Does Zyrtec increase risk of dementia?

Diphenhydramine is classified as an anticholinergic drug, and a study of this class of drug found that increased use is associated with an up to 54% increased risk of dementia [2].

Can Zyrtec affect memory?

In the brain, they inhibit activity in the memory and learning centers, which can lead to memory loss. Alternatives: Newer-generation antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are better tolerated by older patients and do not present the same risks to memory and cognition.

Which antihistamine is linked to dementia?

Common anticholinergic drugs like Benadryl linked to increased dementia risk. A report published in JAMA Internal Medicine several years ago highlighted a link between long-term use of anticholinergic medications like Benadryl and dementia.

What are the long-term effects of taking 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.

Do all antihistamines cause dementia?

But there was no association between dementia and antihistamine medications. A 2018 study had similar findings. While certain types of anticholinergic medications were linked to dementia, antihistamines were not.

Common drugs linked to increased risk of dementia

What are the 9 Common drugs Linked to Alzheimer's?

Can you take Zyrtec every day?

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.

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).

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.

How long is it safe to take Zyrtec?

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.

Is Zyrtec an anticholinergic drug?

And when it comes to allergies, there are many alternatives to Benadryl, an anticholinergic and so-called first generation antihistamine. Second- and third-generation antihistamines, including brands such as Claritin, Zyrtec and Allegra, are not anticholinergics.

Do second generation antihistamines cause dementia?

Conclusion. Treatment with 2^nd or 3^rd generation antihistamines may be associated with cognitive impairment, particularly in elderly patients. This effect should be considered regarding the handling of concomitant medications in Alzheimer's disease treatment trials.

Can Zyrtec cause confusion in elderly?

Allergy Medications

First generation antihistamines, while very effective at controlling symptoms, are often associated with symptoms in older adults such as anxiety, confusion, sedation, blurred vision, reduced mental alertness, urinary retention and constipation.

Is memory loss from antihistamines permanent?

The medicines you take can have a surprising effect on memory, but it's not just the ones your doctor prescribes. Over-the-counter medications such as Benadryl and other antihistamine allergy medications also can lead to temporary brain fog and forgetfulness.

Can cetirizine make you forgetful?

KEY RESULTS. Cetirizine 10 mg impaired tracking performance and both doses impaired memory scanning speed.

Is Zyrtec OK for seniors?

What they actually recommend is that if you're over 65, or if you have liver or kidney problems, you should ask your doctor if it's OK to use it. Since Zyrtec is now an over-the-counter antihistamine and can be taken without a doctor's knowledge, they're just advising caution in older folks.

Is Zyrtec safe?

Zyrtec and Claritin have very few side effects and are generally recognized as safe for most people. However, some side effects may still occur. Zyrtec can cause sleepiness, but only in some people. Take it for the first time when you will be at home for a few hours in case it makes you sleepy.

Is Zyrtec safer than Benadryl?

The CSACI says that the newer antihistamines are safer, less-sedating, and more effective. They state that Benadryl is associated with significant side effects like sedation, poor sleep, and motor impairment, potentially leading to accidents and death, and should only be used as a last resort.

What is the best antihistamine for the elderly?

So what can older adults safely take for allergy relief? Wozniak: Newer antihistamines such as Claritin® (loratadine) and Allegra® (fexofenadine) tend to be safer and better tolerated.

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

What's the best time of day to take ZYRTEC^®? Any time of day works. And ZYRTEC^® will continue to work for 24 hours.

Does Zyrtec make you gain weight?

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

Does Zyrtec cause anxiety?

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are known to cause extreme drowsiness; however, in certain people, they can cause insomnia, excitability, anxiety, restlessness, and a rapid heart rate.

Can Zyrtec cause depression?

The over-the-counter allergy medication cetirizine (Zyrtec and generic) has been linked to depression, as has another type of drug, montelukast (Singulair), which is often used to treat people with allergic asthma.

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.