Itching Withdrawal From Cetirizine Or Zyrtec (Page 25) (Top voted first)

Updated

I want to know how many are suffering from withdrawal from this drug that causes itching all over the body. At the people's pharmacy there is an article about this very problem, yet Zyrtec doesn't list the information on their web site. This is my third attempt to get off of this med and I'm going crazy from the itching.

717 Replies (36 Pages)

Page:First PagePrevious Page25Next PageLast Page
Earliest Newest Votes
299

Withdrawing from Zyrtec now. Went for about 6-8 weeks cutting pill in half and skipping days here and there. After 2 days of nothing, I am fairly itchy but doesn't seem to be quite as bad as cold turkey.

Was this helpful? 0
303

I am having same issue I have been taking Benadryl to ease the itch but it makes me tired. After finding out that this withdrawal from Zyrtec I am determined not to take it again

Was this helpful? 0
304

a prednisone regimen (a weeks worth for something else) did it for me. Zyrtec withdrawal was nasty for me as well before that.

Was this helpful? 0
305

A prednisone regimen did it for me...took it for something else and I was off after a week.

Was this helpful? 0
306

As many of you have said, very relieved to have found this chat....b/c I thought I must have body lice or something. Ugh!! Yes, I have been on Zyrtec for 5 years for seasonal sinus-related allergies. It has helped me tremendously as far as cutting down on sinus infections. However, 5 days ago, I ran out of my Zyrtec while on vacation in the mountains and decided to just tough it our for a few days without it until the end of my trip. The crazy itching started on day 3, from my scalp to the bottoms of my feet, affecting different areas at different times. I had my husband check my hair and body for lice, looked in psoriasis, etc. etc, until I realized I made the connection that it might be related to my being off the Zyrtec for several days. I looked online and say these and now feel so relieved to know why. I am a little worried though, as many of you are, that staying on this drug may not be good for me long term if it causes this much of a reaction going off. For now, I will go back on until I can even this itching out a bit and probably then eventually wean off in a few weeks as many of you suggested. Thanks!

Was this helpful? 0
307

I'm impressed you made the connection to Zyrtec so quickly, it took me 7 years to do that, and lots of unexplained itching which all the doctors called excema and gave me steroids for, which didn't help. I hope you'll write again when you try easing off gradually. I have not been successful doing that and hope to get some advice. Good luck. Joey

Was this helpful? 0
308

I have had some intermittent itching starting withdrawal from Zyrtec but the confusion, mood swings, dizziness and irritability is terrible. Have not seen this mentioned much.

Was this helpful? 0
310

I am doing really well being off Zyrtec for which I am supremely grateful I have had several acupuncture sessions which I think have helped. If anyone is able to try this I would highly recommend it..Itching has largely subsided and the crazy feeling in head is gone!

Was this helpful? 0
313

Thanks for sharing. I am still taking half a pill every other day, but can't go off it completely.

Was this helpful? 0
314

To Nancy: just wait, my guess it will start up again any day now and gradually get worse, which is my experience each time I try to stop. I went a week being ok once and thought it was over, but it started up again (palms, feet, scalp, then all over) and ignoring it only meant going back gradually to the severe itching, not fading away. My doctor refuses to give me prednisone for this for whatever reason he has, so I haven't tried that, but it feels as if I've tried everything else and can't quit without going through months of absolute torment.

Was this helpful? 0
315

I had the same problem and was in a hotel as on travel for med tests. Slept on a laundry bag filled with ice cubes the first night...got cortisone cream the next day and managed to get through it in about a week. I had been on it two years but went off 2x for tests. I switched to Allegra and haven't tried going off that.

Was this helpful? 0
316

for joey..well yes you are right...forth day and itching has started but i am determined to keep off it..i am in uk and no help here so i have contacted the uk suppliers and am awaiting a reply...will keep you up to date.

Was this helpful? 0
317

Unbelievable! Is there anyone out there who has completely and successfully kicked this withdrawal and returned to a normal Zyrtec? I need hope.

Was this helpful? 0
318

A normal life, not Zyrtec ... Sorry

Was this helpful? 0
322

I have just stopped (trying to stop) taking this medication, after my doctor suggested taking it to help me sleep after 1 year ago after a bereavement!!!! Clearly I became addicted to the need to switch off.. But more than that, now I've cut it off, on day 3, I am itching everywhere!!!! I feel like I have head lice and I feel like I have the nasty buggers down below!! I am also getting random hives popping up! No one warns you of these side effects, addiction and withdrawal?!?! I will not let this beat me though. I am so glad I have read this initial post and realise what this is.

