By Barbara Floria, Pure Matters  Don't nod off  Nonprescription
antihistamines and decongestants in pill form can help dry and
open up your nose. But some of these medications will make you
drowsy, so take them when you won't be driving or working with
machinery. Second-generation antihistamines--Loratadine
(Alavert, Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec) and fexofenadine
(Allegra)--are available over the counter and are less likely to
cause as many side effects similar to the first-generation
medication in this drug classification.  Read carefully  Follow
the package instructions exactly. You may be taking an
antihistamine with a decongestant (such as pseudoephedrine)
that's too strong or a dosage that's too high if you experience
agitation or insomnia. Switch to a different medication or
reduce your dosage.  Prescription, yes or no?  In the past,
people used to turn to prescription antihistamines because they
tended to cause less drowsiness than nonprescription ones. But
loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine are