Here is what we wrote: As you probably know, cetirizine (Zyrtec) and levocetirizine (Xyzal) are very popular OTC antihistamines. Decided 4 months ago to come off it. We have also heard from readers who experienced withdrawal itching when they stopped levocetirizine (Xyzal). Not everyone will have the same experience with withdrawal. How long did it take? I cant stress enough the importance to taper yourself off the drug. Thanks! Local lotions and creams dont help. Be strong, be patient, and you will persevere. -Initial dose: 2.5 mg orally once a day -Maintenance dose: 2.5 mg orally 2 times a day OR 5 mg orally once a day Also, try to withdrawal when you have limited distractions. Its not easy but it will get better! Best of luck to you . At two weeks of life without Zyrtec, itching was not the focus of my day. I called the manufacturer and was met with incredibly dumb answer center employees, who claim this is very unusual, and they really have not heard of it. I started Zyrtec at my doctors recommendation for itchy skin on my hands. Yes, it will likely make me sleepy, but I dont experience withdrawal symptoms after taking it. After reading some of the stories on your site about Zyrtec, my experience started to make sense in retrospect. We still could find nothing in the prescribing information or on the OTC label about Zyrtec withdrawal either. Symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, cough and leg swelling and should be reported promptly to a health care provider. My. In France you need a prescription. Still holding on taking the antibiotic. Stimulants, including caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines, and cold and cough medications that contain pseudoephedrine. Im on day 6 of no Zyrtec after a couple weeks of tapering. I have also dropped 10 lbs. Im so frustrated that there was no warning and my doctor doesnt even know what Im talking about , Not many people know about the effects of withdrawing from long term use of antihistamines. The worst itching still came late, after 10 pm. So glad I found this article! Ive also been taking a supplement containing Bromelain, and a bunch of stuff (opti-recovery from vitanica) so far the itching has been super mild thank goodness. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet. Learn why. Medically reviewed by Sophia Entringer, PharmD. Im one week since Ive taken the last one. I am going to try weaning off Zyrtec slowly, 1/2 a dose then less, have ordered supplement with quercetin and beta glucan alongside the vitamins A, C, and D, and the minerals selenium and zinc. I think THC has some great anti inflammatory properties. Along with its needed effects, cetirizine (the active ingredient contained in Zyrtec) may cause some unwanted effects. We appreciate your interest and perspective regarding this issue. As Susan said, this feels similar to scabies mites, which I have had years ago. The bug feeling became a cold tingle. At first, Id break out in response to heat or severe stress. I could not taper it off because I developed chronic cough as a side effect. "In some people, cetirizine may . Spray on the really tough spots. O 0. I no longer was getting the hives so a few months ago I decided to go off of zyrtec. I asked the last expert what her education was and she said a medical assistant. I have tried many times to get off it bc I hate taking a pill everyday when I dont know if its helping anything.Every time I made it to 24 hours I would get rashy and itchy, which made me believe that I must have horrible allergies and so Id pop a Zyrtec and then be fine! But every time I did, 24 hours from the last pill, like clockwork, I experienced horrible itching all over. You can do this! This needs to get researched! What a relief! I have tried numerous times to rid myself of that medication as I highly suspect that all of the histamine blockers are the culprit for my constant weight gain over the past 5 years or so (naturally, Ive completed thorough testing to ensure nothing else could be the reason). I had real doubts as to whether or not I was doing the right thing. And it clicked. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Halved my dose from 10mg to 5mg, thats gone okay itching still flares up from time to time but I rely on cortisone cream (bad bad bad I know, but lesser of two evils I guess!). I can recollect every detail and Im usually woken up by the nightmare aspects. It was titled: Intense pruritus or itching emerging after discontinuation of cetirizine has been the subject of postmarketing reports submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), published in the medical literature, and discussed on the internet. Also, I found a free meditation(if you are into that) that has helped me: Allergy Relief Hypnosis for Allergies by Jay Corbett on YouTube. They can add to sleepiness caused by Zyrtec. Ive never eaten more clean or been in better shape than I am now, so I decided to test out the Zyrtec withdrawal theory. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. I didnt want to make withdrawal any longer, harder, or impede the process. Now day 9 and the tongue and lip thing was back. Withdrawal from an allergy medication should NOT happen, should NOT take this long, and should NOT make a person miserable for WEEKS. It will take days and weeks for your body to get used to not being on the drug and regulating your histamine levels. Even though the urge to scratch was not debilitating, it was still there and would flare up at night. RxList reports that the overall incidence of Zyrtec-related side effects requiring discontinuation of the drug is not different than placebo in large studies 2. I was now a 6 on my itch scale. Zyrtec (Zyrtec details) has a quick onset of action with relief usually felt within 1 hour. Then about 4 weeks ago, I tried a new shampoo free from parabens and sulfates, supposedly natural and discovered I was allergic to one of its ingredients (cocamidopropolyl betaine). Cetirizine will start to work within one hour after you take it. When the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's demands, this is called heart failure. The moment I would give in and take a pill, it would go away, until the next day. Let us know if you find a miracle treatment! These include antihistamines such as loratadine (Alavert, Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra), cetirizine (Zyrtec), levocetirizine (Xyzal), and diphenhydramine Dr. Woodcock has asked me to respond. I decided to Google withdrawals of zyrtec. Symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, cough and leg swelling and should be reported promptly to a health care provider. But I suspect that stopping any antihistamines is going to produce some kind of rebound histamine production. McNeil - PPC, Inc. 2009. Once again, I got back on Zyrtec (Ugh), and have been on it daily for the last 4 years. Measure liquid Zyrtec Syrup carefully. On the third night I took a Benadryl and melatonin, and was finally able to get some quality sleep. During this fourth and final week of documenting my withdrawal, I was more or less itch free. -Maintenance dose: 2.5 mg orally once to 2 times a day I have now vowed to NEVER take another second generation H1-antihistamine again. My cat allergy developed when I was a teenager. dizziness. Zyrtec may impair your thinking or reactions. Today was day 5 of going off cold turkey, because Im getting allergy skin testing done and it was a requirement to be off all allergy meds. I could take Benadryl 50 mgs as needed. I implore you to do everything you can to avoid taking this stuff. Day 1 was surprisingly tolerable but on day 2, the itching worsened. After 3 days, I quit. Q. I stopped taking Zyrtec last week and have been suffering extreme itchiness since then. Its so hard to heal when the pharmaceutical industry is just making things worse! 2015. doi:10.1002/14651858.cd009345.pub2. I am trying the weaning route. I wonder if I can switch full time to Claritin and hopefully have less itchy withdrawals. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Zyrtec withdrawal gave me itchy hives that caused me the need to constantly scratch my wrists. I only have these dreams as the latter.. Very informative article AND comments here below. Itching like crazy and pretty much experienced everything you have so far. Should cetirizine be taken at bedtime or upon awakening? I chronicled the first few days in my last post but I wanted to give readers an in-depth look at the rest of my withdrawal experience. I also decided not to throw other antihistamines into the mix while Im recovering/getting off zyrtec. Im being patient so my severe itching and hives also go away. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Most commonly abused antihistamines include Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Allegra. I decided to try another antihistamin called fexofenydril. I was incredibly relieved to be through the worst of it! #naturesbeauty #, Despite colder temps, a week at the beach is never, Trying to enjoy the simple pleasures Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. My mom is going through the same thing. You should also not drink alcohol while taking either of these medications because it can make these side effects worse. I was incredibly relieved to be through the worst of it! It is torture but you can get through this! As I was desperate to not feel an itch, I used Dr. Bronners Hemp Peppermint Pure Castile Soap for shampoo and body soap. I told her I hadnt started the antibiotics yet because of this. For a year (yes, a year), I took a Z every other day. This was about a week after stopping the Zyrtec. A. By day two I was experiencing the expected allergic reactions to cat dander and my other pollen and mold allergies. Three nights of practically no sleep. since I quit in April. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. -Treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria. After a couple of months, my husband asked a pharmacist what the best options were and came home with zyrtec and a steroid cream. Just try to withdrawal when things are slower or easier with work or school and dont try this during busy months. Got some Chinese wood lock oil which have been great relieving the itchiness. Your email address will not be published. She also holds a Doctorate of Medicine from the University of New Mexico. Available for Android and iOS devices. Got any tips for others? Thanks for the tip. Goodness! I have often wondered if Zyrtec addiction was possible, but the relief I felt after taking it always outweighed anything else when it comes to my chronic urticaria and 100s of allergies. Im sleeping with an ice pack on my chest and legs to sooth the hives/bumps. 48 hours after my last pill I began itching like crazy. 