Was this helpful? 0
323

Wow I randomly decided to search "rebound effect Zyrtec" and am pleased to see this is semi common. Sadly, along with my intense itchiness also comes runny nose and sneezing. It's horrible! If does take about two weeks for it to subside. I was tired of the dependence and stopped touching it last month. I noticed my skin felt okay again after 2 weeks as well as my nose. I'm not even a constant zyrtec user (well I actually take the generic kind). I typically take 5mg every few days and still experience this rebound. I'm back into the cycle because my allergies were terrible recently and it's so annoying to be sneezing all day at work. Today I woke up with full blown rebound- feels like I have a cold! But I know taking 5mgs will make it disappear as usual. I don't know what to do!

Was this helpful? 0
324

It does take***

Was this helpful? 0
327

My dermatologist said basically the same thing.

Was this helpful? 0
328

I started taking Cetrizine (the generic format of Zyrtec) around 8 months ago. I had severe itching (specially after a shower) for around two years. At times it was so bad, that I would draw blood, if my nails were long. I visited a doctor, and he recommended Cetirizine (5mg / day)and some oat meal based ointment. I stopped the ointment and continued to use the Cetirizine. When ever I would stop, within 24H (of taking the last tablet), I would get minor itching, so I would take the tablet again. Now, few days ago, I missed a dose for around 38H. I was taking a shower, and got SUCH severe itching that in the middle of the shower I ran out (wet) and pumped 2 tables in my mouth. I was literally screaming and groaning because of the itch. Specially around my feet and ankles. I realized something is majorly wrong. Now I am so scared to get off this drug, but I realize that it is wrong for my body. I may forget my phone, keys, wallet, but I never forget to take Cetirizine. This is so sad.

Was this helpful? 0
329

I have been taking Zyrtec for about three months,
I wish to quit it asap, although it is hard to tolerate the itch, my Dr gave me Prednisone to have a relive from allergy at the moment,
Please let me know if anyone has ever been successful in stopping taking Zyrtec?!
I really need positive energy to go on.
how long will the withdrawal symptoms last?
Thanks,

Was this helpful? 0
Page:First PagePrevious Page25Next PageLast Page

More Discussions:

Delayed withdrawal symptoms from cetirizine hydrochloride

I had taken generic Zyrtec for years and decided to stop many months ago. I had no withdrawal symptoms when I stopped un...

2 REPLIES
Itching from gabapentin withdrawal

Only side effect I'm having is crazy itching from head to toe. On gabapentin 300mg 2xs a day for 4 months due to ner...

9 REPLIES
Methadone withdrawal symptoms when switching from Methadone to Opana ER

I am a 55 year old man, and I have been going to a Pain Management facility for lower back pain and now even chronic Ost...

44 REPLIES
Zyrtec-D or cetirizine-pseudoephedrine

Cheapest source for loose tablets, not in blister packs ## I'm sorry, but this site does not manufacture, nor sell a...

1 REPLY
Is Zyrtec Cetirizine Hydrochloride

I have got hey fever and started these tablets today. how long will it take for them to work. ## I hope you look up Zyrt...

2 REPLIES
Gabapentin withdrawal crazy itching?

I am trying to wean off of gabapentin, but the worst part is the itching, and the crazy restlessness at night. I’m...

5 REPLIES
switching an 87 yr old nursing home patient to tylenol 3 after 6 years of hydracodone use should i be concerned about withdrawal symptoms

Because Hydracodone has just changed to a Schedule II med, by father's doc is switching all patients to Tyl 3. My co...

4 REPLIES
Withdrawals from soma, morphine, xanax, oxycodone - help please

I have been in pain management for years, lost my doctor along with other patients, and primary won't fill or says s...

299 REPLIES
Withdrawal from Gabapentin or Zoloft?

I started taking Gabapentin 300mg x 3 daily on May 13,015 for severe shingles pain in my ear, mouth and face. June 16,20...

10 REPLIES
worst drug to withdrawal from

I'm very nervous, i am currently taking 8mg of hydromorphone and 30 mg of oxycontin a day and might have to have a s...

2 REPLIES