Itching Withdrawal From Cetirizine Or Zyrtec (Page 6)

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 Page6Next PageLast Page
Earliest Newest Votes
101

Steve,
This is day 6 for me and hopefully the itching and burning will stop soon. My other symptons have slowed down. I still have insomnia but I believe that is due to the itching. I am miserable and counting the days when this will go away for good.

Was this helpful? 0
102

Male, 36
10 years ago, I started having uncontrollable itching while attending college. If memory serves me, it went on for at least a couple weeks. Usually the palms of my hands and bottom of my feet would itch, or sometimes my thighs or chest, but it would itch so intensely that it was really debilitating. I started taking Bendryl and it would help for a few hours and then the itching would come back with a vengeance. I would also get really red wherever I scratched and it would stay that way for a while. So, I went to see my doctor (PCP) and he said, "Here, try this." I think we may have tried one other med first, but then settled on Zyrtec or cetirizine. I have taken it faithfully since then. If I missed a dose, I would know immediately. After roughly 36-48 hrs without it in my system, the itching would start to come back.
About 6 months ago, I made a huge dietary change, and now eat a lot of raw and organic foods, fruits and veggies, etc. and have eliminated alcohol, cigarettes, meat, milk, soda, recently caffeine and sugar, etc. Now, to aide in the healthy new lifestyle even more, I decided I would go off my prescription meds, which were Dexilant for GERD/acid reflux and generic Zyrtec.
Yesterday was my first day with no Zyrtec. No itchiness on Day 1. Today, on Day 2, itching is back in full force. I refuse to take it again regardless of how long this goes on for, thanks to reading other people’s comments. I need to rid my body of all these toxins, and never look back. Their are natural remedies that involve food, plants, herbs, etc. for almost every ailment out there, but they often require lifestyle changes. So, people go for the quick fix, but at what expense? Do some research folks and make positive changes in your life.

Was this helpful? 0
103

I am on day 12 and feeling better. Still itching but down about 50%. It seems to flare up during and after exercising and after I eat or drink alcohol within 15 minutes. My skin stays red from the itching and looks like a blotchy sunburn but diminishes in a few hours. I am still using the aloe which helps tremendously, pray and have tried to play the game mind over matter. I have also begun to add more vitamin C and A foods to my diet as others have suggested. Hang in there all and do not go back to this drug.

Was this helpful? 0
104

Continued from #102
Day 4 and the itching is still here. Anytime I touch anything with any part of my body, I get an EXTREME urge to itch that area. So, it is no surprise that my hands and feet itch a lot and also my pubic area, from just the rubbing that happens from walking, and my head while I am laying down. Running hot water over the area (I have only done this to my hands) will make it feel better temporarily. Yesterday, I started on some Sulphur supplement pills and decided I would try a gluten free diet. By the time this is over, I will be living off dirt and grass. I do feel a little better this morning, but no idea if it is due to the sulfur, or time passing, or not eating a certain something. I have broken down crying many times (including during this post after my hands and feet started to itch so intensely) because it makes you feel that crazy. The best advice I can give is when you get the itchy feeling, stop what you are doing, don't touch the area, and focus ON THE ITCH. It WILL subside, although sometimes it is so intense that you feel like you are going to scratch until you bleed or take the drug again to make it go away. DON'T! My advice is also to ask your doctor to get tested for allergies if you have not already done that (especially since they will want you to go off your allergy meds for the testing and you are already miserable) and then if you can afford it, go see a homeopathic nurse/doctor/specialist to figure out what might be going on or what might help. A regular doctor is just going to tell you to take more meds or get injections, etc. I will continue to report back. Good luck!

Was this helpful? 0
105

I know this forum is about Zyrtec/itch/antihistamines, but I wonder if the same mechanism is happening as what happens with the body when someone takes antidepressants. I read about a study somewhere regarding serotonin reuptake inhibitor type antidepressants, they found that the body tries to compensate by making a whole bunch more serotonin receptors, thus trying to compensate/defeat the serotonin reuptake inhibitor effect of the antidepressant. When this happens, the patient may need to take even more or a different antidepressant. But worse yet, the end result is, with all the additional serotonin receptors now in place, some patients now are not able to go off of the antidepressant because the problem will be worse than it was to begin with.

SO, I wonder with a product like Zyrtec, if it causes the body's own antihistamine system to go somewhat or totally dormant. OR, if the body is trying to tell us something with the histamine response, and in taking Zyrtec, the body created even more histamines to compensate the drug. Then, when person goes off Zyrtec, the histamines rage out of control.

