What happens if you take Zyrtec every night? (2024)

What happens if you take Zyrtec every night?

Second- and third-generation antihistamines are safe to take every day or as needed for long-term allergy management, provided you do not exceed the recommended daily dosage. Sometimes, people experience less and less relief from their antihistamines over time.

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.

Can you take Zyrtec everyday for life?

It's generally safe to take the newer generation of antihistamines daily if you have year-round allergy symptoms. But make sure to avoid anything that has a "D" in its brand name, which stands for decongestants. Long-term use of decongestants will worsen your allergy symptoms.

What is the safest antihistamine to take long term?

Allergists recommend long-acting, non-sedating antihistamines — ones that won't make you sleepy — for everyday use. Though you may know them by their brand names, the generic versions tackle the same problems: Cetirizine (Zyrtec®, Aller-Tec®, Wall-Zyr®). Fexofenadine (Allegra®, Aller-ease®, Aller-Fex®, Wal-Fex®).

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.

How many days is it safe to take Zyrtec?

Is it okay to take ZYRTEC^® over a long period of time? The ZYRTEC^® package label doesn't state a limit on how long you can take ZYRTEC^®. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions, especially if you're taking other medicines or being treated for any other conditions.

Is it OK to take Zyrtec for years?

If you're someone for whom the benefits of regular antihistamine use far outweighs the occasional minor side effect, longterm use is safe for most adults and children, he adds. All that said: over-the-counter medication is still medication, and should be treated accordingly.

Is Zyrtec hard on your body?

Drowsiness, tiredness, and dry mouth may occur. Stomach pain may also occur, especially in children. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Can Zyrtec have negative effects?

Common Zyrtec side effects may include:

feeling hot, sweating; numbness, tingling, burning pain; altered sense of taste; upset stomach, constipation; or.

Is it OK to take Zyrtec every night for allergies?

Depending on your symptoms, you can take antihistamines: Every day, to help keep daily symptoms under control.

Why can't older people take Zyrtec?

Allergy Medications

First generation antihistamines, while very effective at controlling symptoms, are often associated with symptoms in older adults such as anxiety, confusion, sedation, blurred vision, reduced mental alertness, urinary retention and constipation.

Is there a downside to take antihistamines every day?

Long term use of some antihistamines may increase your risk of dementia. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is vital for memory and learning.

Which is better Claritin or Zyrtec?

“Claritin is a 24-hour antihistamine that works in the same way as Zyrtec, however, research has found that Claritin may be less potent than Zyrtec and therefore less effective,” explains Dr. Parikh. Although potential side effects may also be minimized as a result, she adds.

Is it better to take Zyrtec at night or in the morning?

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. Cetirizine can be taken with or without food.

How do you wean yourself off of Zyrtec?

In general, wean gradually by 25-50% of the daily dose every 1-4 weeks. If reason for deprescribing is serious adverse effects, wean faster or cease immediately.

Does Zyrtec affect your liver?

Cetirizine and its enantiomer levocetirizine are second generation antihistamines that are used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, angioedema and chronic urticaria. Cetirizine and levocetirizine have been linked to rare, isolated instances of clinically apparent acute liver injury.

What is the most troublesome side effect of traditional antihistamines?

Most of the older over-the-counter antihistamines produce drowsiness, and are therefore not recommended for anyone who may be driving a car or operating equipment that could be dangerous.

Can you take antihistamines every day for years?

If you're allergic to something that's often around, you may need longer treatment. Some people take antihistamines every day, but usually under medical guidance. If you find you're needing to take antihistamines long term, talk to your GP about this.

What is the number one side effect of Zyrtec?

Drowsiness. If you've ever slept 14 hours after popping a Benadryl, you're well aware that some allergy meds can seriously knock you out. That's not as common with Zyrtec, but 11 to 14 percent of people do report feeling sleepy after taking it, making it the most common side effect reported, says Boomershine.

Do you have to wean off Zyrtec?

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.

How long does withdrawal from Zyrtec last?

Most commonly abused antihistamines include Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Allegra. The antihistamine withdrawal timeline depends on the specific drug. The withdrawal signs usually begin between 48 and 96 hours after the last dose. They usually peak between days 3 and 5 and can last between 1 and 7 days.

What organ does Zyrtec affect?

Is Zyrtec hard on kidneys or liver?

Is Zyrtec safe for someone with kidney disease? Cetirizine (Zyrtec) is primarily eliminated through the kidney; however, it is also partially metabolized in the liver. Patients with renal dysfunction may be more susceptible to cetirizine side effects due to poor medication clearance.

Can Zyrtec cause anger issues?

Rare cetirizine side effects (affect between 1 in 1000 and 1 in 10,000 people) Aggression. Confusion. Depression.

Why was Zyrtec recalled?

Sandoz issued a voluntary recall of 1,023,430 units of Zyrtec (10 mg) capsules as a result of failed impurities and a specification being reported for impurity at the 21 month stability time point, according to an FDA Enforcement Report.