Medication Question

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brovol

5-Year Member
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May 26, 2015
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My son had some allergy problems a few years ago and a friend who is a Dr. suggested that we give him an over the counter 24 hour allergy pill daily to see if that helped. It did, so basically, he has taken one every evening before bed, and it still seems to work. My question is whether USMA will have any issues with him taking that allergy pill at night. No prescription required, so wont have anything from a Dr.

I should also add that we decided to see how he does without taking the pill, and unfortunately he is getting symptoms, including headaches. It doesn't help that we are in Michigan, and the climate at this time of year changes radically it seems by the hour.
 
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I can't answer about a medical DQ, but I'll throw out the suggestion that it's possible his symptoms could be withdrawal related. (Although I do know this is the worst season for allergies!)
 
brovol said:
My son had some allergy problems a few years ago and a friend who is a Dr. suggested that we give him an over the counter 24 hour allergy pill daily to see if that helped. It did, so basically, he has taken one every evening before bed, and it still seems to work. My question is whether USMA will have any issues with him taking that allergy pill at night. No prescription required, so wont have anything from a Dr.

I should also add that we decided to see how he does without taking the pill, and unfortunately he is getting symptoms, including headaches. It doesn't help that we are in Michigan, and the climate at this time of year changes radically it seems by the hour.
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I'm neither a doctor nor DOBMERB but my grad has always had seasonal allergies and taking a Claritin was never a problem at West Point. I can't remember if that was allowed at CBT but it was not a problem during the academic year. And if your CC eventually ends up at Ft. Benning, that Georgia pine pollen will kill him unless he is armed with Claritin and Flonase! :biggrin:
 
It seems to me that OTC/prescription meds had to be checked in (handed over) on R-day, but I don't know if NCs are allowed them during Beast. Is there anything on the packing list about OTC meds? It's definitely not a problem after Beast.
 
I know at USNA they all have to handed over and then medical will hand them all out. Alot of kids will get allergies in the summer, because its a new place with different pollen, grass, etc. I am sure he needs it they will provide it.
 
I live in Southern California with the Santa Ana winds, allergies are terrible but over the years I guess I've built an immunity to it. I visited USNA in Jan and didn't have any problems, but I'm worried about summertime and if I have problems, will they give an OTC allergy pill ?
 
Yes they will. The military will take care of your medical needs. Honestly I had less allergies at USNA then I did anywhere else. Its right next to the water which helps. But there will be new things you haven't been around. Being that you are a Southern Cal kid, 4 seasons will be new to you. The big bloom season March-May depending on the weather is what usually gets alot of folks in that area. You will miss that for your first year.
 
Zandercott said:
I live in Southern California with the Santa Ana winds, allergies are terrible but over the years I guess I've built an immunity to it. I visited USNA in Jan and didn't have any problems, but I'm worried about summertime and if I have problems, will they give an OTC allergy pill ?
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I am originally from So Cal and grew up with severe seasonal allergies, then moved to the Midwest in my mid-20's. My SoCal allergies seemed to disappear, but a few years later I developed new allergies (tree/grass pollens, ragweed). I once asked an allergist about this. You may find your allergies are mild in the beginning, but then you could develop new ones.

Also, you may find in a climate that has a temps below freezing in the winter that your allergies are better in winter (pollens/ragweed are not as active).
 
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