Itching Withdrawal From Cetirizine Or Zyrtec (Page 3) (Top voted first)

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.

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Hi Vicki & others,
I took Zyrtec for 4 years, 1 pill every 24 hrs, every day. I started taking it because I had developed dermagraphia, and a doctor recommended I try Zyrtec. It brought immediate relief and I thought I would probably have to take it for the rest of my life. (I'm only in my 20's!). But I really don't want to be stuck taking a drug long-term, with the side-effects and stuff. I decided to launch on a search for herbal and lifestyle changes that would help my dermagraphia. . . and I stopped taking Zyrtec last October (nearly 5 months now). For 4 months preceding, I had been taking only 1/2 dose every 24 hrs, which still seemed to alleviate my symptoms just the same. Once I quit, the withdrawal was awful!!!! There's no way to describe the intense itching and burning that I went through!!! The most effective way I found to cope was wearing loose, soft clothing and not moving at all. Any touch or movement to my skin triggered the itchies. Cold really bothered me. Heat helped. I slept with a heating pad, and put the pad on any ichy spot. If I didn't have the heating pad handy, I would run hot water onto a washcloth and hold that against an ichy spot. I also learned to count to 30 instead of iching--If I could hold back from scratching, the itch would dissipate. Scratching really never satisfied, and when I started scratching, it would spread and I would go into an all over scratching frenzy!

Now it is better, almost 5 months since I quit. I think my symptoms of dermagraphia are pretty much what they were prior to taking the drug. I still itch some, but it doesn't burn like it did. The itch is not so "ravenous" anymore. I still haven't found a cure for my dermagraphia. (Tried Gluten-free, various herbs, vegan diet, etc.) But I will keep trying other things. I will never, never, never go back to Zyrtec.

Take courage guys! This itchy-burning withdrawal won't last forever.

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thank God for the internet and thank God for this forum.
around 6 months ago i was given cetirizine by my doctor for a questionable allergic cough. my doctor told me to take it for 90 days "then we will see from there". my cough disappeared after a week but then i took the drug for a month "just to make sure". then i decided to stop the drug on my own because i truly suspect what i had is just a cold cough. then i saw my doctor for a follow-up appointment but i didn't tell him i just stopped taking it. guess what, he told me to take it the rest of my life since "it's working". well who wants to argue with his doctor? so i just said "ok doc". now i'm glad i decided to stop it cause as soon as i stopped it, i developed allergies i've never had before. like allergies to seafoods, allergies to scents, even allergy to onions. i love onions but now i have to make sure there's not a tiny bit of onion in my plate. i'm also having this severe itching in my scalp which i never had before. i've tried all kinds of anti-dandruff shampoo but nothing worked which only confirmed my suspicion that it's not dandruff... it's allergy, and it's from cetirizine withdrawal .that's the only logical explanation, i've never had these allergies before!. i was still confused until i decided to google it and finally confirmed my suspicion knowing that it's not only me who's having the problem and who believe it's from that drug.
the scalp itching now is improving although it's still bothering me a little bit but i'm still phobic to onions, seafoods, and alot of things because the problem with me is whenever i develop allergies, it involves swelling of my throat and i'm scared i would choke. anyway now i know i was right and i know what to do. whenever i get an allergy that's severe and i feel i have to take an antihistamine, i take benadryl (a first generation antihistamine i believe) instead, and just the lowest dose, for only one or two days, and only when i really need it (when i feel choking). now i'm more confident the weaning is gonna work and i'm hoping my body will get back to it's natural state, meaning still with a few allergies but not allergic to almost everything.
i can't believe we have to figure it out ourselves. i just lost my faith in our FDA.

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I stopped taking my antihistamine in August 2014, the first month was awful but I just stuck with it. 4 months of irritation followed and I'm now at the stage where I can say I have stopped with the constant itching now.

That said, if I really start having a scratch at myself I can kind of bring it on.

Stick with the withdrawals - it's worth it :-)

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Per my allergist’s direction I have been on 1 Zyrtec pill daily for the past four years to help with seasonal allergies. I came off them this January 2015 to be retested by a new allergist. Coming off Zyrtec cold turkey for a few days was a nightmare. I had extreme burning/itching in my hands and feet. The pain was so bad I could not sleep through the night. The only thing that helped me was cold treatments in the form of cold running water and ice packs applied to my hands and feet. It was a very stressful and painful several days to say the least. After my allergy testing was completed I went back on the Zyrtec and within 30 minutes of taking the pill all of the negative symptoms disappeared! I asked my allergist and general physician about this problem and the connection to coming off Zyrtec and they both denied that my symptoms were in anyway related to coming off or going back on Zyrtec. They said that Zyrtec is a terrific drug and perfectly safe to take daily for indefinitely long periods of time. Suspicious, I Googled this problem and found lots of info online about other peoples’ similar experience. I remained on Zyrtec for another two weeks so I could catch up on sleep having not slept for days. I then took myself off Zyrtec with a very gradual taper. I purchased liquid Zyrtec so I could reduce my dosage by 1 milligram every two weeks. For the first two months the taper was no problem at all. I experienced no negative symptoms or problems at all. When I finally got my liquid Zyrtec dose down to 3 milligrams I experienced extreme Vertigo and itching/burning in my hands and feet again. It was excruciating.

