Immunotherapy

• Immunotherapy is more commonly called an allergy shot. This medication is used for people who have severe allergies, multiple allergies and allergies that last longer than 3 months each year. Not all types of allergies can be treated with immunotherapy. It is not effective for food allergies but works well for allergies to pets, mold, dust mites, pollen and stinging insects. Allergy shots are commonly given to children with allergies in an attempt to prevent asthma attacks. Your doctor may want to try other prescription allergy medications before resorting to allergy shots.
  
  

Antihistamines

• Prescription antihistamines include Allegra, Clarinex, Astelin nasal spray and Livostin eye drops. Antihistamines work to reduce swelling and watery eyes by blocking the histamine receptors in your body. Histamine is the substance that causes allergy symptoms. It is released by your immune system when it reacts to an allergen. Antihistamines may cause drowsiness but otherwise have few side effects.
  
  

Corticosteroids

• Corticosteroids reduce the inflammation caused by allergic reactions in your body. This can provide relief from itching, stuffy nose, runny nose and sneezing. Corticosteroids can be taken as a pill, nasal spray, eye drops and inhaler. Corticosteroids must be taken every day in order for them to be effective. You should take them even when you do not have any symptoms so you can prevent your symptoms from returning. Prednisone is an oral corticosteroid. Inhaled corticosteroids include Advair, Symbicort, Azmacort and Flovent. Dexamethasone is a steroid eye drop medication, and Flonase, Veramyst and Nasonex are nasal steroids. Corticosteroids have many potential side effects if they are taken long term. Some of these are weight gain, hypertension, diabetes, cataracts, osteoporosis, weak muscles, cough, yeast infections of the mouth and hoarseness.
  
  

Decongestants

• Decongestants provide relief from congestion and are commonly prescribed in combination with another type of allergy medication like antihistamines. Brand names include Allegra-D and Claritin-D. Decongestants have potential side effects like causing hypertension, insomnia, irritability and reduced urinary flow. Because they can elevate blood pressure, decongestants are not recommended for people who have high blood pressure or glaucoma.
  
  

Epinephrine Shots

• Epinephrine shots are for emergency measures only if you have severe allergies to insect stings or nuts and run the risk of going into anaphylactic shock. If you have these severe allergies, you should carry epinephrine with you at all times so you can self-inject the medication and stop an allergy attack. Your symptoms can become life threatening if you wait until you get to a hospital for treatment. Epinephrine shots are available as a prescription under the brand names Twinject and EpiPen.