Some patients described the itch as so intense that it impacted their ability to work, sleep, or perform their normal daily activitiesThe numerous cases with a strong temporal relationship and positive rechallenge provide evidence for an association between discontinuation of cetirizine and the development of pruritus.. Chung, A. H., et al, "Pruritus after discontinuation of cetirizine," Therapeutic Advances in Drug Safety, July 5, 2019. doi: 10.1177/2042098619859996. Thanks for sharing! If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately. When should one stop taking antihistamine medication? But I suspect that stopping any antihistamines is going to produce some kind of rebound histamine production. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. I have tried to quit a few times with no success. I wake up at night freaking out that bugs are crawling on me. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you also have a fever. Alternatives to oral decongestants are available. Thanks! I quit cold turkey after about two years, and had NO side effects! . Ive been taking it for many many years and decided to stop when I heard that it has bad effects on the brain. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Should I have consulted with a doctor first? Thanks for sharing what worked for you! Share your own story below in the comment section. Can you take antihistamines when pregnant? Im kind of a PITA about taking meds, especially one that kills your immune system during flu season, so I opted to only use the topical. Zyrtec withdrawal gave me itchy hives that caused me the need to constantly scratch my wrists. 1.9% of children aged 6 to 11 years experienced drowsiness with 5mg of cetirizine and 4.2% of children experienced drowsiness with 10mg of cetirizine. If I didnt preventatively use ice packs on my forearms and hands, I would mildly itch until I fell asleep. Its excruciating. 1 Exposure to an allergen such as pet dander, dust mites, pollen, or peanuts prompts the immune system to release chemicals called histamines . What Are Side Effects of Zyrtec? However, Dr. Lin says antihistamines alone are "not bad for the heart in otherwise healthy people.". Although patient-generated data from social media has limitations in postmarketing drug safety surveillance, it may have contributed to reporting of adverse events to the FDA. So glad I found this article! Read up on the difference between first generation H1-antihistamines (diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and hydroxyzine (Vistaril/Atarax) and second generation H1-antihistamines (fexofenadine (Allegra), loratidine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec)). Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Its been absolute hell, and The headache that feels like a migraine has also been intense, but is improving a bit each day, along with sleep and weight loss. I also have MPV and need to take Atenolol, I will need to take Atenolol for the rest of my life. Antihistamines are a class of drugs that block the action of histamine and reduce these symptoms. Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking cetirizine: Some side effects of cetirizine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. Dr. Woodcock has asked me to respond. Ice packs work, as does Clobetasol ointment. There were moments in the past where my skin would constantly itch and I did not know why. Had no idea what was going on, covered in hives, went to the urgent care, they had no clue, gave me steroids. -Relief of symptoms associated with perennial allergic rhinitis due to allergens (e.g., sneezing, rhinorrhea, postnasal discharge, nasal pruritus, ocular pruritus, tearing) zyrtec. Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. How do you manage seasonal allergies now? This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Goodness! Has anyone else experienced heightened anxiety or depression while getting off of Zyrtec? After reading some of the stories on your site about Zyrtec, my experience started to make sense in retrospect. Every day since then the itch has subsided more and more. We now believe it is a Zyrtec withdrawal reaction. Despite my dermatologist downplaying my experience and symptoms, I feel encouraged after reading this blog, as I now understand why Im having these symptoms. In addition, FDA continues to monitor and assess serious adverse events for all approved products reported by healthcare providers, patients, and others. Allow the tablet to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. She asked how long had I been off the zyrtec. We have also heard from readers who experienced withdrawal itching when they stopped levocetirizine (Xyzal). Over the last eight years we have accumulated over 700 comments about this problem. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. I ITCH. I had my daughters and husband to help me around the house when necessary. The next year, I took one twice a week. We identified 146 cases of pruritus after discontinuation of cetirizine that were associated with serious outcomes. They can add to sleepiness caused by Zyrtec. Im so glad I found this blog. Why are there no warnings on these medications? I am trying the weaning route. (I am a healthy 37 y/o male). I really didnt want to use either so I just left them in the cupboard. It took 3 months to finally rid myself of the infestation. When they did, I took another pill, thinking that one a week wouldnt be too harmful. What is the Difference Between Albuterol & Pulmicort? You should not use Zyrtec if you are allergic to cetirizine or levocetirizine. About 7 years ago, I decided to quit cold turkey. Peppermint Soap and Shampoo If youve ever used peppermint soap or shampoo, you know that they cause a tingling sensation. Ok, so I am shocked. Originally started taking it on my doctors recommendation for Chronic Urticaria possible brought on by menopause. Best of luck to you on your journey. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. How long will the itching last? Its just baffling. I cant stress enough the importance to taper yourself off the drug. So I went to a naturopath who recommended weaning off it, while taking quercetin, nettle tea and etc. Ive done the tapering down process to quit each time, and the crawling bugs always arrive by Day 2. Sure, every now and then something makes the itching flare up, but its nothing like it was before. That it was more of a withdrawal. #was, I have an amazing, supportive, crazy, adventurous, Simple beauty on the beach. Using Zyrtec with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. I talked to her about it and she acted like I was insane. Especially my eyes are itching like crazy. I feel so much better mentally now. Around day 10, my itch was a 4-5 out of 10 which made it more tolerable. -Maximum dose: 5 mg/day In France you need a prescription. Other drugs may interact with cetirizine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. I can recollect every detail and Im usually woken up by the nightmare aspects. Be sure to do it slowly. Allergies were terrible but Ive moved so am now off it for good. Let us know in the comments! Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. As a result, we suspect that most people are unaware of this potential problem. If it makes you drowsy, you can take it at bedtime, or as directed by your doctor. Zyrtec vs Claritin: Which is more effective for allergies? "The later generation non-sedating antihistamines, such as loratadine, fexofenadine, and cetirizine are safe to take daily," says John Faraci, MD, an allergist and immunologist in Loma Linda, California. Taking my morning pill took the itch away but then my ear would hurt. Im on day 6 of no Zyrtec after a couple weeks of tapering. Medical professionals have no clue. After 20 days I still had minor flare ups of itching, and by the 4th week, I was back to normal. I feel my body is detoxing, I have been more stressed and have had spots (acne?) Allegra and Zyrtec are common over-the-counter drugs used to treat allergy symptoms. Im one week since Ive taken the last one. You may report them to the FDA. I had real doubts as to whether or not I was doing the right thing. -Initial dose: 2.5 mg orally once a day During my third week off Zyrtec, my skin was healing from all the trauma I inflicted on it from scratching constantly. I noticed my lips felt strange almost to a chapped lip feeling. Itching like crazy and pretty much experienced everything you have so far. I could not taper it off because I developed chronic cough as a side effect. I had terrible itching for about a week, but it went away. Common nervous system side effects of Zyrtec include: drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, and headaches. It is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 45,241 people who have side effects when taking . It does get easier. Since then, our website has become a place where people who experience this reaction can report their experiences. We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options. I knew I would, I was warned the first time, but itching inside the nostrils, inside the ears, even my tongue and roof of my mouth as well as all over outside, especially arms, back, sides, legs..eye brows itch so much I worry I will itch the hair off! She was not very knowledgeable, particularly about histamine at the cellular level (Zyrtec is a type of antihistamine).. Very informative article AND comments here below. I wish you the best of luck through your withdrawal. When the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's demands, this is called heart failure. 2 to 5 years: I couldnt understand what was happening, as I have never had allergy problems. My plan is to reduce to 2.5mg in the next couple of months (wintertime in Australia) so that in spring I will be able to come off it completely. I grew up with dogs and never had hives/itchness like this! And oh wow I found this page and read most of the comments. WHY can you buy Zyrtec and other antihistamins at the supermarket in the UK and the US. I was scratching so hard it led to welts and swelling. I hope you can find a way off Zyrtec and then in time be completely itch free! When the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's demands, this is called heart failure. I am also on Trazadone for insomnia and just found out that not only blocks serotonin receptors but also H1 and since I have been taking it for 2 years probably that is why my CNS is so sensitive and I am experiencing vistaril withdrawal, despite the fact that I only took a small dose for just 1 month. Clearly they cause problems for so many people. I had no idea that I had become so dependent upon my allergy medications and what they have been doing to my body.. Just try to withdrawal when things are slower or easier with work or school and dont try this during busy months. I may get drowsy but I just deal with it. Trying to eliminate artificial additives in processed foods and increasing my protein intake have helped my skin recover much better. #stuc, Lost Cove Creek - We got very familiar with this c, One of four cars from the 20s and 30s that w, Atop Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, home of an imp, Dr. Bronners Hemp Peppermint Pure Castile Soap, My Journey Through Varicose Vein Treatment, What Women Need to Know about Varicose Veins, http://www.floodlawgroup.com/zyrtec-withdrawal-lawyers/, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2042098619859996. Just deal with it week, I took one twice a week is provided for educational purposes and... 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