I could hardly focus to safely drive or walk. Moving my head quickly make everything around me spin and getting out of bed in the morning was very difficult. Additionally, I was having problems sleeping though the night again with all of the itching and burning in my hands and feet. Determined to never take an antihistamine again I continued tapering off of Zyrtec. The Vertigo and burning persisted. Finally after several weeks of these symptoms I was desperate for help so I went to see a Naturopathic doctor for an alternative opinion. Unlike my allergist and general practitioner, my Naturopathic doctor said she had heard of situations like this before. In short, she said that my body had been producing too much histamine over the years and now that I came off the Zyrtec the excess histamine was causing a lot of inflammation in my nervous system and my body. She recommended I take daily vitamin B pills as well as get vitamin B inj. weekly for 6 weeks. Additionally, she suggested I take D-Hist to naturally help manage the histamine in my body. I did not take the D-Hist as I wanted to do one thing at a time to clearly see what what causing what outcome. I did get weekly Vitamin B inj. and take daily vitamin B pills. The Vitamin B inj. and pills have helped me tremendously. My Vertigo is at a lower level and the burning/itching had also decreased to a lower level. Wanting to be off of all medications, I stopped taking the pills and inj. after several weeks and within days the vertigo and burning symptoms came back. It was clear to me that the Vitamin B is really helping calm my nervous system and it is going to take a long time to heal. I share my experience so those who are struggling with this nasty problem can consider a more natural approach to helping their body heal. Keep strong and know that coming off Zyrtec or any antihistamine is the right choice in the long run! Good luck!

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It took me 6 months of hard deep itching and another 6 months of frequent "ghost" itching, so a year until I was free of it. I don't think this is typical. Some say two weeks, 3 months, etc. So it varies.

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How long did it take for the itching to stop?

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I finally gave up. After two months of suffering, and no relief, I went back on 1/2 of a Zyrtec. Already, after taking a half a pill for two days, the itching bumps have started to recede.

I thought, I can't live like this. Nobody should have to go through this torture.
Hair falling out, weight gain and taking herbal antihistamines, half of an Allegra, and using numerous creams resulting in expenses far exceeding the Zyrtec, and without results.

Do I now have a life-long condition due to having taken the Zyrtec?

The makers of Zyrtec should be sued.

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86 days… Today marks 86 days of being Zyrtec free. I took it for 7 years. I initially took it for a blocked ear and then every time I went off it, I started the insane itching and hives. Many doctors and tests later, I was told I had chronic idiopathic urticaria… the doctor’s way of saying “you have hives, we don’t know what is causing it, and chances are it won’t go away”. I was told to continue taking the Zyrtec. After much research back in May, I have come to the conclusion that the Zyrtec confused my body and since the antihistamine is controlling a reaction not a cause, I chose to go off it and try and get my body to remember what it is supposed to do. The first three weeks were horrible. I had to wear long sleeves and pants and gloves to work because anything that slightly brushed me caused a chain reaction of hives and intolerable itching. I have documented this with video and pictures. For those still suffering, I went cold turkey. It is still there 86 days later, HOWEVER… it is much, much, much better. The palms of my hands and soles of my feet no longer itch. My head no longer itches, nor my eyes or gums. My back, arms and legs are the most sensitive and it now just feels like I am wearing wool. The pain and intense itching that accompanied the hives has definitely improved. What has worked for me is heat. I have used the heating pad, hot, hot showers, and the hair dryer on high heat. It is not gone completely yet, but I will say there is hope. Hang in there.

