Cetirizine for Allergic Rhinitis User Reviews (Page 2)

• Saljo...
• July 30, 2014

Zyrtec (cetirizine) "I was suffering really bad with my sinuses over the weekend and could find any relief. The doctor told me in the past to take Claritin, but it has never helped. I was at work this morning and my co worker told me about Zyrtec. Actually she had one for me to try and within 30 minutes, I could feel the pressure letting up in my sinus areas and what a surprise, I could breathe so much better, no sneezing, dripping, coughing, horrible pressure in my sinuses. I was astonished that this little pill could work so effectively. I have to say that I feel like a totally different person today, thanks to Zyrtec. If you haven't ever tried it, be sure to, it is the best of the best. I love you ZYRTEC!"

• DArm
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 28, 2020

Zyrtec (cetirizine) "Allergy triggers have been ruthless this year so I had to bring the ol' Zyrtec out of the cabinet. Everything was great at first but then I started experiencing nausea that grew worse as the weeks went on. In between weeks three and four, I decided that it was becoming unbearable and also remembered this as being why I stopped taking Zyrtec when I got this bottle last year. My last dose was three days ago. I, like most here, developed the burning/itching withdrawal symptom about 48 hours after my last dose but has not been as severe as some describe nor was it the last time I stopped. My guess is that most reporting intense experiences have taken Zyrtec long term while I was only a month in this time and roughly two months the last time I took it. I can imagine how bad it could get if it's as noticeable as it is for me after only a month though. My advice would be to not use this stuff regularly if possible or at all if you can avoid it altogether."

• DarioT
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 21, 2016

Zyrtec (cetirizine) "Zyrtec knocks me out. Period. I took a pill at noon and by 2:00 pm I lay down virtually passed out. I slept for two hours straight. In the middle of the day. When I awoke I could barely function. Brain fog, lethargy, no energy. To tell the truth, I was so spaced out for so long that I couldn't tell if helped my sinus condition or not. I wouldn't dream of taking it if I had to drive. It would make a great sleeping pill."

• little...
• March 11, 2009

Zyrtec (cetirizine) "As another poster reported, many people who try to quit taking Zyrtec end up with uncontrollable itching all over. I am one of those people. It stopped helping my allergies but every time I stop taking it I itch all over. I never itched before taking it, I only had sinus issues. "

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2021

Zyrtec (cetirizine) "I can't stop itching. I've tried cutting pills in half to 5mg. I went down to 2.5mg after that, and THEN trying to stop taking Zyrtec. Guess what? I still can't stop itching. It's been several days and no matter what I do it doesn't go away and it's all over my body. Please don't take this medicine, you may get rebound itchiness when you stop it"

• Amityjv
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 6, 2014

Zyrtec (cetirizine) "Zyrtec works well in combating allergies as well as allergic rhinitis. The best I've found.I take at night about an hour before bedtime and sleep like a baby all night. Love it. First time in years I can say I feel great and not congested from allergies."

• Michy
• April 6, 2018

Zyrtec (cetirizine) "I took Zyrtec on Wednesday at bedtime and I'm still drowsy now on Friday 8pm. I woke Thursday morning to severe drowsiness. I had breakfast lots of water some glucose to combat this feeling of everything spinning around me and wanting to faint. I vomited twice so far. Trying diuretics and lots of water to get it out of my system but I'm still drowsy and any sudden movements leave me holding onto walls and furniture. I took 5mg. I have taken it before with no side effects. I'm never taking Zyrtec again.... Stayed out of work and going to my GP If I feel the same tomorrow Most unusual tho...."

• Jano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 8, 2021

Zyrtec (cetirizine) "Severe itching when trying to stop taking the medicine Zyrtec. Hives that covered my whole body, kept me from sleeping and caused me to feel like I had arthritis in my joints. Only mild relief from allergies. Not worth the pain."

• Mallo...
• June 27, 2017

Zyrtec (cetirizine) "My eyes had been bothering me so much, they are constantly red and irritated, gritty feeling no matter what I do from the moment I wake up until I go to bed. I decided to try Zyrtec because my eyes were so bothersome, and antihistamine eyedrops didn't work. I've been taking it for 2 weeks, and I have never seen my eyes so white and feeling so good. I don't have to use eyedrops at all now. However there is one downside: Zyrtec makes me feel exhausted. It's not like when you take Benedryl and you feel like you could fall asleep standing up, it's more of a foggy feeling and you just feel like you could go for a nap, but the feeling never goes away even if you do nap."

