Zyrtec Withdrawal: Severe Itching & Hives This itching may begin as soon as 12 hours after the last dose of Zyrtec and can affect every part of the body. Some patients report itching so severe that they cannot control scratching and have caused sores all over their bodies.
"Itching can occur within one-two days of stopping Zyrtec or Xyzal after long term daily use (months to years). It usually lasts a few days and then resolves. The intensity of the itching can be from mild to severe. Occasionally, a brief burst of oral steroids may be needed to help the patient get off the drug.
Dr Grant confirms that many people can suffer withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking antihistamines suddenly. Dr Grant recommends the patient resume taking the antihistamines and then slowly reduce the dose to wean off slowly.
There have been reports, through few studies, of withdrawal symptoms in people attempting to stop taking Zyrtec. These people report unbearable pruritus (itching) and/or hives. These symptoms are generally less if people taper, or gradually reduce, their dose of Zyrtec over a period of time.
Withdrawal symptoms are usually mild (e.g. nausea, vomiting, headache, sweating, anxiety, dizziness), highly variable and can last up to 6-8 weeks.
People have tried a number of ways to overcome the chronic and nearly intolerable itching that may begin shortly after discontinuing cetirizine. Some people report that a gradual reduction in dose helps a bit and that after about two weeks, the itching slowly recedes and eventually disappears.
While antihistamines are available over the counter and thought to be harmless, abusing this medication could lead to addiction and unintentional overdose. Being aware of the risks of antihistamine abuse and addiction could prevent you from experiencing life-threatening emergencies.
Cetirizine is unlikely to do you any harm if you take it for a long time. However it's best to take cetirizine only for as long as you need to. If you take it regularly over a long period there's a very small chance of severe itching if you stop treatment suddenly.
According to David Shih, EVP of strategy and former chief medical officer at CityMD, I am probably fine. Because antihistamines like Claritin and Zyrtec are now available over the counter, we can trust that they're generally safe for longterm use, says Shih.
“There are nearly no long-term concerns at all with those allergy medications,” Dr. Frank says. Most allergy sufferers rely on a daily antihistamine pill or corticosteroid spray, and Dr. Frank says they are all safe to use without fear of forming a habit or building up a tolerance.
See your doctor if your mild allergy symptoms have not improved after three days of treatment with Zyrtec, or if your hives persist for more than six weeks despite taking Zyrtec. Discontinue Zyrtec once your allergy symptoms have resolved.
When antihistamines block histamine, our appetite can increase. This, plus side effects like drowsiness, could lead to weight gain. Your risk of gaining weight from antihistamines may depend on many factors. But a healthy diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors can help you manage your risk.
Sandoz issued a voluntary recall of 1,023,430 units of Zyrtec (10 mg) capsules as a result of failed impurities and a specification being reported for impurity at the 21-month stability time point, according to an FDA Enforcement Report.
For example, some people experience symptoms with cetirizine if they take it for a while and then stop suddenly. The main withdrawal symptom is called pruritus— itching and burning sensations of the skin ranging from moderate to severe. Other antihistamine withdrawal symptoms include interruptions in sleep patterns.
Confusion can happen during Benadryl withdrawal, especially in older adults. The person may feel disoriented or have trouble thinking clearly. These withdrawal symptoms are generally mild and go away within a few days. However, in some cases, they can be severe and last for weeks or longer.
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: difficulty urinating, fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, shaking (tremor), mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, confusion, nervousness, restlessness), weakness.
Claritin and Zyrtec are popular over-the-counter antihistamines. Doctors consider them safe and effective treatments for minor allergies. Both are second-generation antihistamines. These cause less drowsiness than first-generation antihistamines.
Allergists recommend long-acting, non-sedating antihistamines — ones that won't make you sleepy — for everyday use. Though you may know them by their brand names, the generic versions tackle the same problems: Cetirizine (Zyrtec®, Aller-Tec®, Wall-Zyr®).
Long term use of some antihistamines may increase your risk of dementia. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is vital for memory and learning.
Cetirizine is eliminated primarily by the kidney but also undergoes metabolism in the liver to some extent. Patients with renal and/or liver disease may be at greater risk for adverse effects from cetirizine due to decreased drug clearance.
Allegra (fexofenadine), Claritin (loratadine), and Zyrtec (cetirizine) are over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines used to treat allergies. All of them are considered non-drowsy medications and one is not preferred over the other.
It's generally safe to take the newer generation of antihistamines daily if you have year-round allergy symptoms. But make sure to avoid anything that has a "D" in its brand name, which stands for decongestants.
Antihistamines are a unique option for treating seasonal allergies. They work quickly to help get symptoms under control. But if taken every day, they can also help prevent symptoms from starting.