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Stop taking it. Replace with Loratadine to tide you over as it doesn't have these side effects and will keep the cetrezine withdrawal itching in check, reduce dosage gradually until the cetrizine has worked its way out of your system i.e when it stops itching. Takes a few months.. .. Read the rest of the testimonials for extra tips and advice. Good Luck! :-)

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I've been taking cetirizine for at least 10 years. I've tried to quit it countless times, but am always so tormented by the itching that I've never been successful. I even went to a dermatologist a few years ago because I was breaking out in hives. Believe it or not, he prescribed a double dose of Zyrtec! *facepalm* I have absolutely no faith in doctors with this issue. I want to get pregnant in 2017 and even though Zyrtec is approved for use during pregnancy, I can't imagine it's healthy for a fetus. I just read about using a natural antihistamine called quercetin to help lessen the withdrawal symptoms. I just ordered it on Amazon so we'll see if it helps. I've been taking half a pill for about 2 weeks now. I tried skipping it today and about halfway through the day my palms, eyeballs, and ears started the familiar on-fire itching. I took half a pill about 20 minutes ago and am waiting for relief. I'll try to update when I get the quercetin! Good luck everyone. This drug is a menace.

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Please see posting 497. I have been Zyrtec free over three months and loving it. I feel so good! And my overall allergies are essentially gone. In retrospect, I think Zyrtec was making me hyper-sensitive to environmental allergens. I think it is addictive so that you have to continue taking it not only to avoid withdrawal but to manage even minor allergies. In any case stopping it is a process. It will take a few months. You can do it. The key is the SLOW TAPER. Also, I felt that the other meds listed in my post really helped me during the taper. I no longer need them, but I keep a bottle of the LES labs sinus and seasonal pills handy in the rare case I feel my allergies are about to act up. Good stuff and not addictive at all. Good luck.

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Found this article after having to stop taking cetirizine for an upcoming appt with an allergist, for which I need to have no anti-histamines in my body for at least a week.

I began taking cetirizine about three months ago, when my dr prescribed it to address potential allergies that may be causing sinus issues (I never felt like anything was wrong with my sinuses, but I have dark circles and puffiness under my eyes which have not gone away even after taking cetirizine, hence the appt w an allergist for further investigation).

When I first began taking this, I slept amazingly. I have incredibly involved, complex, often stressful dreams, I have a challenging time falling asleep and wake feeling like I've been problem solving all night. For at least the first week I had no dreams. It was amazing. I also noticed that there seemed to be tension--not pressure--in my forehead area that released in a noticeable way, and thought maybe I did have sinus issues that have been there so long I didn't notice. I'm from Colorado but I've lived in Memphis, home of the "sinus cocktail" (a med combination for allergy-related sinus issues) for almost 15 years. I never felt like allergies had become a problem, but we live in an old house, in Memphis, so who knows?

I finished the first month of the script and decided to stop taking it, because I didn't want to be reliant on it. Didn't notice much of a difference except with sleeping issues coming back. I also had a CT scan after that month, since there was no visible change, to see if there was something deeper going on with my sinuses--all sinus cavities came back completely clear, and I think they probably were even before the cetirizine, Then I had a terrible tooth ache combined with ear and jaw pain, which pseudoephedrine had helped previously, so I decided to start taking the certirizine again in case it was somehow related. The tooth pain was managed, and I've been taking it for about 2.5 months, worried about the tooth pain coming back until I could get it pulled. Just had the tooth pulled a week ago, and continued taking cetirizine, until last night.

There was one other night I forgot to take it and I had the most vivid dreams that felt so real, whenever I woke up from each one I was convinced it was real and my husband had to tell me it was not. Now I've been reading about ppl coming off Zyrtec and having nightmares :(

A few days ago, I had the most intense leg pain, down into the bone, and the surrounding tissues, all the way down my leg in to my foot, out of the blue, and so painful it woke me up several times throughout the night. I read of someone else having that experience. I also have been feeling for some time now like I have no joy, but I can't figure out what's wrong, feeling like I need to force myself to smile at my kids and husband, not because I'm unhappy but there's just...nothing. I also gained 9 lbs "out of the blue" between the time I began taking cetirizine and my most recent Drs appt despite zero changes in diet or exercise, as well as escalating blood pressure, swelling and pain in my joints, retaining fluid. I'm not inclined to think each of those is directly related to taking this, but it also seems to fit the time frame and other stories I've read have been similar. I am VERY interested to see what changes occur over the next few weeks as I discontinue this.

After not taking my dose last night, I woke up with an intense headache and became increasingly dizzy, nauseous, generally feeling really unwell. I cancelled the yoga classes I teach on Wednesday nights, and even scrapped my plans for errands because I don't feel safe driving with how dizzy I suddenly am. I came to look up side effects of stopping Zyrtec to see if that might be the cause of ongoing dizziness starting suddenly, and the nausea, and wow, wow, wow!! I do NOT want to go back on this stuff!

