Does taking Zyrtec at night affect sleep? (2024)

Does taking Zyrtec at night affect sleep?

“Many allergy sufferers know that antihistamines work for their symptoms but also make them sleepy. People sometimes turn to these medications to help them sleep, even when they're not sick. But the use of medication to force children or adults to sleep is generally not the best idea,” said Dr.

Is it bad to take Zyrtec before bed?

Official answer. Cetirizine can be taken at any time of the day. In most people it is non-sedating, so they take it in the morning. However, a percentage of people do find it to be sedating so if it does make you drowsy it is best to take it in the evening.

Does Zyrtec affect your sleep?

Zyrtec may cause insomnia because the medicine can block acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter, says Dr. Parikh.

Does Zyrtec make you sleep like Benadryl?

Benadryl is also used to treat insomnia, motion sickness, and mild cases of Parkinsonism. A main difference between Benadryl and Zyrtec is that Zyrtec tends to cause less drowsiness and sedation than Benadryl. Both Benadryl and Zyrtec are available in generic form and over-the-counter (OTC).

Will Zyrtec stop making me sleepy?

Newer, second-generation antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec®), fexofenadine (Allegra®) and loratadine (Claritin®) – marketed as “nonsedating” – usually cause less drowsiness. An added benefit is that second-generation antihistamines last longer than Benadryl.

What is the best allergy medicine to take at night?

Consider taking an antihistamine like diphenhydramine (brand name Benadryl) at night. It causes drowsiness in many people. Get regular exercise for sounder sleep, but don't exercise at night as it may keep you keyed up.

Which antihistamine is best for sleep?

About diphenhydramine

It's known as a drowsy (sedating) antihistamine and is more likely to make you feel sleepy than other antihistamines. It's used for: short-term sleep problems (insomnia), including when a cough, cold or itching is keeping you awake at night. cough and cold symptoms.

What is the safest antihistamine to take long term?

Newer antihistamines like Allegra and Claritin are generally safe for daily use. But allergy medications with decongestants, such as Claritin-D or Benadryl-D, could make your allergies worse with long-term use.

Can antihistamines cause insomnia?

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that can help with allergies and sleep. It is unlikely to cause insomnia as it is a short-term treatment for this condition. However, it is possible for it to negatively impact sleep. Insomnia may occur if diphenhydramine is not helping enough with an underlying sleep disorder.

Can I take a sleep aid with Zyrtec?

diphenhydrAMINE cetirizine

Using cetirizine together with diphenhydrAMINE may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination.

What is a safe sleep aid to take every night?

Use melatonin sleep supplements wisely and safely.

Take 1 to 3 milligrams two hours before bedtime. To ease jet lag, try taking melatonin two hours before your bedtime at your destination, starting a few days before your trip.

Does Zyrtec make you gain weight?

The relationship between weight gain and antihistamine use isn't fully clear. Some causes could be increased appetite and drowsiness leading to less physical activity. A short course of antihistamines probably won't cause issues with weight changes. But you might see weight gain with regular use.

Can Zyrtec be stopped abruptly?

Dr Grant confirms that many people can suffer withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking antihistamines suddenly. Dr Grant recommends the patient resume taking the antihistamines and then slowly reduce the dose to wean off slowly.

What are the common side effects of Zyrtec?

Is Claritin or Zyrtec better for sleep?

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. Claritin is less likely to cause sleepiness than Zyrtec when you take either at recommended doses.

Should I take Zyrtec or Claritin at night?

To sum it up, all first-generation H1 antihistamines should be taken close to bedtime or when you're able to sleep. Second-generation H1 antihistamines and H2 blockers can typically be taken at any time of the day. One exception to this is cetirizine, which can cause drowsiness for up to 14% of those who take it.

Is it OK to take antihistamine before bed?

Antihistamines may be helpful to ease sleeplessness once in a while. But don't rely on them to treat chronic insomnia. If you have sleep problems that last, talk to your health care professional. Together, you can explore better ways for you to get a good night's rest.

Why do I always wake up at 3am?

Environmental factors: Your sleep setting matters—a lot. A room that's too hot, cold, loud, or bright can easily disturb your sleep. Even an uncomfortable mattress or pillow can cause those 3am wake-ups. Sleep disorders: Conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea could be to blame.

Which antihistamines don t affect sleep?

Does cetirizine cause insomnia?

Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine that crosses the blood–brain barrier, has been previously associated with insomnia and nocturnal awakenings, and can cause tolerance with long-term use. Cetirizine has very rarely been associated with either the onset or exacerbation of sleep terrors.

Is it harmful to take Zyrtec everyday?

Cetirizine is unlikely to do you any harm if you take it for a long time. 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.

What are the long term effects of taking Zyrtec?

Prolonged use of some antihistamines can also lead to other rare side effects such as dry mouth, drowsiness, and blurred vision. Overall, antihistamines are generally safe and effective for managing allergic conditions but prolonged use can have some risks.

What happens if you take an antihistamine every night?

People sometimes use antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine and doxylamine succinate, to combat insomnia. These over-the-counter medications are OK for occasional use in most people. However, they may increase the risk for dementia and Alzheimer's disease if taken long term.

What allergy meds cause insomnia?

Over-the-Counter Drugs

Cold and allergy meds. Non-drowsy antihistamines, like fexofenadine and loratadine, the decongestant pseudoephedrine, and the cough suppressant dextromethorphan can cause anxiety or jitteriness, which can lead to insomnia.

What drug can keep you awake at night?