Can You Take Melatonin with Zyrtec?

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of cetirizine such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with cetirizine. Do not use more than the recommended dose of cetirizine, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Both smoking and excessive caffeine consumption can alter the blood levels of melatonin, which may affect the dosing. Tobacco smoking reduces, while caffeine increases melatonin blood levels. If you start smoking or undergo smoking cessation, your doctor may need to adjust the dose of melatonin. In addition, alcohol may reduce the effect of melatonin on sleep. It is best to avoid alcohol consumption during melatonin therapy. Talk to a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

A variety of abnormal thinking and behavior changes have been reported to occur in association with the use of most anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics. Some of these changes include decreased inhibition, aggressiveness, agitation, and hallucinations. These drugs can cause or exacerbate mental depression and cause suicidal behavior and ideation. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of depression or other psychiatric disorders. Patients should be monitored for any changes in mood or behavior. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients.

Alcohol should be avoided when using cetirizine, and some other antihistamines. Cetirizine may produce drowsiness that may be increase by the use of alcohol, sedatives and tranquilizers.

Some hypnotic drugs can have an anticholinergic effect and should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, and trouble urinating due to retention or enlarged prostate.

Cetirizine is eliminated primarily by the kidney but also undergoes metabolism in the liver to some extent. Patients with renal and/or liver disease may be at greater risk for adverse effects from cetirizine due to decreased drug clearance. The manufacturer recommends an initial dosage of 5 mg once daily in patients 6 years of age and older with decreased renal function (CrCl <= 30 mL/min, including those on hemodialysis) and/or impaired hepatic function. Cetirizine should preferably not be used in children less than 6 years of age with renal and/or hepatic impairment because of the difficulty in reliably administering doses smaller than 2.5 mg (1/2 teaspoonful) and a lack of pharmacokinetic and safety data in this population.

In general, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics are extensively metabolized by the liver. Their plasma clearance may be decreased and their half-life prolonged in patients with impaired hepatic function. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with liver disease (some are not recommended in severe liver impairment), and the dosage should be adjusted accordingly. Laboratory testing is recommended prior and during treatment.

Cetirizine is eliminated primarily by the kidney but also undergoes metabolism in the liver to some extent. Patients with renal and/or liver disease may be at greater risk for adverse effects from cetirizine due to decreased drug clearance. The manufacturer recommends an initial dosage of 5 mg once daily in patients 6 years of age and older with decreased renal function (CrCl <= 30 mL/min, including those on hemodialysis) and/or impaired hepatic function. Cetirizine should preferably not be used in children less than 6 years of age with renal and/or hepatic impairment because of the difficulty in reliably administering doses smaller than 2.5 mg (1/2 teaspoonful) and a lack of pharmacokinetic and safety data in this population.

Some hypnotic drugs can have an anticholinergic effect and should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, and trouble urinating due to retention or enlarged prostate.