how long after starting Claritin?

[lnitti]

I realize that Claritin is not something that provides immediate relief of allergy symptoms, but how long after starting Claritin should I expect to see improvements?

Thanks!

[sbgrace]

I'd expect some relief pretty quickly. If I was going on for a couple of days and saw no change I wouldn't take that as a good sign at all. I don't know for sure but it may take longer to build up to full effectiveness. Your package information will likely say or, if not, your pharmacist would know. We didn't find Claritin helpful. I think it varies from person to person. My son does better (though still not good enough) with Zyrtec.

[lnitti]

Her symptoms are not as bad, although they haven't gone out to the playground much this week as it has been raining.

However, for 2 nights in a row, the 4th and 5th night after starting it, she is sleeping better than ever before. Even sleeping through the night.

She usually wakes up sometime between 11-12, and needs to be cuddled, but last night she didn't wake until 2. The night before was a rough start - waking every 10-20 minutes a few times. But after that (maybe around 10:30-11), she slept all the way through until morning (around 7 give or take, I don't remember). All I know is that it was the first time in ages (maybe since she has had her own room) that I woke in my own bed in the morning. I had to run to her room to shut off the alarm.

She has been staying asleep the last 2 mornings, whereas many times, she wakes as soon as I get out of bed.

I am wondering if it is coincidence, or if there was some other environmental allergy all along that was affecting her sleep that is being mitigated by the Claritin.