There are 1218 ratings for the drug: ZYRTEC in the Askapatient database.

Key to ratings for zyrtec: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

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Rating	Reason	Side Effects	Comments	Sex	Age	Time Taken and Dosage		Date Added
				F  M
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5	Allergies	Some drowsiness as mild "hangover" in the morning on full 10 mg dose.	I was on Claritin & Nasalcrom for awhile and found them to be only fair in controlling my often nasty allergies. Went to an allergist, had standard arm pin-prick test done which only confirmed what I already knew about my sensitivities, and was given Zyrtec 10 and Nasonex, both for daily use. It was an unbelievable improvement. Only issue was next day drowsiness, which I've nearly eliminated by taking 7.5 instead of 10 mg (tricky cutting the tablets though; and, 5 mg was not quite enough) and doing so 2 hours before bed rather than right at bedtime. Unexpected benefit was a reduction in some social anxiety I've had off and on for years, which I believe is due to a residual anxiolytic effect of Zyrtec/cetirizine as an Atarax/hydroxyzine metabolite - can't find substantiation for this anywhere but I don't think it's my imagination!	M	50	14 days 7.5 mg 1X D		7/28/2010
3	Allergies	flush red cheeks, hives all over trunk of body	Frustrated that I cannot find side effects on their website or on the bottle!!!!	M	2	2 days 1/2 tsp 1X D		7/25/2010
5	allergies	None	Stops my allergies, but over years I have to take more Zyrtec pills to make the same allergies to go away....	F	46	14 years 10mg 2X D		7/23/2010 Email
2	allergies	I gave this to my 7 year old daughter instead of Claritin and we couldn't figure out why all of a sudden she would cry at the drop of a hat, act VERY angry and say "she just wishes she were happier" After stopping this a week later we noticed drastic improvement and she was back to herself.		F	32	9 days 1X D		7/23/2010
1	Allergies	NOT TAKING ZYRTEC: Hives rashes extreme itching all over the body. Inflammations, agitation.	Upon trying to stop taking the "wonder drug" that is Zyrtec, I experienced extensive itching, rashes/ hives, and generally am pissed off and would like to see the inventors of Zyrtec tortured with itching powder on their private areas.	M	47	1X D		7/19/2010
5	ADHD	During the time of my journey through life, I had noticed that every time I played video games I would only go for body shots, but after taking Zyrtec, all I would want to get were HEAD SHOTS. I felt extremely angered by normal everyday noobs. After I started taking Zyrtec I wanted to PWN them like they have never been Pwned before, and I still have ADHD!!? whats up wit dat? Head Explosions Public Urination Every time I get a gun in my hand, it automatically points to someone's head. Uncontrollable peanut butter texture of my stool Speaking Ebonics Black Rage The plague	Zyrtec gave me AIDS.	M	12	20 days 10mg 2X D		6/30/2010 Email
1	congestion	My daughter,2, started taking the target brand and every day, all day was a fight and tantrum. She started banging her head HARD. She also stopped eating which I thought the tantrums were coming from.I had forgot to give her her med. and I noticed the tantrums stopped, her behavior returned to normal, and she stopped banging her head. Its like night and day.I wouldn't recommend this for any child. Especially if you as a parent don't want to jump off a cliff!	NEED TO POST SIDE EFFECTS!!!	F	2	2 months 2.5 ml 1X D		6/28/2010
2	Allergies	I am so thankful for this website. I thought I was losing my mind. After taking Zyrtec a couple of weeks ago for seasonal allergies, I thought my "down" mood was a result of other things. I quit for a while and took one last night. When I woke up, I was unusually irritable. Things that shouldn't upset me would throw me into a fury. Usually passive and easy-going, I realized that this medicine transformed me into something I did not like. Not that I'm happy I see others experiencing this, but this website lended some validity to my hunch that Zyrtec was causing it.	For the people running this survey, sex is male/female (biological); gender is masculine/feminine (a social trait).	M	28	1 days 10mg 1X D		6/23/2010
1	seasonal allergies	depression, lack of concentration in school, panic attacks, fear and anxiety, anger.	My 9 yr old son was prescribed Zyrtec by his pediatrician. We noticed an immediate change in his attitude, behavior and grades. He was a very happy, motivated, straight A student. His personality completely changed. We thought his mood and behavior problems were just caused by his age and a new friend. We had no clue about the side effects of this drug until he stopped taking it just to see if his allergies were gone. After stoping the drug. It took about 10 days for the panic attacks to start(multiple times a day). He would just cry and shake and say his head felt funny. After taking him to his doctor, getting lab work done, EEG, EKG, referal to a pediatric psychologist I was told about the effects of this drug in children. I can't believe doctors are not talking to their patients about these severe side effects!!! Take your child off of this drug immediatly!!!!!!!	M	9	5 months 10 MG 1X D		6/23/2010 Email
5	seasonal allergies	None	I'm posting to counter many of the negative comments which can be attributed to other factors, and to counter the the self-selection bias. Sure I've had dizziness, problems falling asleep, and hair loss, but all of these occurred long before I started taking Zyrtec! In the interest of full disclosure though, I only take enough to counter 95% of my symptoms so I'm not "flying blind" and risking overdosing.	M	33	1 years 2.5 to 5mg 1X D		6/21/2010
3	bad cat allergy		Took 24 hrs for my legs to get rid of the edema. I have not taken zyrtec to two days and so far no problems with the cat. I'm trying to see when the cat allegy kicks in so I know about how long I have between when I need to start/stop.	F	56	10 1X D		6/16/2010 History
