maybe one thing?? What if you did this experiment the opposite way?? Stay on your present meds then add one things that might help.. I would have 2 suggestions...if its energy youre looking for, either add a dose of singulair a day OR increase your dose of Allegra to twice a day instead of once. I usually find that feeling not right isnt a matter of decreasing a med--but of adding the right one instead. Im watching to see how it goes for you and love ya like crazy
hugs
Ramona

Good to know about the allegra, Joan. I will ask my pharmacist about it! I agree with you that the zyrtec is more sedating. Perhaps I will cut that one in half first, which I know is okay because our pediatrician had recommended doing that when my kids needed a zyrtec.

Ramona, interesting way to look at it! . However, I was so sick like that over 15 years ago, and I was the complete opposite knowledge wise than I am now. No need to ads more meds, as my symptoms are under control. Plus I used to take singulair, and there was no difference in energy either way. I don't think my fatigue is a mast cell symptom breaking through, but it will be fascinating to see if I
am correct or not about that!