Yes, Zyrtec (cetirizine) can make you feel calm or relaxed, primarily due to its potential for drowsiness, which is a common side effect, but this sedation isn't its intended use for anxiety and isn't a long-term solution for anxiety disorders, with some people even experiencing anxiety as a side effect. While some older antihistamines (first-generation) are known sedatives, Zyrtec (a second-generation) has a lower sedative effect but can still cause it, making it useful for sleep but not a primary treatment for anxiety.
Typically, antihistamines might offer temporary relief for mild anxiety symptoms, but they aren't recommended for long-term use as primary anxiety treatments. Prolonged use can lead to increased tolerance, reduced effectiveness, and potential side effects.
When you have an allergic reaction, your body releases chemicals called histamines to fight the allergen. Histamines are responsible for causing your allergy symptoms. Antihistamines, like the one found in ZYRTEC products, work by blocking the effects of histamine. This helps provide relief from allergy symptoms.
Benadryl can cause drowsiness and a sense of calm, which might feel soothing in high-stress moments. However, this is a side effect of its antihistamine action, not an actual treatment for anxiety symptoms.
For allergies, don't use under 2 years of age. Reason: not FDA approved. For age 2 - 6 years, talk with your child's doctor before using. For colds, not advised at any age.
While less common, Zyrtec can sometimes cause mood changes, such as agitation, anxiety, or mood swings. Hallucinations and suicidal thoughts can also happen in rare cases. If you notice a change in your behavior (or your child's) after taking Zyrtec, it's best to stop taking it and seek medical care.
Available in both grape or bubble gum flavors, Children's ZYRTEC® Syrup is suitable for children and toddlers ages 2 years and up. *ZYRTEC® starts working at hour 1 and Claritin starts working at hour 3 based on the first dose on the first day of a 2-day study in two pollen chamber studies.
Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines can increase the calming effect of certain chemicals in your brain. When you take a benzodiazepine, it can reduce anxiety and may help you sleep. Examples are diazepam and lorazepam.
Known central nervous system (CNS) adverse effects of cetirizine include anxiety, depression, insomnia, and paranoia.
Histamine regulates anterior pituitary hormones. Anxiolytic drugs also decrease brain histamine turnover. Histamine H1 receptor antagonists and H3 receptor agonists decrease the anxiety state.
Over-the-counter antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin) may provide quick relief from seasonal allergy symptoms, including brain fog.
The antihistamine in this medicine may cause some people to become drowsy, dizzy, or less alert than they are normally.
Histamine-induced anxiety can feel like restlessness, a racing heart, palpitations, or a sense of unease.
Anti-anxiety medications help reduce the symptoms of anxiety, such as panic attacks or extreme fear and worry. The most common anti-anxiety medications are called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are a group of medications that can help reduce anxiety and make it easier to sleep.
Certain antidepressants are also used to treat anxiety disorders. An anti-anxiety medication called buspirone may be prescribed. In limited circumstances, your doctor may prescribe other types of medications, such as sedatives, also called benzodiazepines, or beta blockers.
Hydroxyzine is used to help control anxiety and tension caused by nervous and emotional conditions. It can also be used to help control anxiety and produce sleep before surgery. This medicine is also used to relieve symptoms of allergic conditions (eg, chronic urticaria and atopic and contact dermatoses).
Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine that crosses into the brain easily. It's well known for causing sleepiness and sometimes confusion. Its strong anticholinergic effects make it more likely to interfere with memory and attention.
ZYRTEC® can be taken at any time of day. If your allergies are particularly bothersome at night, taking ZYRTEC® at night or before bed can help you get a good night's sleep and wake up feeling refreshed. Content is restricted by privacy settings. Please review your cookie settings to enable access.
The first choice anxiety medications of many doctors are SSRI and SNRI antidepressants. Other anxiety medications include benzodiazpines, buspirone, hydroxyzine, and betablockers.
Scientific studies confirm a direct link between deficiencies in certain nutrients and symptoms of anxiety. Specifically, vitamin D and B vitamin deficiencies are strongly linked to the development of anxiety disorders.
Vitamin D3:
Vitamin D3 can improve mood and energy, and it has been a must for many of my patients throughout the pandemic, says Dr. Madrak. While lack of sunlight isn't a sole contributor to anxiety, vitamin D deficiency can hinder mental well-being. The best source of vitamin D3 is direct sunlight.
Zyrtec typically takes about 20 to 60 minutes to start working and generally lasts about 24 hours.
Per the ZYRTEC® OTC Drug Facts label, only one dose of ZYRTEC® should be taken per day, as it is a 24h medication. You can take two doses of ZYRTEC-D®, but only one dose every 12 hours. With Children's ZYRTEC® Syrup, for children 2 to under 6 years of age: 2.5 mL once daily is the recommended dose.
Studies in adults show that about 14% of patients experienced somnolence, or drowsiness, and studies in children show that about 4% of patients experienced somnolence while on ZYRTEC®. While everyone reacts differently to medication, drowsiness may occur with ZYRTEC® and could lessen over time.