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.

Can Zyrtec be taken long term?

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.

What are the dangers of Zyrtec?

Does Zyrtec affect the brain?

The most rigorously assessed agents were cetirizine (Zyrtec) and fexofenadine. Several agents, including acrivastine (Semprex-D) and loratadine (Claritin), were found as not impairing cognitive function at recommended doses but impairing at higher-than recommended doses.

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.

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

Is Zyrtec hard on your 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 become addicted to Zyrtec?

People who take antihistamines regularly may build up a tolerance to the drug, which means they need to take higher and higher doses to get the same effect. This can lead to addiction. Antihistamines are often addictive because they work by blocking histamine receptors.

Is Zyrtec linked to dementia?

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Long-term use of Benadryl, an over-the-counter allergy medication, has been linked to an increased dementia risk. In lieu of Benadryl, possible alternatives include cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra) and loratadine (Claritin).

Can Zyrtec cause memory issues?

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.

What are the 9 common pills linked to Alzheimer's?

An estimated 47 million people worldwide were living with dementia in 2015, while in the United States around 5.7 million people have Alzheimer dementia, according to the study. Anticholergenic drugs include, but are not limited to, Artane, Bentyl, Oxytrol, Neosol, Symax and Vesicare.

How do I stop taking Zyrtec?

Some people have reported success with gradual tapering of the dose. To do this, some divide the tablets into ever-smaller pieces until they eventually are able to phase off without itching. Others report that taking vitamin C supplements can help ease their symptoms.

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.

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)

What happens if you take allergy medicine everyday?

Taking more than one antihistamine at the same time can lead to serious side effects, including seizures, heart rhythm problems, and, in some cases, death. If you're considering adding a second allergy medication, it's best to speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist first.

What happens if you take cetirizine everyday?

However it's best to take cetirizine only for as long as you need to. If you take it regularly over a long period there's a very small chance of severe itching if you stop treatment suddenly. If you've been taking cetirizine every day for a long time, talk to your doctor before stopping it.

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.

Does Zyrtec cause brain fog?

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.

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.

Does allergy medicine cause Alzheimer's?

Some drugs commonly used to treat hay fever, insomnia and depression have been linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, a new study reports. And the longer the medications are taken, the greater the risk.

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.

What is the safest allergy medicine?

Claritin and Zyrtec are popular over-the-counter antihistamines. Doctors consider them safe and effective treatments for minor allergies. Both are second-generation antihistamines. These cause less drowsiness than first-generation antihistamines.

What are the 9 memory robbing drugs?

How long does it take to get Zyrtec out of your system?

Official Answer. The elimination half-life of Zyrtec is between 8 to 9 hours. 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.

Is it OK to take antihistamines every day?

Depending on your symptoms, you can take antihistamines: Every day, to help keep daily symptoms under control. Only when you have symptoms. Before being exposed to things that often cause your allergy symptoms, such as a pet or certain plants.

How long should I 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.