I only took Zyrtec for 1 week, but it took 7 months for my wrist to stop "itching." You all know it's not a usual itch. For me it was a very painful, deep, stabbing, electrified, aching type itching sensation. Even now, 6 month post itch, I still get a little bit of prickly stabbing sensations in my wrists now and then.

BTW: I didn't take Zyrtec for the usual allergies. I had no sneezing, runny nose, stuffiness, itch, hives, eye symptoms, or any of the other usual allergy symptoms. I can breathe in pollen and other things all day long with no side effects whatsoever. I was given it because of my symptoms of ringing in the ears, sensitivity to noise and deafness. I also was feeling crappy, dizzy, aching, burning and just plain sickly after I ate or exercised (food allergy tests all negative). I was getting so sick over a period of time I literally thought that I might not make it this last time. I was bedridden and lost over 30 pounds. I've been to other doctors for my symptoms (for the past 40 years) but to no avail, even the Mayo Clinic. But because of the worsening ear problems, along with debilitating vertigo and vomiting, I went to an ear nose and throat specialist who by chance happens to also be an allergist. Well, lucky for me, he mistakenly heard me say that I never had any problems at all until I moved to Arizona. Not true! I've had these symptoms for over 40 years. So, to him, since he sees lots of people whose allergies act up as soon as they move to Arizona, and since he said allergies can show up in the ear with symptoms like I have (he had no clue what the food and exercise problem was), he prescribed a couple different antihistamines, one of which costs over $5/pill, the other $1.55/pill. He said I could also take Zyrtec if I found the other ones too expensive (well, duh!). I tried the expensive ones, nothing! Then I did some research while I switched to Zyrtec for a week, and since I didn't like what I was reading about Zyrtec, I settled on Chlorpheniramine Maleate (OTC). Since taking the CM, I haven't felt this good for decades. Not 100%, but I can now eat, do things, and exercise without feeling sick. My ear problem is the same though. Like I said, after taking Zyrtec for just a week, I itched like crazy. The best thing about Chlorpheniramine is that I found it online for $7 for 1,000 pills. It's also the same stuff vets give to dogs and cats for their allergies.

Anyway, good luck to you all.

Was this helpful? 0
106

Hello steve
I feel for you, for everyone going through this very difficult withdrawal. I have posted several times and I am now 7 months post zyrtec. Like you I feel like I will be down to dirt and grass. Any type of inflammatory food will make it worst. For me it gets a lot worse. I eat good and exercise regularly and try to stay possitive. I have days that are almost normal and days that are very bad still. The other day I cried a lot. I have had a lot of the intense itching in my feet and on my scalp. I feel like I just can't take it anymore so I break down and then move on. Thank God for my husband who is always there to pick me back up when I am down. I was on antihistamines for about 5 years. I will never take them again. I am one of those people that will endure what might be a year of symtoms. I just keep telling myself that I will recover. Remember a lot of people fully recover in just a few weeks. I wish you all the best of luck.

Was this helpful? 0
107

Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. I can't imagine being in your shoes, and like you, I have a loving spouse who is putting up with me and doing everything under the sun to help and care for me. Did you have a period that it was really intense and then it calmed down, or has it just been consistently difficult since you stopped taking it? It's day 5 today and I am super exhausted. Each time I have a really intense bout I want to cave and take the medicine again which is sitting in my cupboard still. It seems like mornings are easier- probably just because I have had some rest, albeit very disturbed sleep. Thank you again, and I wish you the best.

Was this helpful? 0
108

I have been off Zyrtec for 15 days now and the itching is almost completely gone, seems the majority of people experience it this way, so don't give up hope yet. The first week was the worst and then it got better every day! Being cold seemed to help the most, cold showers, loose clothing, anything to avoid being hot and sweaty. Hope this helps.

Was this helpful? 0
109

Happy Thanksgiving! I went cold turkey and on day 25. Some good news....itching and stabbing sensations on the tops of my feet and palms of my hands about 20% now. All other symptons are gone (see post 99)! My seasonal allegeries are back but manageable without drugs. Have been using my Nedi Pot frequently.

