How odd - Claritin and pain relief

[jz78817]

@Motorgirl

Background:
I have chronic low-level hip pain that is apparently arthritis related. Only “apparently” because my doctor hasn’t shown much interest in an in depth investigation of my symptoms, and casually diagnosed me with arthritis after an x-ray showed some spurring in my hip joint.

I also have sensitive skin and over the winter and spring had a few bouts of very very very annoying hives. On the suggestion of my dermatologist I started taking a daily 24-hour Claritin (CVS brand loratadine, actually, because I’m thrifty about some things and OTC medicine is one of those things). After about 6 weeks on Claritin it occurred to me that my hip hadn’t been hurting. I don’t know for how long because unless it’s an acute pain, who actually notices exactly when it stops?

if you have a Costco membership (or know someone who does) you can get their generics for Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra for dirt cheap. CVS brand Loratidine- $21 for 30 tablets, Costco AllerClear loratidine- $11 for 365 tablets. I take Allerclear pretty much every day from the start of spring to the end of fall thanks to seasonal allergies.

edit: holy shit I really should have read this thread through

[PastTense]

You don’t need a Costco membership if you order from costco.com–although there is a 5% or so surcharge for non-members. Non-prescription drugs is one thing costco.com is strong on. [I believe some of the stuff there is limited to Costco members but not non-prescription drugs.]

[gotpasswords]

@MichaelSean

What I couldn’t figure out was … is it the antihistamine or the D that was having a positive impact on my pain? Or was it both?

Plain Claritin - no D.

The D (for decongestant) is pseudoephedrine. That’s the part that kicks up your blood pressure. Unless you need sinus decongesting, don’t take it and stick with the regular Claritin / loratadine.