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.
Some patients have reported severe itching as a symptom of Zyrtec withdrawal. 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.
It takes approximately 5.5 x elimination half-life for a medicine to be cleared from your system. For Zyrtec this is 5.5 x 9 hours which is about 2 days.
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.
Some people have found that switching to a different antihistamine such as fexofenadine (Allegra) or loratadine (Claritin) can ease the itching from cetirizine withdrawal.
These common side effects include sedation, impaired motor function, dizziness, dry mouth and throat, blurred vision, urinary retention and constipation. Antihistamines can worsen urinary retention and narrow angle glaucoma. The antihistamines rarely cause liver injury.
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.
It's generally safe to take the newer generation of antihistamines daily if you have year-round allergy symptoms.
Is it safe to take Zyrtec every day? Yep. "When taken in the recommended doses, antihistamines can be taken daily. This is especially true with Zyrtec, since it doesn't show decreasing effectiveness if used daily," says Sima Patel, MD, an allergist at New York Allergy & Sinus Centers.
Taking too much antihistamine can lead to adverse side effects and a potential antihistamine overdose. Antihistamines are a class of medication that treat allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itching. As with any medication, taking too much can be harmful.
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.
Natural antihistamines may help you control your seasonal allergies. Common ones are stinging nettle, vitamin C, quercetin, butterbur, bromelain, and probiotics. Some alternative practices—such as acupuncture, nasal irrigation, and exercise—may also help you manage symptoms.
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.
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.
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.
Histamine plays a role in our appetite. When antihistamines block histamine, our appetite can increase. This, plus side effects like drowsiness, could lead to weight gain.
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 effective and safe for most people with minor allergies.
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®). Fexofenadine (Allegra®, Aller-ease®, Aller-Fex®, Wal-Fex®).
Antihistamines can be helpful when it comes to stomach acid problems, but they may also increase your risk for the Clostridium difficile infection.
Yes, most people can take antihistamines every day, if they have daily symptoms of their allergies.
Another side effect to watch out for is the rebound effect. Sometimes this effect is mistakenly called an addiction; no, you're not becoming addicted to your allergy medication, but your tissues can become used to the effect of the medication. The result is that, when the dose wears off, you can feel a little worse.
"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.
Feeling drowsy or sleepy is one of the most common antihistamine side effects, especially in regard to first-generation antihistamines.