Itching Withdrawal From Cetirizine Or Zyrtec (Page 13)

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.

REPLY

REPORT

I have posted several times on here and now just wanted to give an update. I too have had a lot of trouble fully recovering from the horrible side effects of zyrec. I went cold turkey and suffered with the intense itching on my hands and feet and my scalp for a year and a half before I started to take a low dose of Claritin, It made me really sad to go back on an antihistamine but the quality of my life needed to improve. I felt like I was on the verge of mentally collapsing. I for some reason am not able to metabolize the histamine in the foods that we eat everyday. Just the act of eating releases histamine. Our bodies produce an enzyme that should metabolize it and I feel like the extended use of zyrtec caused a lack of the enzyme. I fell a lot better everyday and no longer itch. My scalp is still sensitive so I try to stay away from high histamine foods like fish, spinach, strawberries, wine, fermented foods, dairy, yeast. I am going to try and wean myself off of the Claritin when I feel like my body is stronger again. I never want to feel that itching again. Maybe I will take this for the rest of my life. I don't know. I would love to file a legal case suit. I reported my case to the FDA. I wish all of you lots of luck and I know that most people recover within a few weeks to a few months, I was not that lucky. Dee

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

For the past four I've been experiencing mild insomnia, itching all over my body (especially at night), and mood swings (mostly anxiety, but some depression). I assumed it was just due to stress, but my kind kept nagging at me and telling me that it was something else.

Finally, I realized a small change in my routine that might have contributed to it: I stopped taking Zyrtec. I've been taking Zyrtec pretty much every day or every other day since the summer, since it does a really good job of stopping all allergy symptoms. Eventually, I just took it as a precautionary habit. I ran out on Sunday, and didn't bother to buy more.

Yesterday I stumbled upon this site and have read through all of the comments. I'm thankful that I haven't had that painful "electric" itching that some people have described. Mine is mostly mild. I'm hoping and praying that I'm one of those lucky individuals who only experiences symptoms for a week or two, instead of months. I'll report back when things change.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I have been off of Zyrtec for a month and a half now. My itching is 95% gone. Still get a bit of red swelled skin when I itch. But over all I feel much better. I drank a ton of tea and water. Trying to flush my body of what I believe to be the reaction from using Zyrtec for over two years to stopping completely. I guess some people's chemistry is different and has a harder time getting off of certain meds. My heart goes out to those who have a longer recovery time with the horrifying itching.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

Nick,

I am interested in finding out if there are any legal case suits for Zyrtec or Cetirizine as well. It's been a little over 2 months for me since I've been of this medication and while my withdrawal is 95% gone, I still have some itchiness on my feet from time to time. At this rate, I'm not sure if it'll ever go away. My own doctor has confirmed that she herself has withdrawal problems from it. This site alone is a proof of the issue that should be addressed. I've tried some light research on the issue on the net but haven't been successful which I find surprising. Please do let us know if you find any information on a case suit for this medication.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 3

READ: ***HERE IS HELP for you to GET OFF ZYRTEC! my story....

I quit Zyrtec only a year ago after many unsuccessful attempts. I could skip a day of taking it, but like everyone else, at 48 hours without a Zyrtec the itching became unbearable, I never made it past 51 hours because the itching got so intense it made me feel like I was losing my mind. Zyrtec withdrawl ruled my life, and I was a slave to it for 5 years. I suffered from all of the nastiest withdrawl symptoms especially the scalp and hands feet itching were the worst. Last year I made it my new years resolution to get off it for good. I took two weeks off and this is what I learned which will help anyone, even those with the worst withdrawl side effects like mine were. I havent heard a story yet, after reading 100s online, trying to find out if anyone found a way to get off Zyrtec permanently. I also have multiple chemical sensitivities, and nearly every skin dermatological sensitivity possible. Sometimes I read other peoples stories to find answers, sometimes support, but many of the horrible stories made me cry, because I was suffering similarily and every withdrawl issue people have posted about, I had it too. First I purchased two bottles of ARNICA MONTANA a topical homeopathic for the skin. at 60 hours after quitting Zyrtec, I was already through both bottles, so I sent out for 7 more bottles, I applied it to all of my skin, I diluted it with several drops of water, to spread it over all of my skin to relieve the itching. IT WORKED. for the first 15 days i had flare ups, but it brought the intense itching down to a manageable level. I usually reapplied Arnica every two hours to all of my skin, but sometimes I would need a drop on my hands or feet or scalp. I did find that I could use a sauna or hot tub for about 20 minutes, but it parts of my skin became cool in a shower, it was instantaneous mega itch... and Im also saying I had to reapply Arnica to my entire body within 90 seconds or I would black out from the pain and intensity of the itching that followed. I have long blonde hair, and the scalp itch was tricky, I used my fingers to make rows in my wet hair, applied Arnica to my fingers and them massaged it into my scalp as fast as I could. Wet skin was much easier to apply to than dry, and dry can get sticky if you put too much, which, as you could imagine would cause...yes, more itching, however, easily rectified my a wet wash cloth, and the a thinner coat of Arnica. Sometimes I would have to apply it ever couple minutes to a specific itch, but that usually didnt go on for more than an hour. With using Arnica, the key is keeping all skin coated, but not thick, and with it, there was several minutes of warning that the itch was coming back, so there was plenty of time to thwart it before it got out of control. After a thin coating, i used it to spot treat any itch and after every time I washed my hands, I just reapplied it to my hands. I soaked in a hot salt bath every other day, and then followed my protocols. It was scary because for four days the itch got worse and stayed that way until day 11. Everything was resolved by day 16, and I haven't had to use Arnica/Zyrtec or any other antihistamine since then. Cold Turkey is the only way to go, and dont substitute with Benadryl, Sudafed, Tylenol PM or any other Antihistamine containing drug if you plan on getting off of it. Zyrtec withdrawl made quitting smoking look like a day on the beach and I quit smoking cigarettes three years before I was able to quit Zyrtec. My gift to the world is my story, please share with others the topical Arnica Montana gel to help relieve the itching so we can all get off this terrible drug.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 4