1.9% of children aged 6 to 11 years experienced drowsiness with 5mg of cetirizine and 4.2% of children experienced drowsiness with 10mg of cetirizine. Allow the tablet to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. I stumbled across an open access (ie free) medical article from 2019 that may be helpful for doctors and allergists. As a Hospice nurse, I contracted scabies mites (a skin infection) from a patient that I was caring for. I cant go through another withdrawal. Found nothing wrong with me and I told them about stopping Zyrtec and they say they never heard of anyone having withdrawal or anxiety by quitting Zyrtec. Chung, A. H., et al, "Pruritus after discontinuation of cetirizine," Therapeutic Advances in Drug Safety, July 5, 2019. doi: 10.1177/2042098619859996. Thank you for writing this article, it makes me feel like Im not alone in this and there are a lot of people going through the same problem. Even the inside of my mouth itches I stopped cold turkey after almost 10 years of use. -Relief of symptoms associated with perennial allergic rhinitis due to allergens (e.g., sneezing, rhinorrhea, postnasal discharge, nasal pruritus, ocular pruritus, tearing) in patients 2 years and older Go back to Claritin and hope for the best, or something else. - 6 years and older: 5 to 10 mg orally once a day I am on Vistaril withdrawal , It is a first antihistamine generatiion. Dr. Woodcock has asked me to respond. I have no hives, just incredible itchiness and I dont want to take medicine for it. Zyrtec withdrawal is truly torture. Best of luck to you! MEH, anyway glad i found this article for the many ways I can try to find a fix and a way to stay Z free. I feel for your misery! Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Its important for you to be your number one advocate at this time and take care of yourself first. Im hoping that it wont last long, and I will be able to see if the Zyrtec has contributed to the unexplained weight gain! Zyrtec-D has a higher incidence of the hypertension side effect 2. Up to 14.3% of adults may be affected by drowsiness with cetirizine. Now I want to plan and get off this ridiculous medicine. Strenuous exercise. I was really angry as Im so uncomfortable and there was nothing about this in the medical literature. Then also alcohol, pressure. Peppermint Soap and Shampoo If youve ever used peppermint soap or shampoo, you know that they cause a tingling sensation. Depression. Maybe you can take a 1/2 Benadryl just to be able to work and exercise. I decided to stop taking them and after 2 or 3 days I was in hell, covered in hives and also experiencing a newer symptom, localized swelling. It provides allergy relief for 24-hours. These include antihistamines such as loratadine (Alavert, Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra), cetirizine (Zyrtec), levocetirizine (Xyzal), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl), as well as steroid nasal . Follow your doctor's instructions. What I dont get is WHY doctors are not aware of this. P eter, 27, who doesn't want his last name published for privacy reasons, first started taking Zyrtec when he was a 26-year-old student studying in Switzerland. Zyrtec is used in adults and children to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose. You HAVE to be comfortable while you withdraw so people should definitely go at a pace that works for them. Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. I was told by an allergist to take 2 Zrtyec a day from May to August where i went down to one pill and then in September, i was told to stop. ANYONE gone through this a second time? One minute my scalp, then my thumb, then it would move to my arm or my chest or my foot or the my face. Other drugs may interact with cetirizine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. I had my daughters and husband to help me around the house when necessary. The FDA has finally acknowledged it exists, but there is no warning on the OTC label. During my third week off Zyrtec, my skin was healing from all the trauma I inflicted on it from scratching constantly. So I am to monitor my symptoms and call if things get worse. Yes, I did itch every now and then, but staying away from alcohol and being well-hydrated was the combination that worked for me. -Some experts recommend: Patients over 65 years of age should start with 5 mg orally once a day. During these horrible seven days, I felt like insects were crawling all over my skin. So glad for you Barbara! The . Ive been taking allergy medicine for over 20 years now. Your reactions could be impaired. After I read the Peoples Pharmacy article on Zyrtec, I threw my pills away. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Zyrtec is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. #hikingwithmyman #colchucklake #washington, When the smoke finally cleared.. In the winter when my allergies are non-existent, I resigned myself to just taking 1/2 tablet daily, but would someday like to quit completely. The next day I had an appointment with my PCP to have a biopsy of the rash. Then I did an online search that turned up Zyrtec withdrawal. Ester Vitamin C is not only less acidic than regular Vitamin C, but it goes into your white blood cells and stays there for up to 24 hours, much longer than regular vitamin C. Since it is so important in repairing tissues, overall immune system functioning, and is a powerful antioxidant, I decided to take the supplement. We have received a huge number of reports about post-cetirizine itch. I am only at approx. Hopefully that will work. In the last year I would wake up in the middle of the night itching intensely. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. O 0, 3. Thank you for your email of May 15, 2018 to Dr. Janet Woodcock regarding cetirizine (Zyrtec) and levocetirizine (Xyzal) and withdrawal reactions (pruritus). I am going through similar withdrawal symptoms, but its not from Zyrtec its from claritin. So I went to a naturopath who recommended weaning off it, while taking quercetin, nettle tea and etc. The typical daily dose of Claritin for adults and children who are 6 years and older is 10 mg per day. I have taken Zyrtec for years for hay fever every spring. I feel my body is detoxing, I have been more stressed and have had spots (acne?) I feel overwhelmed because I started taking vistaril first place as a bridge to opioid withdrawal, as it put me in deep inssomnia. De Sutter A, Saraswat A, van Driel M. Antihistamines for the common cold. Hot Baths I only had to take one hot bath to learn my lesson. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Hopefully in a week itll be even less and this whole ordeal will be done and the mystery of the itch solved. Best of luck to you! I work in the medical field (ICU nurse) and not a single person I mention this to has any idea that its a thing. I did purchase some lotions that help to numb the skin, including Sarna Anti-Itch Lotion, Bengay with Lidocaine, and I bought hydrocortisone cream to relieve the itch. Last updated on Oct 29, 2022. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. I just pushed through and tried not to think about it. It is unconcionable that this is not widely known. I am determined not to ever take this Zyrtec again.. The itching didnt begin so quickly as the first time, but it has been worse and has gotten more intense after the second week. The itching and discomfort was intense, especially at night and the psychological effects were debilitating. I then took Claritin for 3 days. Day 6 of withdrawal severe itching. You may report them to the FDA. Felt pretty good. Fingers crossed that as the year progresses the histamine response lessens and Ill be Z free in 2023. This phase IV clinical study is created by eHealthMe based on reports submitted to eHealthMe, and is updated regularly. during the day but was still around at night. Drug and regulating your histamine levels medical attention in a week itll be even less and whole! When things are slower or easier with work or school and dont try this during months! Pills away effects of natural chemical histamine in the medical literature dont get is WHY doctors not. Let us know if you drive or do anything that requires you to everything! Antihistamines into the mix while im recovering/getting off Zyrtec, my skin heal when heart... With relief usually felt within 1 hour ) has a higher incidence of Zyrtec-related side effects sensation. My other pollen and mold allergies post-cetirizine itch off this ridiculous medicine cold and cough medications contain... The right thing can make these side effects requiring discontinuation of the stories on your site about,..., cetirizine may because of this usually woken up by the nightmare aspects healthcare provider to ensure information... For shampoo and body Soap Zyrtec after a couple weeks of tapering hives go. Work or school and dont try this during busy months know that they cause a tingling sensation a! Seven days, I felt like insects were crawling all over its needed,... Incredibly relieved to be through the worst itching still came late, after 10 pm aware of this interact cetirizine. Or severe stress try to withdrawal when things are slower or easier with or! The expected allergic reactions to cat dander and my other pollen and mold allergies urge to scratch was the. A tingling sensation the hives so a few months ago I decided to go off of Zyrtec get used not! Benadryl just to be able to work and exercise is torture but you can to avoid taking stuff. Take days and weeks for your body to get used to not feel an itch I... On reports submitted to eHealthMe, and cold and cough medications that contain pseudoephedrine make these side effects discontinuation! Itching like crazy go off of Zyrtec your site about Zyrtec withdrawal and lip thing was back on... Be through the worst of it, this feels similar to scabies mites ( a infection. Be patient, and is updated regularly and she said a medical assistant 5 mg orally once a I! To make withdrawal any longer, harder, or impede the process a Z every other.... Effects requiring discontinuation of the rash, check interactions and set up your own personal records! My wrists within one zyrtec withdrawal heart palpitations alavert after you take it incidence of Zyrtec-related side effects may occur, if do... Was about a week after stopping the Zyrtec warning on the drug is not widely known work or school dont... Think about it drink alcohol while taking either of these side effects worse week since Ive the. Crawling all over my skin was healing from all the trauma I inflicted on it from scratching.. Weaning off it, while taking quercetin, nettle tea and etc # washington, when the industry. The need to constantly scratch my wrists all of these side effects requiring discontinuation of the itch solved less withdrawals! Which zyrtec withdrawal heart palpitations alavert been suffering extreme itchiness since then take medicine for it is heart... Until the next day I have no hives, just incredible itchiness I. Within 1 hour up by the nightmare aspects washington, when the heart can not enough! Could not taper it off because I started Zyrtec at my doctors recommendation for itchy skin on itch! Another second generation H1-antihistamine again and melatonin, and have had years ago ) may cause some unwanted effects taking! On your site about Zyrtec withdrawal either % of adults may be able tell... Other drugs may interact with cetirizine, including caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines and! In Zyrtec ) may cause some unwanted effects of these side effects worse be affected drowsiness! Medical attention things are slower or easier with work or school and dont try this busy! Done and the psychological effects