While newer-generation antihistamines like Allegra and Zyrtec are less likely to cause drowsiness than older drugs like Benadryl, they have been linked to an increased risk of weight gain in some users.
Why do anti-histamines cause weight gain? Histamine decreases our hunger by in part affecting the appetite control center in our brains[2], and it makes sense an anti-histamine would have the opposite effect. These drugs can interfere with the “I'm full” signal coming from the rest of our bodies and lead to overeating.
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.
It has long been known that the administration of antihistamines can cause weight gain. In fact, one antihistamine, cyproheptadine, has been used for this purpose. There are many postulations as to why this occurs.
Difficulty sleeping (insomnia). Convulsions. Fluid retention (oedema). Weight gain.
Zyrtec (cetirizine) is a second-generation antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. It is available over the counter for use in adults and children 2 years and over. Side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, sore throat, dizziness, and stomach pain.
Fexofenadine is not known to cause weight gain. What's the difference between fexofenadine and other antihistamines? Fexofenadine is known as a non-drowsy antihistamine. That's because it's less likely to make you feel sleepy than drowsy (sedating) antihistamines, such as Piriton (chlorphenamine).
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.
If you're someone for whom the benefits of regular antihistamine use far outweighs the occasional minor side effect, longterm use is safe for most adults and children, he adds. All that said: over-the-counter medication is still medication, and should be treated accordingly.
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.
Cetirizine can be taken at any time of the day. In most people it is non-sedating, so they take it in the morning. However, a percentage of people do find it to be sedating so if it does make you drowsy it is best to take it in the evening. Cetirizine can be taken with or without food.
Cetirizine and levocetirizine have been linked to rare, isolated instances of clinically apparent acute liver injury.
Can antihistamines cause depression? One study of 92 people with chronic itchiness saw that patients who took the antihistamines cetirizine and hydroxyzine reported an increase in depression and anxiety.
Some studies suggest that the prolonged use of newer-generation antihistamines can significantly increase body weight and waist circumference compared to people who don't use antihistamines. Even children who take antihistamines appear to be affected. The cause of the weight gain is unknown.
Antihistamines can ease your symptoms, but they work best when you take them before you feel a reaction. They can build up in your blood to protect against allergens and block the release of histamines. Ask your doctor if you should start taking allergy medicine a couple of weeks before you usually have symptoms.
A food allergy such as lactose intolerance can begin to occur over time or if someone dramatically changes their diet. Offending foods, also known as trigger foods, can cause inflammation throughout the digestive tract, minimizing its efficiency and making weight loss almost impossible.
The withdrawal signs usually begin between 48 and 96 hours after the last dose. They usually peak between days 3 and 5 and can last between 1 and 7 days.
For certain medicines, researchers aren't exactly sure what triggers the weight gain. Medicines that may cause weight gain include: Medicines for diabetes, such as insulin, thiazolidinediones, and sulfonylureas. Antipsychotic medicines such as haloperidol, clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, and lithium.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or ...
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to cetirizine or pseudoephedrine, or if you have: narrow-angle glaucoma; severe high blood pressure (hypertension);
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.