Post-Marketing Experience

In the post-marketing period, the following additional rare, but potentially severe adverse events have been reported: aggressive reaction, anaphylaxis, cholestasis, convulsions, glomerulonephritis, hallucinations, hemolytic anemia, hepatitis, orofacial dyskinesia, severe hypotension, stillbirth, suicidal ideation, suicide and thrombocytopenia.

I found this at rxlist, but what the heck does it mean?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I am attempting to discontinue cetirizine using liquid and a dropper. The tablets are too difficult to break more than once and a dropper/liquid is easy. We really do need a legal case suit.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

This is the 3rd, and I promise, my last attempt to stop taking Zertec. The first two times I just couldn't stand the itching and gave up. Not this time. I was prepared to itch and just bare it. Day 6 1/2. I have heard 15 days up to several months. The secret is never, ever scratch.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

I used 1/2 ofa Benadryl when I couldn't stand the itching
I Al's used Sarna anti itch cream which helped a lot
Zyrtec took about a month to come out of my system
And now I'm fine
I will never ever take it again
Good luck

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Richard, yes, avoid scratching if at all possible. The first 2 weeks were the worst. I thought it would never get better. Alas, it does get better, so hang in there! You can do it! It's worth all of the suffering to finally be able to be off of it completely. Best of luck to you!!!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I have posted before and just want everyone to be aware that 10 days after I stopped the Zyrtec, the histamine rebound caused horrible symptoms and I was sick for a long time beyond just itching. Heart palpatations, feeling faint after eating, etc. I just had my blood histamine levels checked and it was high and I am waiting for the results of the 24 hr. u.a. I am taking 1.25 of oral baby Zytrec to keep myself from itching and stablilize a bit. I need to find out why I am making so much histamine as my results come up negative to allergies and only started it because of dermagraphic hives a year ago. The excess histamine can cause all kinds of symptoms and irregularities in your body. Susan

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

My daughter who is 32, was given Zertec for seasonal allergies after the birth of her son, because the doctors said it would not dry up her breast milk. But it was affecting it, so she tried to get off of it. She went through this horrible burning itch - inside of her mouth, her tongue, inside her ears, her nose - the palms of her hands and the soles of her feet - even inside of her private area was burning uncontrollably. The doctors said she could take steroids and/or benedryl, but she didn't want it to dry up her milk. So she tried to tough it out. I went and watched her kids during the day because she was in so much suffering and pain that she couldn't function. She said it felt like she was crawling out of her own skin and she thought she would lose her mind. My daughter has hardly ever been sick a day in her life, so it was very difficult to see her going through that. It took over two weeks, and she finally broke down and took the steroids and benedryl to get her though it. But I hope nobody doubts the seriousness of the suffering these folks go through. I've read where some people say it's just itching. No - this is not just itching. This was hell. I just wanted to tell those of you still going through it that if your doctor will give you the steroids and/or benedryl - it will help you get through it. It won't completely take it away, but I don't think she would have survived it without something like that to help her. I pray that each of you is able to get the help you need too. This drug really needs to be labled with a warning about these withdrawal symptoms.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

PS... by the way - we found out that it is not an allergic itch, but it is a neurological itch similar to neuropathy pain. That is why it takes so long to get rid of it. Other anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine drugs do help, but steroids worked the best for my daughter.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