• JLano
• May 6, 2020

Zyrtec (cetirizine) "I have had seasonal allergies starting about 15 years ago until now. I have also had sinusitis since I was a teenager. Both the generic and brand name Cetirizine works the same for me, but the generic is SIGNIFICANTLY CHEAPER! As soon as I start getting itchy or watery eyes, sneezing from an unknown source, etc.. I will take a pill, and 95% of the time I will start getting relief within 30 to 45 minutes. As far as my sinusitis goes, I will have to take Zyrtec-D or my headaches from the sinus pressure will not subside or go away. I have no itching or heart palpitations on regular cetirizine but did notice occasional palpitations or increased heart rate with Zyrtec-D. This is somewhat expected since Zyrtec-D has Pseudoephedrine in it(the stuff used to make Methamphetamine). I would suggest that if anyone is having heart palpitation issues when using Zyrtec, make sure you're not taking Zyrtec-D as they are not the same thing."

• JoanneS
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 17, 2019

Zyrtec (cetirizine) "We just moved to Texas and this March I started experiencing my first spring/pollen season. Pollen counts were super high and I was miserable. Go outside for five minutes with the dogs, come inside and sneeze and blow my nose for an hour. My nose was red and sore from all the blowing. I don't like taking pills if I don't have to, but I needed something. Tried Allegra, but it just barely took the edge off. Claritin did absolutely nothing. As a last resort, decided to try Zyrtec. It was the only thing I hadn't tried. I gave it 3 out of 10, because it did make my symptoms stop. No more sneezing, no more itchy nasal passages. But the fatigue is overwhelming. I feel like a walking zombie. I am so tired. Slept for a solid 7 hours last night. Was awake for 2 before I started falling asleep sitting up. Took a 2 hour nap and I'm still tired. I can't function like this, so I won't be taking it again. At least Benedryl wears off by the time I wake up in the morning."

• lgs
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 21, 2012

Zyrtec (cetirizine) "I just took Zyrtec for the first time yesterday. It did make me drowsy but I also didn't get much sleep the night before. I took it because my eye was so itchy and watery it had become swollen and I was having trouble breathing. I have had allergies for over 15 years but never took anything before this. Well I don't know if this is an unlisted side effect but I woke up in my sleep cracking up and could not stop laughing for a few minutes even after my husband woke me. I wonder if anyone else had intense dreams while on this medication. I don't take anything else that would cause this."

• Anonymous
• June 4, 2020

Zyrtec (cetirizine) "I was prescribed Zyrtec by my doctor when I was very young, for my seasonal allergies. A few years later I started taking it every day and this kept going on for 4 years (daily usage). I will not deny the fact that Zyrtec is the most effective allergy pill I have EVER taken, and that even though it doesn’t completely relieve me from ALL my allergy symptoms it is fast and effective. However, nothing is perfect. I decided to stop it because I’ve become too dependent on it. I’m sure it’s going to be a tough journey but I’m willing to do this for the sake of my body. It makes you drowsy, affects your sleep (I have always been a light sleeper, but Zyrtec made it impossible for me to feel like I slept well), causes depression and worsens my anxiety. I also read that it causes weight gain. I was 60 KG before and was noticeably slimmer. I gained 10 KG’s in the span of 4 years. Itching is better than being physically dependent on something as strong as Zyrtec."

• Basha
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 13, 2018

Aller-Tec (cetirizine) "I suffer from an extreme number of allergies that caused me to get 6 or more sinus infections annually. I have tried Claritin & other nasal sprays without seeing much change. When I found Aller-Tec (Costco generic for Zyrtec) it changed my life. I could not afford the brand name Zyrtec but aller-tec is only around $15 for a year supply. I take daily (I believe this is important since it builds up in your system to help you fight the allergies you encounter) In 10 years I have never had more than 2 sinus infections annually. I have also shared with so many people in my life. It has changed their lives as it has mine in a positive way so they can function more normally. I can’t speak for others. But for me and my friends and associates that take this daily has improved the quality of our lives. All I’m saying is don’t be discouraged by the other reviews. Be patient with it and try for at least 2 weeks daily before making your own opinion for what it is capable to do for you."

• Anonymous
• March 15, 2012

Zyrtec (cetirizine) "Zyrtec worked well for my nasal allergies, but when I tried to stop taking it after several years, I got the skin itch/rash that many have reported. It was worst for the first few days, but now even a year later I still frequently get a skin rash when I get warm (cholinergic urticaria). I can't say for sure that the cholinergic urticaria was a side effect of stopping Zyrtec, but skin rashes were never a symptom of mine until I stopped."