2	Seasonal Allergies	My 4 yr old experienced severe depression (as I call it considering she is 4). She withdrew from her favorite activities, like singing and dancing, stopped eating her favorite foods, would constantly say she felt like crying or she was sad. Did not want to go to school, would wake up ALL night long with nightmares, said her sheets were bumpy, it was crazy and my family was going crazy. She was extremely clingy and weepy, she also would have outbursts of crying or whining for no apparent reason. Took her off the zyrtec and within two weeks, I had my joyful, loving, playful, full of life daughter back.	Never taking zyrtec again, especially for extended periods of time for children....NEVER!	F	4.5	2 months 5 - 7.5mg 1X D		6/15/2010 Email History
1	seasonal allergies	Bought this instead of Claritin which I have taken for years with noe problem. Within hours- stomach ache, bloating, no appetite and my mood changed. Symptoms did not go away. Took Zyrtec for three days and finally connected my gastroparesis with this OTC med. Vivid dreams started first night. Will never take this again.		F	56	3 days 10 MG 1X D		6/15/2010
1	Allergies	Drowsiness, lack of concentration,lack of motivation,EXTREMELY INSANE VIVID DREAMS,hearing voices, hallucinations, ANGER, mood swings HAIR LOSS.	Last summer i found out that i didnt have a weak immune system, i just had allergies. Since then, I found Claritin did nothing for me and neither did the nose pumps, when i discovered zyrtec it was a different world. Although it cleared up all my allergies i began to notice an unusual amount of vivid dreams, sometimes even voices in my head, definitely nightmares. They would only happen 1-2 days after taking the pill. A lot of the people i talk to on a normal basis believe i've been going through serious mood swings that i never had before. People have told me that they do not see the motivation they used to see prior to taking the medication. i've also experienced hairloss on my face, primarily on my sideburns.	M	19	9 months 10mg 1X D		6/14/2010
1	seasonal allergies	Severe stomach pain and bloating. 24 hour dosage did not leave me symptom free during that time period.		F	37	2 days 1X D		6/13/2010
3	Chronic year-round allergies	I used to alternate taking this drug with Claritin. For example, I'd take a Claritin one day and the next day a Zyrtec. Then I ran out of Claritin so I started taking Zyrtec daily. Zyrtec dried out my nose so much that it felt plugged up, which was only a minor side effect. However, it made me incredibly drowsy, and I would have to go lie down because I couldn't physically keep my eyes open. The worst side effect I experienced were very disturbing nightmares. I woke up multiple times in the night with these dreams that seemed so real and it was scary. It was not a pleasant experience. I also experienced a good bit of sneezing while taking this drug...so it wasn't that effective.		F	22	2 weeks 10mg 1X D		6/10/2010
1	Allergies	anxiety, lack of sleep, depression, anger, lack of motivation	I was told to take this by my physician.	F	26	4 weeks 5 mg 1X D		6/9/2010
4	bad allergies	mild drowsiness at times; most people I know take it before bed for this reason; I take in in the morning, otherwise I forget; if you go off, you will have intense itching, which makes sense -- you've been taking an antihisamine, which controls allergies -- when you go off, your body has to readjust itself	You people are nuts. I only checked these reviews because I have been on Zyrtec for years and if I go off, I am sicker than a dog in a week or two. I am about to go on Astelin spray also, and reviewers bashed it, so I thought I would see what the average person said about Zyrtec. And it was bashed also. It truly is great drug. I use the generic, and because my allergies are so bad certain times of year, I have to supplement with a spray.	F	49	3 years 1X D		6/8/2010
3	allergies	Just classic drowsiness and feeling mentally fuzzy - but probably just due to being so drowsy. I could not take this med again unless I had a really severe allergy attack, because, even with 4 cups of tea, I can't tolerate the tiredness. :/	Took this for the spring allergy season - eyes and skin itching like crazy, congestion etc. Zyrtec works fairly well but made me drowsy, even half a pill. Weird positive side effect: reduced hot flashes.	F	45	2 days 10 MG 1X D		6/8/2010
1	Allergy (cypress pollen)	Took before going to sleep. Racing/pounding heart 1 minute after taking (and for several hours). Abdominal contractions (for 15-30 mins). Extremely dry mouth. Woke up in the middle of the night with vivid dreams and feeling strange. Second night I only took a 1/2 tablet but just as bad for the heart and sleep disturbance. I then stopped the treatment but the sleep disturbance continued every night for 15-20 days. Two months later I am still regularly waking up at 3 or 4 am (often in a anxious state) a couple of nights a week (maybe once a month before I took the ZYRTEC). I also seem to be having fluctuating blood pressure (rose to 184 / 72 during sleep in a 24 hour test).	After what I experienced I cannot understand how this drug is still on the open market. I took a generic made by Arrow (bought in France).	M	45	2 days 10 mg 1X D		6/5/2010 Email
2	Allergies	When I slept on my right side I would dream that Bigfoot or chewbaca was watching me. When I would wake up I'd feel very drowsy and turn to my left side and dream a dinosaur or Godzilla was trying to swipe me with their tail. I would never take this medication. Also had sleep paralysis.		M	40	4 days 5 1X D		6/2/2010
5	Apparent allergies	I had no side effects at all from this drug. Sure if I sat still and did nothing I would get drowsy. I would take this medicine at approx. 1-2 pm each day. (after already being awake for 5-7 hours. So I think it was just mid day drowsiness. This stuff worked great compared to how i was suffering before taking it(cold like symptoms). One reviewer complained of suicidal thoughts, another said irratibility and bad/weird dreams? Sounds to me like you folks were taking Chantix or some other drug to help quit smoking since those are definitely side effects listed on Chantix/Zyban sheets.	I should add I began the attempt to quit smoking about the same time my "allergies" manifested themselves, so maybe the two were related. I havent had allergies since I was a little kid. I stopped taking the Zyrtec about two days ago and have not noticed any change in anyway so far as allergy symptoms coming back. Im thinking it was just a fluke as I was cleansing my body from 20+yrs of smoking. guess I will see in the coming week or so as the Zyrtec leaves my sytem.	M	38	45 days 10mg 1X D		5/31/2010
