Is there such a thing as Zyrtec withdrawal? Heres what I did, what meds I took, and how I coped with my 2+ weeks of misery: Patience Patience is the most important thing. Trying to eliminate artificial additives in processed foods and increasing my protein intake have helped my skin recover much better. If you experienced Zyrtec withdrawal we would like to hear from you. Five milligrams was usually enough to get me through the bulk of the day, quieting the angry itch, but some evenings benefited from an additional dose. I stopped taking cetirizine a couple days ago and now I have an explanation for why Im so itchy! Ive also been avoiding sugar because that raises inflammation which leads to itching. It is best to wait until cetirizine completely leaves your body before you drink alcohol, which may take up to 40 hours (almost 2 days). Ive done the tapering down process to quit each time, and the crawling bugs always arrive by Day 2. Some nights Id use an ice pack on my hands or keep my hands in super cold water, which tamed the itch. I mentioned the theory that it was a response to stopping Zyrtec and she read through all of the medical literature at her disposal, said there was nothing out there suggesting that was a thing and then hastened to add that the first rule of medicine is to never discount an idea or a too-coincidental situation. However, this medication also has the potential to cause sedation. For about a week scalp, eyes, arms were itching a lot and all in all it took 2 weeks. Definitely clinging to Philippians 1:19 that the living God will see me through. Benadryl should not be taken at the same time as cetirizine because it can increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. leg cramps. She actually mentioned writing a paper if we were able to conclusively prove this as an issue, and at the very least, if it ever happened to another patient, she could give them better guidance. Some do ok taking Allegra or Claritin, but I stick with Benadryl. Ive tried that before without knowing, and always switched back to Zyrtec because I thought it worked better due to the itchy skin issue. During this second week I had a lot more variation in the intensity of the itch. Some of our cases reported finding similar experiences after searching for a cause on the internet. It is considered a second-generation non-sedating antihistamine. We appreciate your interest and perspective regarding this issue. I sure hope I can return to drinking red wine, as it is my favorite, but for now Im avoiding it with no regrets. I implore you to do everything you can to avoid taking this stuff. Hot Baths I only had to take one hot bath to learn my lesson. Because I had Covid beginning of April, I have been taking supplements to build my immunity, it has a lot of Vitamin C, zinc and selenium. The intensity/severity of this itch is just like scabies. 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! -Maintenance dose: 2.5 mg orally 2 times a day OR 5 mg orally once a day It took 3 months to finally rid myself of the infestation. This will increase your chances of success. Best of luck to you! But then they started only working for 5 days, 3 days, 2 days, until I was taking one a day. Why was I still hurting? Thanks for sharing your story and best of luck to you as you continue your withdrawal. Use these dosage charts for infants and children under 12 years old: Use Zyrtec exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. When the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's demands, this is called heart failure. If I didnt preventatively use ice packs on my forearms and hands, I would mildly itch until I fell asleep. I used a hair dryer to blast the itchy spots. My strength was waning. And oh wow I found this page and read most of the comments. It helps keep the drainage to a minimum, and I found it to be a great relief when I was diagnosed in 2012. After two years of taking the allergy drug daily, Peter decided he wanted to stop, only to realize how dependent he had become on it. I left it on my scalp and body until I felt the tingle, then rinsed off. I am now pregnant with my first child and have been on Zyrtec for years so I worry about the baby developing some sort of dependency or lack of histamines due to my continued use, even though my midwife and doctor both say it is fine to take. I felt like I was having allergic reactions because I hadnt taken the zyrtec for 4 days. Many thanks to you and all who wrote comment ideas above.. Best of luck to your during this very difficult withdrawal! Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking cetirizine: Some side effects of cetirizine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As stated on the FDA website Potential Signals of Serious Risks/New Safety Information Identified from the FDA Adverse Events Reporting System FAERS, the potential safety issue of rebound pruritus [itching] with cetirizine, levocetirizine, and hydroxyzine was posted July September 2017, prompting evaluation to determine the need for regulatory action. I grew up with dogs and never had hives/itchness like this! It was torture that lasted over a month. Peppermint Soap and Shampoo If youve ever used peppermint soap or shampoo, you know that they cause a tingling sensation. Along with its needed effects, cetirizine (the active ingredient contained in Zyrtec) may cause some unwanted effects. I realize I was lucky because I could do this at home with minimal obligations. And my doctor just looked at me blankly as I reported this outcome. 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). So, by and large, on this 4th week I considered myself completely free of Zyrtec withdrawal symptoms. Medically reviewed by Sophia Entringer, PharmD. They can add to sleepiness caused by Zyrtec. Im incredibly thankful that I found this page. Keeping my body comfortable in any way possible, was a primary objective. They really should stop selling Zyrtec, or have this printed on the box. Kathy Jutila has been writing health-related articles since 1979. Looking forward to the next 4 weeks for me! WHY can you buy Zyrtec and other antihistamins at the supermarket in the UK and the US. Antihistamines are a class of drugs that block the action of histamine and reduce these symptoms. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures. I was incredibly relieved to be through the worst of it! Im in week 2 of the anxiety and it is terrible. I knew I would, I was warned the first time, but itching inside the nostrils, inside the ears, even my tongue and roof of my mouth as well as all over outside, especially arms, back, sides, legs..eye brows itch so much I worry I will itch the hair off! We first heard about cetirizine (Zyrtec) withdrawal itching more than a decade ago. I cried. Jutila received a Bachelor of Science in biology, and a Master of Science in microbiology from Montana State University. -Maintenance dose: 2.5 mg orally once to 2 times a day Now, Im on once a week. Fingers crossed that as the year progresses the histamine response lessens and Ill be Z free in 2023. As Susan said, this feels similar to scabies mites, which I have had years ago. Taper Your Dosage The second most important piece of advice is to taper your dose. my ankles, my neck, my scalp, my lower back, forearms and hands, feetmoves around and comes and goes but constant all day and night. 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. Stimulants, including caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines, and cold and cough medications that contain pseudoephedrine. I also am going through tons of hives and itching and am grateful to hear how you overcame and the itch DID GO AWAY after you waited. After 3 days, I quit. My allergies seemed to fade. It has been 5 months now and every time I try to stop taking Zyrtec (which is promoted as being the best to control hives) I start having the same symptoms that others have described..hives, horrible itching and pure misery. Drug class: Antihistamines. 2 to 5 years: Maybe you can take a 1/2 Benadryl just to be able to work and exercise. How long does it stay in the body? (I am a healthy 37 y/o male). Once I realized this, I medicated with THC once or twice a day. I AM DETERMINED THIS TIME I WILL BEAT IT. Get Comfortable I made sure that anything that was touching my body was comfortable, so I wore long sleeved shirts, workout leggings, and cozy socks. Im thinking its because my appetite has decreased significantly, but I also read that Zyrtec from hinder fat burning. Alcohol is a drying agent and can make your skin drier and more itchy. Last updated on Jun 2, 2022. - It is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 45,241 people who have side effects when taking . THC just made me not care as much that I itched but didnt take it away. It does get easier. Thanks for sharing what worked for you! indigestion. I am not alone in this.. 4.5 years of Zyrtec use. I was now a 6 on my itch scale. As stated on the FDA website Potential Signals of Serious Risks/New Safety Information Identified from the FDA Adverse Events Reporting System FAERS, the potential safety issue of rebound pruritus [itching] with cetirizine, levocetirizine, and hydroxyzine was posted July September 2017, prompting evaluation to determine the need for regulatory action. The itching was there, but not unbearable. There were moments in the past where my skin would constantly itch and I did not know why. Eyes and hairline still itching a bit. Thank you so much for sharing this! -Maximum dose: 10 mg/day How long will the itching last? At first I thought that the bumpy hives were athletes foot because they started on my feet- three days after stopping Zyrtec, which I thought still could have been a coincidence at first. However, antihistamines that include a decongestant could cause problems. Let your body adjust with every dose alteration you make. Some evenings I had alcohol and I believe that caused a little itching on my skin, but it was tolerable. for 4.5 years but didnt realize until I accidentally missed a dose. 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. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Some people, especially the elderly or children, may also find their thinking, judgement, and coordination impaired. Since then, our website has become a place where people who experience this reaction can report their experiences. Ive been taking Zyrtec daily for almost 10 years. I will hang in there and will never take Zyrtec again!. I could take Benadryl 50 mgs as needed. This phase IV clinical study is created by eHealthMe based on reports submitted to eHealthMe, and is updated regularly. Other drugs may interact with cetirizine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. I feel overwhelmed because I started taking vistaril first place as a bridge to opioid withdrawal, as it put me in deep inssomnia. A. When the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's demands, this is called heart failure. Other second-generation antihistamines include fexofenadine ( Allegra) and loratadine ( Claritin ). Palpitations are described as an unpleasant awareness of the heart beating or a fast heart rate, called tachycardia 3. during the day but was still around at night. Yeah, this itch is ungodly but everyday is a step closer to the end. Been to doctors and hospital. 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 couldnt understand what was happening, as I have never had allergy problems. I started weaning today (1/2 dose), and 5 hours later Im already feeling the itch. Measure liquid Zyrtec Syrup carefully. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." -Maximum dose: 5 mg/day The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Why are there no warnings on these medications? Keep us updated on that paper! Im going off Zytec for the second time as it was the only allergy medication that did not make me sleepy. Anything I can do to stop the anxiety? We admit that we could be dense, but we suspect it is hard to find if it exists at all. Using a Body Brush By the second week of withdrawal, I was carrying around a body brush to scratch every itch. I am only at approx. At this time, I learned that some people actually have a histamine intolerance and have to avoid certain foods and medication. I tried 1/2 every 2 days but last night I gave in and took a whole Zyrtec. I never researched between 1st and 2nd generation back them. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Zyrtec only for the indication prescribed. Im taking it like a marathon, and looking forward to the finish line but I know its going to be misery until then. I developed chronic hives about 6 months ago. I cant function going through this anxiety. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. My tongue felt about the same. We searched high and low for the article that Dr. Dal Pan alluded to in his response. 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