I read many, many stories of different approaches people have taken to cope with the withdrawal side effects, and followed the approach many people shared, by taking a very large dose of Vitamin C and vit d (Chris beat cancer has some excellent posts on safe levels a person can consume) and feel noticeably better. Dizziness and nausea are almost entirely gone, and my mood, which has been "empty" or somewhat numb for the last couple months, is greatly improved. I'm suddenly laughing again, even my kids noticed. I plan to keep it up and hope desperately to avoid the terrible itching! I will let everyone I know to be very careful with this drug. I have friends whose kids take it every day :(

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Yes Chet, in the past when I attempted (many times) to quit Zyrtec the itching almost drove me crazy! I mean it was horrible!!! That's why of everything I've ever read about remedies or helpful ideas, I honestly thought my Dr was crazy when he suggested Omega3 and Omega6. But I thought wth do I have to lose? I'm so thankful I took his advice. I wish we could talk and compare notes. Just remember it's Life Extension Omega 3 AND Omega 6. On the label you will see other oils in there like Sesame lignans & olive extract. Take the Omega 6 for 3 days as the bottle suggest (2 capsules twice a day) after 3 days introduce the Omega 3 (1 capsule once a day). They work in conjunction with each other. After one week of beginning the Omega 6, stop the Zyrtec. My dr said Omega is all natural and you can take them forever if you want. Note it also brought my cholesterol and bp down to normal levels. Good luck and let me know if it works out for you.

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I have posted and followed these threads for a few years. I've posted this before and this will be the last time I give my resolution to this poison Zyrtec. I went to a neurologist because no other doctors could help me with the chronic itching. So I thought he was crazy, but what else could I do but roll my eyes then try. Much to my surprise it worked. After being addicted to Zyrtec for many years; I am now free from it and have been for about 4 months. He had me start on Mega GLA and Omega 3. The Life Extension brand was about the only one that didn't cause me to burp that fishy smell (yuk). I got mine on Amazon. Anyway he had me take these as indicated on the bottle for 1 week before going cold turkey off the Zyrtec (to get the Omega and GLA in my system before dropping the Zyrtec. I still take both Omega and GLA because it's good for me and it also lowered my cholesterol (who knew?). This might not work for everyone, but it did for me. Good luck and keep your head up, there is a way to be itch free. I'll never take any form of Zyrtec ever again!

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See post 497. It is possible to get off this poison that ironically helps allergy symptoms temporarily but then causes increased sensitivity to allergens, asthma, unbearable itching, and hives in so many. I have been Zyrtec free over six months. I am 10 pounds lighter, my seasonal allergies are so mild that I take nothing for them, and my adult onset asthma is no more...

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Re: Naomi (# 658)

Try substituting a different antihistamine while you wean off the Zyrtec. This worked for me. It took me only 2 weeks to wean off Zyrtec, and I never had any bad symptoms during that time. I'm completely off it now, and feeling great. I took a 10 mg Claritin and 5 mg of Children's liquid Zyrtec week 1. For the second week, I decreased the liquid children's Zyrtec to 2.5 mg and continued to take the Claritin at the same time. Week 3 I discontinued the Zyrtec and now only take the Claritin. I think the reason for my success was substituting a different antihistamine rather than taking nothing at all. Hope this helps!

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I had the itching two times. It wasn't until the 2nd time that I realized that the common thread was the Zyrtec. I only used it for about a week. I used Biofreeze and Vick's vapor rub on my legs and stomach to take the itch away. I stopped cold turkey! I will never take Zyrtec again and will never give it to my children. I can't believe that with all of the cases out there, that this is still on the market!

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Hi Carole, I am currently weaning. I am down to 5 mg every other day. I am itching a little as I step down. I am terrified of the withdrawal. However, I want to get pregnant again and do not want to be on meds for that so I MUST stop this drug. I will keep you all posted on my progress. I was thinking of starting a blog.
Scottie, I am willing to start a class action. Anyone know a lawyer that specializes in this?
Beth

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Hi Jen,
Please, please go see an Integrative Medicine group. Please. There is a cause for your Urticaria. I too had this. 6 different doctors, 4 trips to ERs. I was taking 13 different antihistamines a day. Guess what? It was just masking the problem.
After 14 months of nonsense, I finally met with a doctor tht had answers. With a few small changes to my diet, perfect supplements, I am now hive free and med free. I have never felt so great.
You need to take charge of your health. Western medicine is not the long term solution you are looking for. GO INTEGRATIVE!!!
Best of luck,
Beth

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Day 9 zyrtec free, stopped cold turkey and itching is pretty much gone! Didn't think I could last and wanted to rip my skin off but persevered!! Be strong u can do it!! Btw: Johnson and Johnson baby oatmeal lotion helped. Also took about 400 mgs of ibuprofen throughout the day.
Bottom line, you have had ANTI histamine in you.... The withdrawal is your body trying to regain its normal histamine level .... Good luck fellow scratchers , persevere it will go away.! Stay away from zyrtec!

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