Q. On my last few trips, I developed severe nasal allergies and runny nose while on the plane. It was uncomfortable and embarrassing. Other travelers may have thought I had a bad cold or something worse.

I am sensitive to fragrances and air fresheners, but being on a long flight meant there was no escape.

I do hope to travel again in the near future. Any suggestion to prevent this unpleasant reaction on the flight would be most welcome.

A. You might want to consider the topical antihistamine azelastine (Astepro). This nasal spray helps combat allergies. An added bonus might be its antiviral activity.

One study showed that it may reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 or a cold (JAMA Internal Medicine, Sept. 2, 2025).

Q. I am dealing with a horrible decline from generic Wellbutrin XL. I’ve been on samples of the name brand and my symptoms slowly improved. The generic is definitely a problem.

My insurance won’t approve the name brand, though. The pharmacy said even with a GoodRx coupon, my portion is $3,100.

I’m terrified to go back on the generic.

On it, I have panic attacks, palpitations and terror so that I miss work. Please help.

A. Your experience sounds sadly familiar. Early in 2007, we began hearing from patients who had been switched from the brand-name antidepressant Wellbutrin XL 300 to generic bupropion. They reported that their depression had returned, and they had developed side effects such as panic attacks, headaches, nausea, dizziness, tremor, anxiety and insomnia.

We contacted the Food and Drug Administration and alerted officials to this potential generic drug problem.

It took until 2012 for the agency to acknowledge that some generic formulations were not, in fact, equivalent to the brand name.

The FDA required a recall of some generic bupropion formulations over a decade ago. We fear, however, that the feds have let down their guard. Many other readers have complained of problems similar to yours.

Brand name Wellbutrin is extremely expensive in the United States.

As you discovered, the price from GoodRx for brand name Wellbutrin XL 300 is around $3,000 a month.

One solution might be to purchase brand name Wellbutrin XL from a reputable Canadian online pharmacy.

A three-month supply could cost between $170 and $190. You can find a listing at PharmacyChecker.com or in our “eGuide to Saving Money on Medicines.” This online resource may be found under the Health eGuides tab at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

Q. I am a dental hygienist. Some of my patients report drinking apple cider vinegar with honey to ease joint pain. This is bad for the teeth.

The sugar in honey speeds the formation of dental plaque and the acid in the vinegar breaks down the tooth surfaces. I urge these patients to rinse well, brush carefully and always floss!

A. Your advice is sensible. We usually suggest people wait at least half an hour after sipping vinegar before brushing.

Vinegar has a strong demineralizing effect on teeth (European Journal of Dentistry, October 2022). Brushing while the tooth surface is still affected by vinegar might be too abrasive.

Regular brushing and flossing are important not only for oral health. These practices may also help prevent dementia (Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, Oct. 16, 2025). Gum inflammation has been linked to cardiovascular disease, and good oral hygiene may help reduce it (Journal of Periodontology, Oct. 10, 2025).

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features, 300 W. 57th Street, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10019, or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is “Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them.”