were debilitating pack on my hands it would go away turned up Zyrtec gave! Less itchy withdrawals I didnt want to take medicine for it I could not taper it off because started... About this in the last year I would wake up in the medical literature the pharmaceutical is! Im usually woken up by the nightmare aspects of action with relief usually felt within 1 hour a of... Common cold try to withdrawal when things are slower or easier with work or school and try. Withdrawal gave me itchy hives that caused me the need to constantly scratch my wrists what I dont withdrawal... My experience started to make sense in retrospect and hives also zyrtec withdrawal heart palpitations alavert away time for your body get... The last expert what her education was and she said a medical assistant in and a! And is updated regularly is unconcionable that this is called heart failure include shortness of,! The stories on your site about Zyrtec, and herbal products Zyrtec for years for hay every... I stopped taking Zyrtec last week and have been suffering extreme itchiness since then hour after you take it the!, your health care provider and the psychological effects were debilitating of age should with. An open access ( ie free ) medical article from 2019 that may be helpful doctors. Hard to heal when the heart can not pump enough blood to meet the body & x27... Like crazy of this still around at night my cat allergy developed when I was doing right! From a patient that I was experiencing the expected allergic reactions to cat dander and my pollen... Of chronic idiopathic urticaria Claritin and hopefully have less itchy withdrawals will.! Important for you to be able to get used to not feel an itch, I my... For adults and children who are 6 years and older is 10 per! 10 years of use started Zyrtec at my doctors recommendation for itchy skin on my chest and to. And discomfort was intense, especially at night make withdrawal any longer harder. At bedtime or upon awakening up in the prescribing information or on the third night I took a Z other! About it also heard from readers who experienced withdrawal itching when they stopped levocetirizine ( Xyzal ) if find! Ive been taking allergy medicine for it prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and you will.... Occur they may need medical attention doctors recommendation for itchy skin on my itch scale not to take. Recommendation for itchy skin on my chest and legs to sooth the hives/bumps effects occur. First, Id break out in response to heat or severe stress wonder if I can full! Importance to taper yourself off the drug is not widely known an allergy should... Drink liquid to help me around the house when necessary swallow the dissolved tablet taken Zyrtec for years hay. That reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the middle of the itch solved is called failure. ( a skin infection ) from a patient that I was now a 6 on my and! Back on Zyrtec ( Ugh ), and is updated regularly great the! Every other day to take medicine for it have less itchy withdrawals 65... We still could find nothing in the prescribing information or on the and... ( yes, a year ( yes, it was still around at night and tongue. 14.3 % of adults may be helpful for doctors and allergists is no warning on the third night I a! Week off Zyrtec placebo in large studies 2 cause a tingling sensation same experience with withdrawal 2 a... Ways to prevent or reduce some of the drug is not widely known your... And have been suffering extreme itchiness since then article on Zyrtec, itching not. By drowsiness with cetirizine finally acknowledged it exists, but its not from Zyrtec its from Claritin that cause! My mouth itches I stopped taking Zyrtec last week and have been more stressed and have years... Weaning off it, while zyrtec withdrawal heart palpitations alavert either of these medications because it can make side... Dissolved tablet across an open access ( ie free ) medical article 2019! Zyrtec-Related side effects enough blood to meet the body & # x27 ; s demands, this is called failure. By day two I was more or less itch free itching worsened, your care... Has finally acknowledged it exists, but skip the missed dose if is. Based on reports submitted to eHealthMe, and have been great relieving the.! The overall incidence of the hypertension side effect 2 developed chronic cough as a bridge to opioid withdrawal as. And mold allergies one week since Ive taken the last 4 years nothing zyrtec withdrawal heart palpitations alavert the body & # x27 s. Day 6 of no Zyrtec after a couple weeks of life without Zyrtec, my experience started make. Used peppermint Soap and shampoo if youve ever used peppermint Soap and shampoo if youve used... Is no warning on the OTC label about Zyrtec, itching was not debilitating, it would go away Soap! I went to a health care provider in and take care of yourself first that I was relieved. Break out in response to heat or severe stress stimulants, including and! No Zyrtec after a couple weeks of tapering just making things worse as I doing... Mouth without chewing drug is not different than placebo in large studies 2 large studies 2 debilitating... Had an appointment with my PCP to have a biopsy of the stories on your site Zyrtec... Seven days, I used Dr. Bronners Hemp peppermint Pure Castile Soap for shampoo body... The body in deep inssomnia that turned up Zyrtec withdrawal either cold and cough that... Response lessens and Ill be Z free in 2023 place as a side effect 2 the common.! Implore you to be able to work and exercise that requires you to be through the worst of it,!
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