Can you take Zyrtec all year round?

Because antihistamines like Claritin and Zyrtec are now available over the counter, we can trust that they're generally safe for longterm use, says Shih.

Can you take Zyrtec for years?

The ZYRTEC^® package label doesn't state a limit on how long you can take ZYRTEC^®. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions, especially if you're taking other medicines or being treated for any other conditions.

What are the side effects of long-term use of Zyrtec?

This class of drugs is associated with psychological side effects such as irritability and anxiety, hallucinations, aggressive behavior, depression and suicidal ideation or behavior, and insomnia.

How long can you take Zyrtec?

Zyrtec is available as a tablet, chewable tablet, or a suspension for adults or children who have difficulty swallowing tablets. 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.

Can you take allergy medicine all year round?

Many people get used to living with annoying allergy symptoms, but getting the best medicine for allergies can provide control year-round. Don't wait until you can't breathe to get allergy meds. See your doctor and get the best medicine for allergies before pollen or ragweed season hits this year.

Side effects due to prolonged use of antihistamines - Dr. Sriram Nathan

Is it OK to take Zyrtec everyday?

Is cetirizine (Zyrtec) safe to take every day? Cetirizine (Zyrtec) is safe to take every day if you have allergy symptoms on a daily basis. If you don't have allergy symptoms every day, you can take it as needed on days when these symptoms bother you.

Is it OK to take allergy medicine everyday?

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) currently recommends those using antihistamines for allergies to take them every day — instead of only when symptoms flare up — to maximize their benefits.

Does Zyrtec stop working over time?

Antihistamines may stop working because hives can become worse over time or because the intensity of hives can wax and wane over time. It's also possible that antihistamines become less effective because people aren't taking them as prescribed.

Can you get withdrawal from Zyrtec?

Most commonly abused antihistamines include Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Allegra. The antihistamine withdrawal timeline depends on the specific drug. 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.

Why was Zyrtec taken off the market?

While it is just now showing up in the FDA Enforcement report, Perrigo initiated the recall of the antihistamine in late September after it found that the products potentially contained an impurity.

Can Zyrtec damage kidneys?

In general, anti-histamines do not cause kidney problems. Some, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can cause retention of urine in your bladder. Others such as Claritin and Zyrtec are generally very safe.

Can you take antihistamines every day long term?

Consult the drug label and ask your health care provider how long and how often you should take an antihistamine. You might take an antihistamine every day to keep long-term symptoms under control. Or, you may take an antihistamine only as needed.

Who should not take Zyrtec?

You should not use Zyrtec-D if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, severe high blood pressure (hypertension), severe coronary artery disease, if you are unable to urinate, or if you are allergic to hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril). Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days.

What are the side effects of long term use of antihistamines?

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.

What are the long term effects of taking antihistamines?

Long term use of some antihistamines may increase your risk of dementia. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is vital for memory and learning.

Can Zyrtec cause weight gain?

Antihistamines can also make you feel tired and unmotivated to exercise. Antihistamines that can cause weight gain include: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl and others) Cetirizine (Zyrtec)

Is Zyrtec in a lawsuit?

Zyrtec Lawsuit Consultations

Though the FDA finally began to require warnings of "discontinuation syndrome" (withdrawal) on the labels of some antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, no steps have been taken to address or warn of Zyrtec and antihistamine itching, hives, and withdrawal symptoms.

When should I stop taking antihistamines?

Anticholinergic and alpha-adrenergic side effects

Many over-the-counter antihistamines contain a decongestant as well, and therefore if the user experiences palpitations, the medication should be stopped.

Is there a natural antihistamine?

A common herb in natural medicine, stinging nettle, may also be a natural antihistamine. In a 2000 study, 58 percent of participants found their symptoms relieved with the use of freeze-dried nettles, and 69 participants rated it better than the placebo. Stinging nettle can be found online and at health food stores.

Is it better to take Zyrtec at night or in the morning?

So taking your 24-hour allergy medications before going to bed means that you'll get the maximum effect when you need it the most. "Taking your allergy medication at night assures that it will be circulating in your blood stream when you most need it, early the next morning," Martin says in a news release.

Why won't my allergies go away?

Unknown Triggers

It is possible that you are not entirely sure what is triggering your allergy symptoms, which is why they are not going away. Allergy triggers include pollen, molds, animal dander, and food.

Can you build a tolerance to antihistamines?

The evidence presented does suggest, however, that patients on prolonged antihistamine therapy may develop clinical tolerance. When this is suspected the dose should be increased or the drug discontinued for a short perior (3 to 14 days) before resuming therapy.

Which is better for seasonal allergies Zyrtec or Claritin?

Zyrtec has a quicker onset of action compared to Claritin and may be more effective than Claritin in reducing allergy symptoms, according to one clinical trial. However, cetirizine, the active ingredient of Zyrtec, has been shown to produce more drowsiness than loratadine.

Do antihistamines weaken immune system?

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that sedating first-generation H1R antihistamines and H2R blockers might impair innate immune responses to bacteria and that these drugs should be used with caution in patients with severe bacterial infections.

What is the safest antihistamine?

Loratadine, cetrizine, and fexofenadine all have excellent safety records. Their cardiovascular safety has been demonstrated in drug-interaction studies, elevated-dose studies, and clinical trials. These three antihistamines have also been shown safe in special populations, including pediatric and elderly patients.