Hello Friends- Somethings to look into. My son was on Zyrtec daily for 3 years and he could not go to bed without it or he itched like crazy. We finally are Free of drugs. Vitamin C and probiotics helped to ease the symptoms of withdrawal and help to heal your gut. Google for more info.. Next start looking into the REAL cause of your allergies, could be Parasites. Parasites mimic seasonal allergies and are most active in the spring and fall..Our family did a parasite detox and it has been life changing. Parasites are everywhere in our food , water, pets, outdoor environment, all over the Theme parks we take our children to. Bottom line you can not avoid them but you can keep the populations down that cause so many problems in our bodies. Google more info about Parasites/ pinworms and there are many more common ones. you will be shocked that your doctor has never told you about the possible real culprit to your allergies. Primarily because the diagnostics are often not reliable because the parasites don't necessarily come up in your poop, they like to remain unnoticed in your body. Think about this if you own a pet you probably give them heart worm med every month, well that is to kill a parasite and other worms. We never Deworm ourselves, however the Europeans do this, it is ancient medicine and holistic approach to life. Our parents use to deworm using Caster-oil in the 30s and 40s but that remedy has fallen out of popularity. You do not have to visit a third world country to get parasites, just eat some Sushi or under cooked meat or any of the above mentioned ways they are transmitted…there are many ways to pick up the nasty things. And your symptoms will not necessarily be stomach or digestive. The parasites migrate to where ever they would like to go. They can cause all sorts of random skin issues, headaches, weight gain, weight loss,anxiety, to bloating to itching you name it....Google to learn more. The other part of the story is Heal your Gut and you can heal your life.. and get off allergy meds for good. People are many times allergic to something because their digestive system is off and they do not even know it. Educate not Medicate. Dr Oz had a segment on this fyi..it sounds crazy but at the end of the day we are animals on a planet that eat and drink living organisms ....do your research. Why don't we hear about this? Follow the money the drug companies would prefer you take a pill rather than solve your health issue. Best of Luck becoming drug free. There are sites out there that claim that 80 percent of Americans have parasites and do not even know it. Check it out for yourself, hope this info can help someone take control of their health.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

I have been taking Cetrizine the generic form of Zyrtec for just under 4 years. Everytime I tried to stop taking the medication the itchiness would start, usually 3 days was the longest I could go without having to take a pill. Then I found out about this site and a few others that made mention of the withdrawl or bounce-back effects of trying to stop this drug. With that information in hand and a plan I stopped taking the drug 17days ago. Day 7 through day 12 were the worst and I have the scabs to prove it. I have found that Vitamin C and lots of antioxidents have helped. I am sure there is no one cure all to get people off this stuff but I can finally say I see the light at the end of the tunnel. Itching is not completely gone but it is getting better every day. I will never go near this drug again. Quitting smoking was much easier! You folks in the States are a litigous bunch please sue the pants off these people... as a Canadian I will just sit here and apoligize for scratching so much... maybe write an angry letter on a website ;-)

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

I am on my third try and have made it. Almost 19 days and the itching is tolerable. The secret is not to scratch at all. I was on drug for at least 7 years. Finally through the worst of the withdrawal. Stay with it.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

I am having the same problem. I've been taking zyrtec daily for maybe 15 years and I want a healthier approach to my allergies. Stopped taking it a week ago. I take benedryl when I can't stand the itchiness. My feet, for some reason, itch the most. Tea tree oil seems to be helping that. Good luck.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I am now on day eight of going cold turkey after being on zyrtec for a couple of years under doctors advice. I am a teacher and I have tried before when I've been home in the summer. I am having better luck this time. I think it is because it is so cold. When my hands start itching terribly I run them under ice cold water. It's not pleasant but better than the itching. I've done the same with my feet.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Allergy doctor took me off Zyrtec so he can test me for allergies. Used to take Claritin but heard Zyrtec better. Been suffering for years with allergies and found Zyrtec with nasonex to work until I started dating someone with cats. About 3 days in I started going insane from itching. I tried dry skin lotion..nothing..palms..back..ribs...scalp...neck..feels like heat then mad itch. Last night I just about had it so I tried sunburn aloe green stuff...seemed to help...allergy dr getting call today... nuts!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Carole, I don't know how many have this withdrawl symptoms. Zertec is not going to admit the problem. It would hurt their bottom line. My daughter (31) had the withdrawals when she had to get off Zertec to nurse her baby last year. She finally had to take Benedryl and prednisone to get off the Zertec and minimize the w/d symptoms. It took about 3 to 4 weeks, and she had to stop nursing after all. It's the pitts! Benedryl and prednisone stops the allergic reactions to coming of Zertec. My daughter still has the itching come back every now and then- and it's been almost a year since she got off it. I really believe it has to do some kind of neurological damage or neuropathy for it to still affect her after all this time. Now she takes Claritin - and only when she needs it for seasonal allergy symptoms. She can stop it at any time and it doesn't bother her at all. I hope this will help you.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

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

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

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

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

1 REPLY

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

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

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

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

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

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