4	year round allergies	Made me fall asleep	I decided to take Zyrtec after i tired every other allergy medicine out there and none worked which wasn't too good for me living in the country and owning 4 dogs 3 cats 2 ducks a ferret and a rat (a small farm yes lol). I 'm taking the 24 hrs ones so i started taking my pill in the morning. Immediately i started to fell groggy and if i sat for too long i'd fall asleep which was weird for me because i find it extremely hard to sleep during the day. After a few days i started a strict schedule of waking up at 5-6am taking my pill and going back to sleep. I wake up a few hrs later feeling great and allergy free! If you are going to take Zyrtec make sure you have a definitely plan or else it will make you feel weird. Besides that i've had absolutely no problems. Make sure you figure out whats best for you though and not listen to all the scary things people say because every experience will be different.	F	22	4 weeks 1X D		5/30/2010
2		dizziness, restlessness, lethargy, drowsiness	Zyrtec worked great at solving my allergies issues (including stuffy/itchy nose and dry eyes) however, the side effects have not been as kind. In the past two months, I've taken the pill two or three times a week right before I go to bed. While I sleep through the night, the next day I always feel dizzy and restless, as well as can barely keep my eyes open. This only happens after taking the medicine (otherwise I'm fine). the final straw with the meds, was my inability to keep my eyes open while on the road. Having an hour and a half commute home, I found it extremely hard to stay awake. This was scary because I have never had this issue before. I don't know if I would recommend this to anyone.	M	23	2 months 1X D		5/27/2010
1	indoor/outdoor allergies, asthma	where to begin... basically, all of the side effects listed in this forum by everyone else; and, the problems began within a couple of hours of my first dose ... culminating with suicidal thoughts, raging and irrational anger (at everyone, for not one single reason), a fever of 104F, insatiable hunger (starvation mode, for sure), and freezing extremities while sweating profusely everywhere else ... and on and on	I bought the CVS Pharmacy brand (and after checking with the Pharmacist that there aren't any side effects beyond the "possible drowsiness" listed on the packaging). He said none that he is aware of, and the product wouldn't interfere with my daily asthma medication. Well, it definitely interfere with my life, desire to live, and desire to be around anyone else; asleep at 8pm only to have disturbing dreams, heart palpitations, and a heaving chest for the next 12 hours. I finally connected the dots on Day 3 -- and stopped; then I had withdrawal symptoms for two days (the same ones others listed here in this forum) New, more comprehensive Warning information needed with this product. Please. I don't want one more person to experience 60 days of hell on Earth as I did ... followed by 48 hours of awful withdrawal symptoms.	F	42	3 days 10mg 1X D		5/27/2010
1	allergies	My 4 year old son has minor alleriges so we decided to try children's Zyrtec. At first it worked to clear up his allergy symptoms that led to sinus infections, but after a while my husband and I noticed some negative side effects. My sewwt, lovable son became a nightmare. He was moody, wouldn't eat and very irritable. We had to stop for a while because of the recall and he was his normal self again. We started thinking it was because of the Zyrtec but dismissed it until he started on it again. He has been irritable again he didn't eat his lunch or dinner. We are DONE!		F	31	5 months 1/2 tsp 1X D		5/27/2010
1	seasonal allergies	My son committed suicide because of this drug. He was 18 years old with seasonal allergies. He had tried Clariton before but didn't work too well. Heard about Zyrtec and decided to try it. Was on it for two months then committed suicide. We found out he had been depressed,became withdrawn, hearing voices, not sleeping well. Never took anything else, never had any problems mentally before. Was a straight A student, happy, had everything going for him. The only thing different in his life was taking the Zyrtec. I attribute Zyrtec to his suicide! Especially after reading all the negative comments from everyone else.		F	53	2 months 10 mg 1X D		5/27/2010
1	skin rush &spring allergys	Hair loss, weight gain,restless sleep, fatigue and excessive sweating	it did work for my allergy 100% ,today is 3d day after i went off Zyrtec and slept through the night with no interruptions for 1st time since i started take and no more nightsweats and scalp burning ...and allergy is back... It helps with the allergies but the side effects are not worth it.	F	44	70 days 10 mg 1X D		5/26/2010 Email History
3	Severe Allergies, Hayfever	Severe exhaustion, Dizziness, Depression, Vivid dreams/nightmares, gas, bowel issues, Anger/Irritability, Weight Gain	This medicine worked 100% great in controlling my allergies and hayfever sx's but the side effects are unbearable! I had been considering my allergy med, as I have been pretty stable before starting this med and now this side has confirmed the cause of my sx's!	F	24	3 months 10 mg 1X D		5/25/2010
5	Allergies	None. Ever. In 10+ years of taking the medicine, from brand name to generic Kirkland and Equate versions when it came off-patent.	You people are nuts. Part of the human experience explains many of the "symptoms" that are being stated here. We all have our up and down days, but guaranteed if you kept a log of what happened and when in relation to your taking medicine (of course over a relatively long period of time), you'd unlikely find any trend suggesting that the drug creates these symptoms. I still get headaches when there are large atmospheric pressure changes, and get a little bit of a runny nose in the winter. Zyrtec helps me day to day, but in the heaviest of allergens (or even unknown events) benadryl or sudafed are the way to go. There are no panaceas for any disease. I know you all believe that the big corporations are lying to you as part of some crazy mind-control scheme, but perhaps you should take a venture into reading the literature on the drug. Just google "uspi_zyrtec.pdf" for the data sheet. The data sheet states "Most adverse reactions reported during therapy with ZYRTEC were mild or moderate. In placebo-controlled trials, the incidence of discontinuations due to adverse reactions in patients receiving ZYRTEC 5 or 10 mg was not significantly different from placebo (2.9% vs. 2.4%, respectively)." That means that there were NO patients in all 6000 patients who felt uncomfortable or experienced uncomfortable enough symptoms to stop treatment that could have been explained by more than random chance.	M	25	10 years 10mg 1X D		5/24/2010
