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Zyrtec

Mark of South Bend, IN October 28, 2009

For many years I had been taking a different anti-allergy medication, Claritin, during the spring and late-summer months for seasonal allergies. These allergies only affected my eyes and sinuses, sometimes other airways. But I never, ever experienced any skin-related reactions from these allergies before or after I took the Claritin. This year (beginning in early April 2009) I started taking Zyrtec when a medical professional suggested it to me, as being more effective than Claritin. I took Zyrtec all through the spring, but when I tried to stop in early summer I was still having allergy issues (itchy eyes, runny nose) so I continued taking Zyrtec all summer long, until the end of September. I stopped "cold turkey" on October 1st, 2009 figuring I was past the worst of my allergy season.

Within 48 hours I began to experience itchy, swollen fingers, and the symptoms progressed to severe, relentless itching all over my scalp, underarms, and nether regions. I would also experience sporadic bouts of itching on my arms, legs, and back. My doctor advised me to get back on the Zyrtec and try slowly weaning myself off. This seems to be working, somewhat--I am down to a 1/4 tablet every couple of days, but I still experience random bouts of itching skin in the aforementioned places.

Again, let me reiterate: I have never in my life had any type of skin allergy, sensitivity, or issues with itchy skin. Never in 31 years. So they cannot tell me the Zyrtec was "suppressing" something that was already there, because that is, frankly, a load of crap. The drug manufacturer needs to do some seriously extensive studies on this drug, because it has physiological side-effects and addictive properties which are NOT being disclosed publicly. Ask anyone who knows me, I am not quick to anger; but this whole situation makes me irate. We, the consumer, trust government agencies and drug companies to NOT give us medicines that will end up doing more harm than good. In this case, having read so many online testimonials, I am beginning to think they're willfully ignoring this side-effect in favor of continued profits.

Vennetia of Vacaville, CA August 24, 2009

I am itching like crazy since taking my last Zyrtec-D pill 2 days ago. I have never had this reaction after taking any other allergy medication. At the extreme, I have applied cold packs to the worst areas to get some relief. I feel like a drug-addict having withdrawal symptoms. I re-read the Zyrtec package and it says nothing about having these symptoms after ceasing the medication. The itching is severe enough to make me want to go back on Zyrtec to make it stop, but I won't. Instead, I am taking Claritin to see if it helps.

Allison of Piedmont, SC June 18, 2009

Took Zyrtec on "as needed" basis - hit with allergen, took a dose to prevent or lessen asthmatic reactions and hives. Never exceeded once in 24 hrs. Did not take daily (with Dr.'s knowledge). Took medicine only 3 times because of severity of reactions. Slept up to 12 hours so soundly I truly would have died in a house fire! Awoke drowsy and remained dysfunctional throughout the day - fell asleep at the wheel at 2PM one day (took med at 9PM the night before) - thankfully was at a stoplight.

Dr. recommended (after Xyzal caused similar problems - and both meds caused sore throat, stuffy ears, indigestion and swollen, itchy fingers) taking a 1/10th dosage of Children's Liquid so I could take it regularly. I did so, and after 5 - 6 days became nearly incontinent. Actually wet my pants somewhat on 3 different occasions - none of these while at home! Would feel the need to urinate and had approximately 15 seconds to on the toilet. After stopping the med (approx. 10 days), symptoms began to clear and disappeared after approx. 2 weeks.

Christopher of North Brunswick, NJ June 1, 2009

I recently read the posting "Zyrtec" -- I am wondering first how this person is sure they are taking only 1.25 mg of Zyrtec since it only comes in 5 mg and 10 mg tablets (including the generic and store brands, as the active Cetirizine HCl), unless they are taking the liquid form which is in mg/mL, and the dose better controlled by the volume of oral solution taken

By the information submitted, if the allergic reaction appears once the medication is stopped, it indicates that Zyrtec is suppressing the allergic reaction as it should. But after 8 months of hives and severe itching, I would contact a doctor to see what the underlying cause is. (This is also stated on the label.) The bottle/packaging label or Zyrtec website will also have a list of side effects from taking the medication.

Also, anyone who is has any type of allergic reaction to any medication should always contact a doctor. They can also contact the phone number on the bottle to reach the manufacturer to report adverse reactions or contact the FDA's Medwatch service or hotline to report reactions.

I actually take Zyrtec 10 mg myself and do find it does work quite well. I have 'quit' using it at times for several weeks when I did not need an anti-histamine, being a year-round allergy sufferer. I can make you drowsy within the first 1-2 hours after taking it, so I tend to take it at night when I need to take it during allergy flare ups.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional so the information should not be taken as such. I do work for manufacturer of a 'generic' or 'store brand' versions of Zyrtec, sold under the active of Cetirizine HCl, and have no affiliation with Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiaries, the current manufacturer/marketing company of Zyrtec.

Jane of Wheeler, OR May 21, 2009

Zyrtec causes physical addiction. After taking it for nearly 8 months, I am still trying to stop taking it 8 months later. I have slowly reduced the dosage from 10 mg to 1.25 mg, but still cannot go longer than 36 hours without severe itching symptoms, hives, and red irritated skin all over my body. This medication is approved for OTC and even for children. It's dangerous and needs to be investigated. Warnings should be on the label regarding withdrawal symptoms.

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