Are alternatives to oral antihistamines more effective or less effective?

Antihistamine picks: To answer this we need to know what symptom you want the antihistamine to treat. If you want to stop itching, oral steroids can be used, they are very strong and work well but have loads of side effects and dangers. For a runny nose from allergies, nasal antihistamine or corticosteroid sprays are more effective; montelukast can also be tried. For sleep at night, other meds may work better...Etc.

Depends on alternate: It depends on your symptoms, diagnosis whether alternatives are more effective. In the case of skin or nasal allergies, there are other medications that are effective, but they usually require a prescription.