4	Sever Allergies	Trouble Urinating. Painful urinating.		M	52	7 days 120 mg 1X D		5/24/2010
1	allergies	took zyrtec at about 10:30 in the morning..was at work and started feeling really tired and dizzy. At about 2pm I felt like I had the flu, my throat hurt so bad i couldn't swallow and it was swollen. My fever spiked up to 100.5 (i usually run about 97.9) and it was horrible. I barely slept all night, woke up about every 20 minutes with a jolt. still feeling flu-like the next day. I really hope it gets out of my system soon.	I really don't recommend this drug to anyone. I took it once and will never ever take it again.	F	23	1 days 10mg 1X D		5/24/2010 Email
1	I have really bad allergies	Depersonalization, mood swings, tiredness, general feeling of being "out of it".	I suffer from severe allergies, especially in the spring when all the pollen comes out. I used to take regular Zyrtec a few years ago back when it was available as a prescription and I felt fine. It worked great for me. A few weeks ago I bought some Zyrtec-D and began taking it as directed. One tablet every 24 hours. Within a few days I started feeling moody and I snapped at people that I love over the stupid things. That combined with the tiredness made me think I was coming down with a cold but I never did. I kept taking it and within the last few days I have had severe depersonalization. I feel as though I am watching myself from within. Like I am living without actually living and experiencing life. I stopped taking it yesterday and the feelings have lessened but I can still feel the effects of taking Zyrtec. I would rather sneeze every day than suffer with the terrifying side effects of this drug.	M	21	2 weeks 5 1X O		5/23/2010 Email
1	allergies	Wanted to sleep all the time, could not stay awake. Felt like brain was in a fog. Dizzy when walking.	Side effects are terrible. Yes, it stopped the dripping nose and eyes, but at what cost. It's been over 60 hours since last dose and I'm just now feeling normal again. Will never take this stuff again.	F	65	3 days 10mg 1X D		5/22/2010 Email
1	allergies	Depression, anxiety and severe mood swings (anger)	Clearly this drug acts as a psychotic. Very scary. Will not take again.	M	42	2 weeks 10 1X D		5/21/2010
1	allergies	extreme exhaustion. starving. confusion. mood changes. irritability. LETHARGY.	i cannot believe an antihistamine could have this affect on me. i am usually able to overcome any lethargy caused by benadryl, for example, but the exhaustion from zyrtec is disabling. plus i can't think straight. i feel crazy and like nothing is real. maybe this forum isn't even real. i am sad. usually i am happy no matter what. i am annoyed with the universe. i would rather feel ANYTHING than this. i will never take this drug again.	F	30	4 days 10 mg 1X D		5/21/2010
1	allergies	After only taking this medicine once, I expericed stomach pains,sore throat, runny nose, pressure build-up in my nose,and inability to sleep through out the night.		F	12	1 days 10mg 1X D		5/19/2010
4	seasonal allergies	I've been having the most bizarre, vivid dreams--some quite scary. I've also felt a bit depressed and have been extremely gassy. I figured the dreams might be a result of the zyrtec, but I didn't connect the depression or the gas until I visited this site. I've also had minor irritability, though it would be hard to definitively blame the zyrtec.	My seasonal allergies are almost nil. This is the best spring I've had since I moved to Michigan five years ago, and I've been hearing LOTS of people complaining about how bad it is this year.	F	41	6 weeks 1X D		5/18/2010
1	allergies	my daughter is 4 and she has been taking zyrtec for about 1 year for allergies, I recently noticed that whenever she would have a "meltdown" it was after getting zyrtec. I began to watch more closely and definitely pinpointed it to the zyrtec. She goes into almost a complete rage and becomes a totally different person. I was referring to it as a pyschotic episode-only way I could explain. Im so glad I found this website because I definitely know its the zyrtec now. It is going in the garbage and I will call her doctor tomorrow and explain and see what else we can try. I just feel bad it took me so long to realize what was causing these episodes.		F	34	1 years 2.5 ml 1X D		5/18/2010
1	Seasonal allergies	Most severe: Extreme fatigue, extremely severe dizziness, inability to remain asleep, vivid/disturbing dreams. Less severe: Mood swings (sad to angry and back), mild depression, inability to concentrate for long periods.	The fatigue and extreme dizziness were the most debilitating side effects. Upon rising from bed, I was so dizzy that I actually fell several times before making the connection to Zyrtec and stopping it. I slept poorly and no amount of sleep would reduce the severe fatigue. Dizziness was worst upon rising, but was persistent to a lesser degree throughout the day. Mood and concentration may have been a side effect of the drug and/or the poor sleep and fatigue. Sadly, it does seem to work better on my allergies than anything else I've taken, but the negative side effects FAR, FAR outweigh its benefits. Symptoms resolved themselves within 2-3 days of stopping the medication. I'll just have to buy tissues and suffer. My nose may run, but at least the room won't be spinning all the time.	M	45	45 days 10 mg 1X D		5/18/2010
2	allergies	I was so tired & exhausted all the time. It only helped some of my eye symptoms, it didn't really help my nasal symptoms.	I took a generic version.	F	44	20 days 10mg 1X D		5/17/2010
1	allergy symptoms	It made me beyond exhausted, and it did the same thing to my boyfriend. For about an entire day, all I wanted to do was sleep. However, I felt tired no matter how much I slept; sleep didn't make me feel rested. While awake, I felt anxious and my ability to concentrate was squashed. Meanwhile, my allergy symptoms were still pretty bad! The medicine only helped a little bit. I'm never taking a medicine with cetirizine hydrochloride again. It felt as if I hadn't slept for days, and couldn't get any relief.	I took Target's generic version, but it's the same as Zyrtec and even says to compare the two on the box.	F	25	1 days 1X D		5/16/2010 Email