Was this helpful? 0
110

Have had itching and hives most of this year and was prescribed Zyrtec after a round of Prednisone made the itching abate, but it returned within weeks. Zyrtec seemed to help initially, then the rash and hives spread further and DR said to double the dose (10mg x 2). Still no improvement. Saw dermatologist. Did biopsy and TRUE test. All negative. Same for bloodwork. I stopped taking the zyrtec since it didn't seeme to be helping Rash hives scaly patches just spread. Have been reading this exchange and have stopped taking Zyrtec. An Allergist had me try Zyrtec with Zantac three weeks ago and that did not help. I have taken Heel 100 allergy tablets in the past for hay fever successfully. Started to use them again. Plan to take every 4 hours and supplement with the vitamin d and the salmon oil caps that I have been neglecting to take. No alcohol, caffeine or chocolate. I hope this works. The itching is very hard to ignore and dressing for the day has been influenced by what I have anointed my poor body with and how sticky or sensitive it seems. Thanks to all who have shared their experiences. I am going to relay this information to my doctors

Was this helpful? 0
111

hi i also suffer from the same problem

Was this helpful? 0
112

i tried coming off it by taking one every day 2 days until i was able to take it every 3 days because of itching..... den summer came and i get hay fever every summer the doctors said i have to take it again for my hay fever

Was this helpful? 0
113

Hello all. I have been taking Zyrtec, Cetirizine, and Allegra for 7 years. My doses have varied from once a day to once every two days. I have tried multiple times to stop taking these. Everytime I have stopped, this itching, hiving, red rash, and watery eyes have occurred. If anybody has successfully quit, please let me know what you did and what helped. I agree that there should be warnings on the labeling of these drugs.

Was this helpful? 0
114

Jake, sorry to hear you're having trouble. I had success in quitting cold-turkey, been months since I took it. I still get occasionally itching bouts, but they are very much infrequent and not a source of temporary insanity anymore. That being said, if you're going to quit you will likely have to tough out anywhere between 15-60 days of pretty much torture. It got to be so itchy that it felt like pin pricks on my skin, completely maddening. I slept terribly as well.

Was this helpful? 0
115

It has been almost 60 days and still have some bouts of itching in my feet which only lasts for a minute or two. All other symptons are gone. Good luck to all who are coming off of this drug. I went cold turkey, used aloe and prayed for relief.

Was this helpful? 0
116

My wife suggested Zyrtec to help solve a recurring sinus infection. It worked great for six months and every once in a while I would get hives or itch on my feet and hands and I would remember I forgot the to take my dose that morning and chalked it up to the fact I was allergic to something. I bought my thrid bottle and went to see if prolonged use was bad on askapatient.com and saw that the rashes/itching was part of a withdrawl!! I am on day five (5) and the itching is still strong, especially when laying down for some odd reason. I expect a 15day recovery period but am glad I found out now what is going on so I can stop. My wife is lucky, she can start/stop as she pleases with no withdrawl symptoms.

Was this helpful? 0
117

Been trying to stop taking Zyrtec for about 3 months now. I only took it for seasonal allergies. It is very effective at that. I was very diligent taking it this year. The past few years I would only take it twice a week or so, as needed. And I ony got the itching very mildly. Always thought it was due to winter itch because winter is after the autumn allergies.

On day 5 right now... I must stay strong!

Was this helpful? 0
118

OMG I am so glad to have found this forum. I have/had been on Zyrtec for 5 or so years and have tried to quit SEVERAL times all with the same result - extreme almost debilitating constant ITCHING!!! Until I found all of you I thought it was it my head because of the lack of warnings on the label. I use sunburn gel with lidocaine and a cooling spray for sunburns? But like everyone else the itching is constant, painful and relentless! I'm glad I read through all of these post as I was so ready to give in and take "just one" day 10 seems to be worst when I get home from work but with the support I read I'm not giving in! Thanks everyone !

Was this helpful? 0
119

Carly, that's the same way I felt when I read this. Basically, know that it is just your body restarting it's histamine system and will eventually come to a healthy balance.

In fairness, I don't think this is a zyrtec-specific problem. All anti-histamines will probably come with this risk. Zyrtec is extremely effective (it performed better than Allegra and Claritin for me)... so powerful that people have difficulty adjusting to having histamine in their body again.

Warnings definitely need to be on the bottle, and I think the standard dosage should be lowered WAY down, to 2 mg or so. It is unacceptable to expect people to endure explosive skin every December when they stop taking it.

Was this helpful? 0
120

mattypipe - Thanks for the feedback. I whole heartly agree; its not just this brand; but it was the one I had been taking. I think that an informed consumer is a smart consumer and to be honest had this "potential" side effect been listed I may have taken pause before taking it. But as we all know hind sight is 20/20! I'm just glad to know I'm not loosing my mind!!! Have a good day!

Was this helpful? 0
Page:First PagePrevious Page6Next 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