In the brain, they inhibit activity in the memory and learning centers. Alternatives: Newer-generation antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are better tolerated by older patients and do not present the same risks to memory and cognition.
Over-the-counter medications such as Benadryl and other antihistamine allergy medications also can lead to temporary brain fog and forgetfulness.
Stopping these drugs has been shown to decrease the dementia risk. Cetirizine (Zyrtec) has low anticholinergic properties, and is thought to be at lower risk than the older drugs.
Rarely, they can cause acute self-limited liver injury. One study has reported a more serious long-term effect, a 3.5-fold increase in the risk of gliomas, a common type of brain tumor in patients with long-term antihistamine use for allergic conditions.
Yes, most people can take antihistamines every day, if they have daily symptoms of their allergies.
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.
Mechanism of Injury. The cause of acute liver injury from cetirizine is not known. It is metabolized by the liver and a toxic metabolite may account for idiosyncratic injury.
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.
In the present study cetirizine only tended to affect psychomotor performance, as measured by the critical tracking task, and it affected memory scanning speed. In contrast, cetirizine did not affect word learning, vigilance and divided attention.
Administration: The examiner reads a list of 5 words at a rate of one per second, giving the following instructions: “This is a memory test. I am going to read a list of words that you will have to remember now and later on. Listen carefully. When I am through, tell me as many words as you can remember.
Is it okay to take ZYRTEC® over a long period of time? The ZYRTEC® package label doesn't state a limit on how long you can take ZYRTEC®. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions, especially if you're taking other medicines or being treated for any other conditions.
Cholinesterase inhibitors are the first choice of treatment for memory loss. The doctor may also prescribe the single-dose drug combination Namzeric to treat moderate to severe memory loss.
Claritin and Zyrtec are effective and safe for most people with minor allergies. However, as with all medications, there may be some side effects. Loratadine—present in Claritin—may not be safe for people with severe liver conditions.
In general, anti-histamines do not cause kidney problems. Some, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can cause retention of urine in your bladder. Others such as Claritin and Zyrtec are generally very safe.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are known to cause extreme drowsiness; however, in certain people, they can cause insomnia, excitability, anxiety, restlessness, and a rapid heart rate.
Zyrtec may interact with other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety).
Flonase and Zyrtec belong to different drug classes. Flonase is a corticosteroid and Zyrtec is an antihistamine.
While there's no set timeline for when someone should stop taking an antihistamine, one should speak to a doctor or drug rehabilitation specialist if they feel like they have become addicted to your antihistamine. The severity and length of an antihistamine withdrawal will depend on the specific drug.
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.
In general, wean gradually by 25-50% of the daily dose every 1-4 weeks. If reason for deprescribing is serious adverse effects, wean faster or cease immediately.
Even so, newer antihistamines like Allegra and Zyrtec are known to cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, headache, back pain, and lethargy. In recent years, another side effect has been added to the list: weight gain.