1	seasonal allergy	Exhaustion and severe anger.	Additional warnings are needed for this drug. Use caution if operating an auto or machinery!	M	48	4 days 1X D		5/16/2010
5	seasonal allergies	none	No side effects, seems to work well. Zyrtec D is also good for those times when your allergies combine with a cold and you get a higher level of congestion.	F	38	10 mg 1X D		5/14/2010
4	year round allergies	I have not experienced any side effects at all. Also, my six year old started taking this product a few months ago - and she has not experienced any side effects either. I am with the person who posted above in saying that the only people who seem to leave ratings are those with freakishly bizarre side effects. This product has worked well for us (and several friends of ours) for years and nobody I have talked to in person has experienced and side effects from it. :)		F	41	4 years 10mg 1X D		5/14/2010
2	seasonal allergies	Restless less syndrome, rapid heartbeat, a sensation of my entire body vibrating, occasional difficulty sleeping, anxiety, tired feeling during the day. I take the tablet at night, just before bed.	It did work on the allergies. I had constant post nasal drip from mold and pollen allergies. The drip caused coughing and other typical allergy symptoms. The generic Zyrtec did clear this up quite a bit, not completely. But the side effects are too much to put up with, so I'm quitting the Zyrtec. I'd rather have allergies.	F	59	90 days 10 mg 1X D		5/13/2010
1	Asthma	Massive appetite increase and gained 14 pounds. Sleepy all the time.	I couldn't understand why I was gaining weight all of a sudden and started thinking about what was different and realized that my doctor had added the Zyrtec. I stopped taking it and within 4 days I've lost 10 pounds.	F	43	30 days 10mg 1X D		5/13/2010
1	Seasonal Allergies	Withdrawl, Abdominal Cramping, Foggy, *INTENSE* scary dreams	Always suffered from IBS but had been without a flare for almost a year then suddenly was hit with extreme cramping etc. Traced it back to this med so I stopped taking it. If I go without it I get itchy (ears, face, scalp, hands etc)and get a MASSIVE headache complete with nausea. At first I thought it was just a normal migraine but it didn't follow the right pattern and lasted for days. Horrible medication and there needs to at least be warnings of these side effects on the package.	F	25	3 weeks 5mg 1X D		5/12/2010 Email
1	All year allergy and astma	Non expect a bit drowsy	After taking zyrtec over 15 years (first 5 years seasonal afterwards all year long) it doesn't seem to help anymore. It used to work really good. But now still sniffing and sneezing all day long. But if I don't take it, (I tried to quit zyrtec) I'll be itchy all over and can't sleep. Can't go walking with the dogs 'cause my legs start to itch unbearably. However reading all these comments I will quit this evil Zyrtec....	F	30	15 years 10 mg 1X D		5/12/2010
4	seasonal allergies	No side effects whatsoever. I really want to try and put some people's minds at rest because it seems the only people who ever leave ratings are people who have had freakishly negative experiences with a particular drug and this may well deter others from trying a drug which might actually help them. Zyrtec gave me ZERO side effects.		F	46	1X D		5/11/2010
1	Allergies	My daughter just started taking Zyrtec. Today the school called and said she was having a nervous break down. She is not the same kid. She is depressed, has anxiety, and talking about things a child her age should not even remember. I feel horrible for giving her this drug. She keeps saying "mommy I'm sad inside."	I called the doctor and he said to take her off of it immediately. Why do they prescribe it if there is this many problems????	F	5	13 days 5mg 1X D		5/11/2010
1	Allergies	Sleepy but I couldn't stay asleep for very long. Once I woke up I felt really weird. I felt like I was gonna have a panic attack or cry. A few hours latter I was sweating a lot and I became very cold. I also felt disoriented. Later that night I became very sick and thought I might even have to go to the hospital. It's two days latter and I'm still under the weather just not as sick. If I had taken any more whose to say I wouldn't have been dead.	I only took one I didn't need another one to increase the negative side effects. I had to go to work the day I took it for the first time only to find out several people had similar side effects. Also only to find out they were still taking it but said they took it at night. This is not candy if you are experiencing these type of side effects don't play Russian roulette stop taking it. I would never recommend taking this pill there are other pills on the market or you could get allergy shots.	F	34	1 days 10 mg 1X D		5/9/2010
1	allergies	I became so angry over almost nothing at all. Co-workers and family noticed behavior. Would fly off handle for literally small issues. This is the second time I tried this with the same negative effects.		F	58	2 weeks 10 mgs 1X D		5/8/2010
1	Seasonal allergies	Extreme fatigue, restlessness, general anxiety, depression	Ironic that the latest Zyrtec commercials show allergy sufferers getting ready to go golfing and bicycling after taking the drug since just one dose left me beyond exhausted within an hour. i cannot over-emphasize how tired Zyrtec makes me feel; I knew something was wrong because I never sleep during the day but I felt myself drifting off while driving, reading, watching TV and working. I could tell that if I actually let myself fall asleep, it would be the kind of deep sleep that goes on for hours but leaves you feeling groggy and disoriented upon waking. I don't know too many people who can take 12 hours out of their day to sleep! Luckily I bought the box with five pills because I will never take this drug again. I would rather sneeze 100 times per day than ever feel this low again.	F	30	5 days 10 mg 1X D		5/8/2010
