Itching Withdrawal From Cetirizine Or Zyrtec (Page 17)

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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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321

I can relate to Adeesh's saying that 2nd time around is even worse than the first. Thinking that Zyrtec was the only culprit for me, after 5 months of absolute horror withdrawing from it a few years ago and saying I'd never EVER do that again or wish it on my worst enemy even, I took Claritin last spring (2014) to get through some pretty bad seasonal allergies. Totally thinking I was safe. I absolutely wish I hadn't done that. It's as if now, since the Zyrtec use and withdrawal, I have the same problem with all antihistamines, and with quicker, more intense withdrawal symptom onset. Since May I've tried several times to get off Claritin but cannot seem to gather the strength to go through it again, so I continue to take one every other day. I am living a blissfully itch-free life, but fully addicted to antihistamines and trying to psych myself out to go through the pain again. My withdrawal symptoms include hundreds of bloody scabby sores that erupt all over my body after a few days wherever there has been severe itching, and they continue to erupt for as long as there is itching. So for me, that means for months. Ugly as sin. Ruined my social life. So I'm writing my experience to help expand the "knowns" about this problem. Good luck all.

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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.

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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!

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324

It does take***

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325

This is my theory on why it happens- typical H2 antihistamines do not prevent the release of histamine in our body, it simply prevents the receptors from causing a reaction to the histamine and prevents absorption of the histamine. But the histamine is still there flowing in our body, building up since the receptors did not absorb them and react. Once the medicine wears off, there is a massive influx of histamine that we react to all at once.

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326

Hi there, I have read with interest the effects of antihistamine withdrawal as I have been going through something similar but coming off a drug called Fexofenadine. It was prescribed for sinus problems, caused by general pet and dust mite allergy, however I felt it was not making a significant difference and therefore stopped taking it.

Within a few days I was clawing at myself and assumed perhaps my wife had changed washing powder or conditioner. To ease the symptoms I just went straight back to the antihistamine not realising that they may be the problem.

I then ran out of the tablets whilst on holiday and the itching started again, which is when I started to re-search any link between the two.

So, whilst it is a different drug, it appears to have the same issue under withdrawal.

I finally decided just to stop during the first week of August and the first 4 weeks were hell! I would absent-mindedly scratch an arm, leg, my head and before I knew it I was in trouble! I resorted to pure mind over matter and found that if I could breath through the initial demand to itch, within 10 minutes it would subside.

I am now basically 11 weeks into this and still suffering, but not nearly as bad! The itching is mainly consigned to my back and often my head but I'm finding it easier to see through the desire to scratch and then it passes.

The big problem for me will be in June when my hayfever will kick in. Traditionally I have used citirizine but I may now look toward a homeopathic remedy instead.

Good luck everybody

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327

My dermatologist said basically the same thing.

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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.

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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,

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330

I have found that taking half a tablet every other day is enough for my system and I do not have the major itching episodes anymore as long as I don't miss more than two or three days in a row. It's impossible to forget to take this addictive drug, but I have gotten my days confused. This might not be your relief, but less has to be better and cheaper. Try the generic brand, it's cheaper and it works the same. How miserable I will be if they take it off the market! I can not deal with the insane itching and rash.

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331

Phil, Shel or Steve - have any of you been successful at weening off as you hoped? Any advise you can offer will be appreciated. Still researching how long the torture will be if I attempt a 4th time of kicking this poisonous Zyrtec!

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332

Hi I have been off zyrtec for over a year now....I started by reducing my dose to half for a while & then when I reduced it again ( half of a half ) I was severely itchy
I stopped the zyrtec & took benadryl
I also used Sarna anti itch cream
The itchiness lasted for over a month
But I never took zyrtec again
I have dermagraphism ( hives)
When I get bad hives I will only use benadryl
Good luck
I know the itchiness is unbearable & is definitely a withdrawel from the zyrtec
Lisa

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333

Prednisone long term is more evil than zyrtec, resulting in weight gain and horrible insomnia.

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334

I am fully cured by taking homeo medicines.bio combination 20 .daily 4tablets for adult for 1period.per day 4 times.

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335

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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336

Did you ever beat it?

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337

Hey Bridget,

I am delighted to say that YES I believe I have beaten it. I am not itching at all any longer and will never take another antihistamine if I can avoid it.

Good luck everybody and stick with it.

G

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338

I have been taking zyrtec or some form of it for 5 years. This is my 4th day going cold turkey. I have tried before, but always broke down and bought more Zyrtec. I am itchy during the day, but I do a mind over matter thing and push through it. Last night I woke up itching BADLY and gave in to it, but knew I just needed to mentally overcome it and stop scratching. Today I woke up feeling nauseous and with a headache (in addition to itchy but not uncontrollably). I'm not sure if it's related, but I'm going to try and push through. The itching is intense to the point of being painful and it's all over - head, neck, armpits, back, arms, legs, and even my nether regions. Luckily I have a high tolerance for pain. I will never recommend this drug and will be looking for homeopathic remedies for my allergies. Also going to take a long hard look at my diet.

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339

I live in Canada and have been taking Reactine (which apparently is the same as Zyrtec in US) for 7 months. I started taking it because of very bad itching that started on my hands and feet and then started moving around my body. I call it the roaming itch. I don't have (or never have had) any allergies and I believe that this itching started due to a big stress event and perhaps in combination with a bleach intolerance. I took it regularly every 24 hours for about a week and every time I quit taking it to see if the itching has gone it comes back so I kept taking the Reactine. It's been 7 months now and I have tried several times to get off it but the itching is so bad that after about 4 or 5 days I just take it again. Now I decided that I need to get to the bottom of what is causing the itching and deal with the cause. I stopped taking Reactine and this is day 7 I have been googling the subject and came across this blog. I am now thinking that it this severe itching much be a withdrawal symptom of quitting the drug. The itching is much more severe than it was before I ever started taking it. The itching seems to roam around my body -- my head, my eyes, my ears, and on the rest of my body it's symetrical. If I itch on my right arm, I itch on my left arm in the same spot. I can go for a little while (an hour or so) without itching and then it just starts again. Yesterday my now started running like crazy and I've been blowing it so much is has started to get sore but on top of that, the itching is all around my nose now and my upper lip. My nose and lip are both swollen. I have been so tempted to start taking the Reactine again but now after reading all these posts I know I have to get off of them to see if it's a side effect of stopping or something else. I really am inclined to think it's a side effect. I sure can relate to all of you who are scratching your skin off!!! I try oatmeal paths, anti itch creams, aloe but I don't think they really help. Usually the itching will stop and then flare up somewhere else. The scratching doesn't really relieve it but actually makes it worse. I don't see a rash anywhere but when I scratch I feel all these small bumps on my skin which go away when the itch goes away. I am going to try and persevere and hope and pray that this will pass but it is very depressing!!

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340

Did you last? Did it go away?

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