• FPR
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 24, 2022

Zyrtec (cetirizine) "Been taking Zyrtec for 4-5 years. I started because I was having allergies and I just continued taking it because I felt it helped or maybe in my head it did. For years I’ve had anxiety, depression, weight gain and high BP. I have come off all other meds and still have these issues. My therapist found out I was taking it and said you need to come off that right away it’s not good for your anxiety or adrenals. So I tried to stop taking it and right away I started itching like crazy. I googled it and sure enough a lot of people have this issue (zyrtec withdrawal) . People actually have gone to rehab to come off this and detox. So I decided I wean off slowly to hopefully help the itching. I went from a whole pill to half to 1/4. Each time I lowered the itching started. Wheezing. Neck ache headache for days anxiety BP went up. The itching is less but this is horrible. Today was my first day w/o any. I’m hoping this is over soon. I refuse to take it again"

• Lizfr...
• December 1, 2018

Zyrtec (cetirizine) "Three years ago I started taking Zyrtec for nasal allergies that included sneezing and stuffy nose. I was previously on Claratin, but it wasn't giving me all day relief, so the doc switched me to Zyrtec. The full dose made me very tired, so I started taking a half dose at bedtime. I have had sleep issues and taking this medication solved that and relieved my allergy symptoms. A winner, right? The problem is, I became dependent on this med to get that sleepy feeling. I ignored that I was waking up very groggy and not functioning without a strong cup of coffee. I also developed severe mood swings. I convinced a doc to give me allergy skin testing. I stopped the Zyrtec for 5 days prior. The first day I could hardly get out of bed, but by day three I noticed a huge difference in my mental clarity. I told the doc, no more Zyrtec for me. Turns out I am allergic to cats and dogs, not trees. I am going to practice avoidance and stay off this drug!"

• Sarah
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 6, 2020

Zyrtec (cetirizine) "After taking Zyrtec with a cough medicine I became so light headed I thought it was the end of me. My neck got stiff and pain my head was hurting on top and light head unable to drive , I was sure I’m having a stroke. I stop taking it for 2 days and all those symptoms are gone."

• Bunnyc
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2019

Zyrtec (cetirizine) "It is an awesome med for allergies. But it made me depressed. Even with taking the children’s liquid and using a small amount it still did. I worry about people taking this and not realizing it can make them depressed. In prescriptions it has to tell you to watch out for changes in mood and sadness but not for over the counter. As for drowsiness, taking the children’s liquid helped with that."

• Backt...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 3, 2022

"Allergic rhinitis is why I was prescribed this drug. It did help the post nasal drip, chest congestion, itchy nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. This was probably 10 or more years ago and still prescribed this drug. Since then I have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, hypertension, that is not under control. Doctors have upped blood pressure meds , still no relief. Lifestyle changes , have been made, had to quit previous job due to stress related workplace. The diet has never been a problem. When I forget to take this drug , the horrible itching, burning, bumpy, oozing red rash takes off all over my back. I looked this drug up and low and behold cetirizine should not be taken with high blood pressure meds. This combo can cause high blood pressure and high heart rate. The blood pressure will not go down while taking this drug. WOW, doctors never utter one word about the cetirizine could be a problem. Imagine this. Do not take this drug, turn around and don't look back."

• Tika
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 22, 2020

Zyrtec (cetirizine) "Zyrtec did stop my sneezing, and only took 2 days for total relief. After two weeks on a whole pill each day, I gradually started getting vertigo and mild visual hallucinations. (patterns danced) About a year later, I tried again, this time on a half pill each day. a month later, the vertigo started. I have stopped taking it, and I'm having symptoms like a mild migraine, but the vertigo is fading."

• Yube
• February 6, 2009

Zyrtec (cetirizine) "This medicine works but you start having different side effects. When I was taking Zyrtec I started having pain in my back and then stabbing pain in the spine, and also an irritating pain of the knees and non-stop twitching of the eyes. I just recently discontinued my prescription of Zyrtec due to the above side effects. Now I have no pain but have started itching all over my body. I prefer the itching than the pain. "

• Jenn...
• July 18, 2015

Zyrtec (cetirizine) "I have been taking Zyrtec for almost 6 years. I was first prescribed Zyrtec to combat my allergies during pregnancy. It worked well except to make me a little drowsy. I only take it seasonally, and it still works well for my symptoms, but the fatigue and drowsiness has gotten worse over time. When I started taking it again for my Spring/Summer allergies this year, the first week was horrible. Even taking it at night I felt so fatigued the next day my muscles ached, and I had to fight to stay awake during the day with my 2 little ones at home. I would fall asleep as soon as my husband got home and sleep 14-15 hours. After about a week my body seemed to adjust and the drowsiness isn't as bad anymore."

• Anonymous
• October 22, 2011

Zyrtec (cetirizine) "I have been taking Zyrtec for about 2 years for hayfever. I have noticed that it doesn't seem to be working as well for my symptoms as it did at first. I stopped taking it 3 days ago and now I am experiencing severe itching on my hands and feet."

• SMari...
• June 15, 2016

Zyrtec (cetirizine) "I have firstly severe seasonal allergies, and I purchased Zyrtec in hopes that it would be superior to Allegra. The allergy symptoms improved slightly, but the fatigue was terrible. It was so bad that I thought I was coming down with the flu. I slept for five hours straight in the middle of the day after my second dose. This is not acceptable."