2	seasonal allergies	extreme exhaustion, headaches, body aches, flu like symptoms. Urinary tract infection	This medication worked great for me for the first 5 weeks. Weeks 5-8 were absolutely horrific. I thought had a horrible case of the flu. My body hurt so badly I could barely lift my arms. I could barely work all day (sitting at a desk) and have to come home and sleep for 2-3 hours just to make it to 10pm. The light bulb went came on for me when I read that a side effect is the urinary tract infection. I had an infection 3 weeks ago and had not ever had one prior in my life (39 yrs). It was such a gradual change for me that I had no idea that it was the zyrtec making me feel this way, just thought it was the allergies... 2 days off and I feel amazing again... allergies and all... I'd rather deal with allergies than feeling that way ever again.	F	39	2 months 1X D		5/7/2010
1	Allergies	Horrible over the top anger about things that do not matter. I went into a rage at a drugstore because the sale price was not ringing up properly three hours after I took one single dose. So not at all like me. Horribly scary. I really understand how people can do horrible violent thing while taking this.	This is a terrible drug. It should not be sold to adults or children as in instantly creates deep dark strange anger. It also exhausted me for days afterward. I feel as if I took poison. It makes me very afraid that I bought this the day it was recalled and it was still on shelves at Walmart. I would rather sneeze 60 times in a row than want to harm people and be a raving lunatic.	F	37	1 days 1X D		5/5/2010 Email
1	Seasonal Allergies	I tried samples of zyrtec when it first came out to control my really extreme seasonal allergies. After only 2 doses I became extremely moody and aggressive and immediately discontinued use. I now use raw, local honey to control my seasonal allergies and have been symptom free for two years.		F	24	2 days 15 1X D		5/4/2010
2	seasonal allergies/sinus infections	aided with allergy symptom relief, but eventually led to anxiety, depression, intense dreams/commonly waking up at night, thoughts of suicide and self harm	I was suggested to take zyrtec daily for constant allergy symptoms I started getting from living in a large dorm in Boston. I initially noticed no side effects even though I had been told about negative symptoms from a friend that her younger brother had experienced. Only now, a year later, have I realized that some of the issues I've faced in the last year were most likely a cause of this antihistamine. Unfortunately, it has been the only allergy medicine that has worked for me, but was definitely not worth the hell that I went through this past year. I'm now faced with challenges of withdrawal as I've only recently stopped taking it but would recommend to EVERYONE to look into the very negative side effects and how to best stop taking this pill as SOON AS POSSIBLE. thanks to everyone else who posted.	F	19	1 years 5 or 10 mg 1X D		5/3/2010 Email
4	seasonal and pet allergies	Maybe makes me a little tired.	I have bad allergies and Zyrtec is the best; if I go off it, I am sicker than a dog within two weeks. Recently started Flonase, felt better, then thought I could give up Zytec. I have a sinus infection and asthma (just developed), because I went off Zyrtec -- now I am back on, and it is helping. When I'd tried to go off, after three days I was itching like crazy all over, but that only lasted a day and a half (I think until I adjusted to being off). Anyway, I obviously cannot go without Zyrtec. Not being on it makes me so sick; my allergies are so bad this time of year especially, but I need to take it all year round.	F	49	5 years 10 mg 1X D		5/2/2010
1	allergy	My nine year old Grandson is experiencing side effects from the use of the generic brand (cetirzine)10 mg purchased by his parents at Walmart. He is having irregular heartbeat, mental and mood changes, difficulty breathing and tightness in his chest. I have addressed these problems with his parents and they blame it on behavior problems and will not take him off of this drug. Please help other children who parents relate everything to behavior problems that is clearly being caused by this drug. The Generic drugs should also be recalled, they have many bad side effects that are being ignored by parents. Please help to get the word out about the generic drugs too so they will have to recall them too.	Do not give any of drugs to your children including the generic brand. They are all bad, stop blaming their behavior on ADHD, Aspergers, etc. It is the drug causing your children problems. Parents please wake up. I am doing what I can to get my grandson off of these drugs but unfortunately Grandparents have no rights.	M	9	90 days 10 mg 1X D		5/2/2010 Email
1	hay fever/allergies	Extreme mood swings, anger, irritability, violent behavior.	My 9 year old son has been taking Zyrtec for the past few weeks. Until I saw this website with all the comments, we thought he was losing his mind. He has been extremely angry, irritable, and impulsive. He's been violent and lashing out at my husband and I, as well as our younger daughter. When we ask him what's going on with him, he began to cry saying "I don't know. I just feel so angry." Now I know that it most definitely has to be the Zyrtec. I can't believe this. This was recommended by his pediatrician too. I had a suspicion that the Zyrtec might have been an influence. I feel aweful that we've been giving him this drug and the anger has been the end result. I'm throwing this product out. Thank you to all of the other people who made comments.	M	9	2 weeks 10mg 1X D		5/2/2010
3	spring allergies	Take pill at night before bed. Does not make drowsy, but I do sleep longer once I go to bed. Sometimes I'm tired in mornings. Helps alleviate some symptoms. No other effects		F	21	1 months 1X D		4/30/2010
1	Allergies	Rapid heart beat, feeling jittery, inability to concentrate, anger, anxiety, emotional downfall.	I originally started taking Zyrtec when I was 16-17 years old for seasonal allergies. I was not the same person. I was tired, moody, and generally felt "out of it". I stopped taking it after a couple of months and was fine after that. Since then I have just suffered with allergies because althought Zyrtec works the best- the side affects weren't worth it to me. Fast forward to 8 years later, yesterday I figured I would try it again as my allergies were getting really bad, and thought maybe something had changed in the last few years. After about an hour I started getting a rapid/fluttery heart beat, felt jittery, but also out of it at the same time. Could not focus on my work, and later when I met my mom, step dad, and boyfriend at a casino for dinner I got so anxious and irritated that I was holding back tears and anger the whole time. I was not the bubbly, funny, happy, goofy person I normally am.	F	24	1 days 1 tablet 1X D		4/30/2010 Email
5	Year round allergies	I haven't experienced any noticeable side effects.	I have been taking zyrtec for about 3 years. I am allergic to trees, grass, weeds, dust, mold, and animals. I had never been able to sleep with my mouth closed before I took Zyrtec. I also had very sensitive skin which was almost always itchy and would welt up when I scratched it. I couldn't wear any kind of lipstick/chapstick with color or flavor because it gave me a sore throat and made the area around my mouth turn red. Zyrtec has not completely cured my night breathing problems, but it has made them tons better. The biggest difference is that I am rarely itchy. it used to be that once I started scratching, I couldn't stop and sometimes, I would end up bleeding. I am so happy not to have to worry about that anymore. My skin still welts up if I scratch it, but I hardly ever do. I also don't have to worry about wearing chapstick or lipstick. On top of that, my seasonal allergies have gone away. Zyrtec has been great for me.	F	21	10 mg 1X D		4/29/2010
1	Allergies	aggressive, hyper, angry, violent	Zyrtec worked good for my sons allergy symtoms, but not without HORRIBLE side effects. In just a couple of days my son became a completely different child.	M	5	3 days 1/2 t 2X D		4/28/2010 Email
1	Dr. diagnosed - atopic dermatitis	sleepy, irritable, angry, can't think clearly, illogical thoughts	The side effects of this drug sneaked up on me. I thought it was one of those non-drowsy drugs so the sleepy lethargic feelings were blamed on the fact that I thought I was getting older really quick. I am usually a nice even tempered person and responded with rage to someone that I love for something that may have otherwise made me mad but not vengeful. I also lectured a man in the grocery store yesterday because he took too long to pick out his lemons. Oh my gosh -- who is this insane woman? After I snapped at a few other people today I tried to analyze what was going on with me. I remembered that the Dr had given me zyrtec for my itchy skin a couple of weeks ago. I decided to look at the side effects and irritability is not given as one of the most prevalent side effects listed by the drug company. Anyway, I decided to look further and found this website and was relieved to hear that I'm most likely not losing my mind but suffering from taking this drug. I'll not take it again and hopefully my nasty alter ego will go away.	F	49	2 weeks 10mg 1X D		4/28/2010
3	Tree Pollen Allergy	Severe mood swings, rage, thoughts of suicide, teeth chattering, shaking, cold sweats.	I took two pills. The first time I ended up in a massive fight with a bunch of my friends and threatened to quit my job for no reason before nearly attempting to commit suicide. The next day I was very depressed and slept for 19 hours. The symptoms went away after two days and I blew it off as just one of those things. I took a second dose later in the week and slept for 14 hours, had mild hallucinations, and was in a walking dream-like state all day. When I got home I got into another fight and threatened to knife someone I didn't agree with while making irrational arguments over absolutely nothing. I then became so depressed and suicidal that if I had had anything poisonous in the house I wouldn't be here right now - it was like it sucked all of the light and joy out of me and all that was left was emotional anguish. I had cold sweats, shaking, teeth chattering. It was like having withdrawal from a narcotic, and that's when I put two and two together. I'm normally laid back, outgoing, and friendly. This drug needs a warning label.	F	24	2 days 10 mg 1X D		4/26/2010
3	Allergies Year Round	Dizziness, Vivid Dreams, Respitory Infection, Tiredness.	I've only been taking it for three days and i've already experienced really bad diziness and i have a respitory infection. But that means it is working because it's draining my nose out. Just the dizzy times are overwhelming and i've had verrrrrry weird dreams!	F	14	3 days 30 1X D		4/25/2010
2	Allergies	Sleeplessness,Severe skin irritation and weight gain	Until I found this web site, I had no idea that Zyrtec could be causing the problems that I was having. I have always had sensitive skin, but lately have been having a rash on my hands and arms that I couldn’t get cleared up (skin lesions, general rash). I went to the Dermatologist and he prescribed topical medication for the rash. I used the medication for 4 weeks and wasn’t getting any better. Rather than go back to the Dermatologist and get a biopsy (which according to the doctor was the next step) I started investigation the side effects of the prescription medications that I was taking and started eliminating the ones that I didn’t absolutely have to take and still no change in my skin irritation. Now I started eliminating the OTC medications that I take. I have been off of Zyrtec for about 4 days now and my skin is finally starting to clear up (YEA!!!). I would have never guessed that Zyrtec could be causing the problem. I have also noticed that in general I am feeling better (better outlook on life, more energy, and clear headed).	F	41	2 years 10 1X D		4/25/2010
2	Allergies	Sleepiness	It made me sleepy, drowsy; going back to Claritin, even though Zyrtec prevented allergy symptoms better	M	30	3 days 10 MG 1X D		4/23/2010
1	For very bad hayfever	I suffered from feeling depressed, extreme anger and at one point lost control and became violent, which frightened my family and me. My wife urged me to come of the drug because she put two and two together as this was not my personality trait. This drug which is also in Pyreteze and many of the one a day allergy tablets. I went to the pharmacist in Sainsbury who looked up side effects in her book and she confirmed that depression was one of them.	I would rather suffer from hayfever than ever recommend this dreadful product!	M	42	5 days 1X D		4/22/2010
3	allergies, indoors and outdoors	I was on Zyrtec in 2001 before it went OTC. I don't know if it's different being prescribed or OTC, but it worked great on my allergies and I experienced only one side effect: a ravenous appetite! I took it for a year, and somehow I didn't gain weight. I exercised a lot. Feeling like I was starving every minute was horrible. I definitely was eating more to try to satisfy the hunger pains, but it didn't matter how much I ate--I would never feel satisfied. That affected my sleep because I can't fall asleep if I feel hungry. That was such a huge side effect that I asked my doctor to put me on another medication. I've tried all kinds of allergy meds, and Zyrtec did work the second best for me. (Seldane-D was the best by far.) Other allergy meds just don't really do anything for me. But I couldn't be on a medicine with such a terrible side effect, and I'm sure I would've started gaining weight. I had talked to five other people when I was taking Zyrtec, who also took it, and the		F	45	12 months 30 mg. 1X D		4/21/2010
5	Asthma/Allergy	It "cured" my asthma symptoms, except for the once a year bronchitis. I LOVED how it worked, but started noticing extreme mood swings, menstrual problems, and weight gain...about 15 pounds in one year	Just stopped 3 days ago, already feeling better, less "foggy" and less moody. Actually have energy!	F	41	900 days 10 1X D		4/19/2010
1	allergies	Dizzy,foggy,"bubble guts"flatulence,nausea,etc,lips felt odd they burnt and tingled,back pain,wired and exhausted at same time.	Got zyrtec for seasonal allergies,im not a big pill person maybe once or twice a year I need anything but my face felt like it was going to split from tree pollen so I went to the store and caved on some OTC zyrtec.One measly pill in and I can breathe! Wonderful right? Well yeah and no,breathing is great racking your brain for two hours because you cannot remember the word for banana not so great.All in all im not impressed by the new generation of allergy relief that little blister pack brags about.At least one thing on the little demon pills is correct,it really does last 24 hours.....yay.	F	34	1 days 10mg 1X D		4/19/2010
1	Sinuses/Ears	Mood swings, depression, extreme fatigue, weakness, dizziness	I would not recommend this medication to anyone after just one day I notice I felt angry then after the third day I was in such a horrible mood and so exhausted I would snap at anyone that came near me or looked in my direction. I would wake up and be ok but within an hour of being awake I couldn't hold my eyes open the rest of the day. It's definately not a safe drug to be taking and really should be looked into again as far as warnings and side effects are concerned.	F	37	3 days 10mg 1X D		4/19/2010
1	Seasonal Allergies	Strange dreams and thoughts of suicide. Panic attacks and depression. Loss of ability to focus or remember simple daily tasks. Headaches & stomach aches. Extreme paranoia. Facial hives and jaw pain. Dry mouth occurs and libido decreases.	At first the medication helps with allergy symptoms but it needs to be regularly taken and after that additional symptoms of panic attacks and depression begin to occur.	M	33	8 days 10 mg 1X D		4/19/2010
2	Seasonal allergies	Vivid, strange dreams, severe stomach doscomfort, excessive gas.	I started taking zyrtec, well generic zyrtec about 10 days ago, after about two days i was having very strange dreams, unlike my normal ones. About 6 days after starting it i was experienceng severe stomach discomfort, no vomitting or dhiarrea, just a sour feeling, along with excessive gas. I didnt really put it all together until i stumbled upon this page, and it was a great help. I started thinking there was something wrong to me, but now it is clear that zyrtec is to blame	M	27	10 days 10mg 1X D		4/18/2010
1	Allergies	My son who has seasonal allergies told me about it so I thought I'd get off the Allegra D and give it a try. I take allergy medication year round. At first it was great, but then now after finding this site, I know why I felt the way I did. I am usually an upbeat and happy person, I was crabby, depressed, hungry all the time, could not explain why I gained 20 pounds in 5 months, I was blaming menopause, but the amount of weight gained was ridiculous. Also had blurry vision, didn't have too much trouble sleeping like some people. Anyway after another depressing day of no clothes fitting, I googled Zyrtec and found out about the weight gain issue. Thank goodness, I immediately went off the medication cold turkey.	It's been 7 days, I've lost 3 pounds so far without trying, feel like my head is out of a fog, but the worst part is the itching! Unbelievable itching! It just started yesterday and I thought I was going to go crazy, at one point it started at my calves and worked it's way up to my shoulders, very weird. Today so far my palms just itch, hopefully it won't last too long. I'm trying to go without allergy medication to see exactly where I stand since I've been on it so long.	F	49	5 months 10 mg 1X D		4/18/2010
1	seasonal allergies	shortened sleep cycles, lethargy, irritability, insomnia, disorientation, rapid/irregular heart beat	Like many others, seasonal allergies that have never been a real issue before are knocking me out this year. Zyrtec was great for the first couple weeks, then started losing it's effectiveness at night. I will be symptom free for an hour, then suffer allergies for an hour. I skate in and out of sleep, confused and disoriented, and in the morning I never feel like I've gotten any rest. Go through the day like a cranky robot. Now that I know other people are having these problems I am pitching this stuff and making an appointment with an allergist first thing on Monday.	F	30	2 months 120 1X D		4/18/2010
5	allergies	none	so far it works great	M	49	5 days 10 mg 1X D		4/16/2010
1	Allergies	Only took it for a couple of weeks on and off, but took it steadily for about a week and became extremely lethargic, I couldn't focus, and I had a definite mood change (and definitely not in a good way). As soon as I stopped taking it I felt a definite improvement in brain activity within a day and felt better overall. I flushing it down the toilet.		M	29	6 days 10 mg 1X D		4/16/2010
1	allergies	foggy and exhausted	I can't find an allergy medicine that doesn't cause me to want to sleep all day.	F	36	1 days 10 mg 1X D		4/15/2010
1	Allergies	Mood swings, change in mental state, irrational thinking, dream like states, severe stomach pain, insomnia, crying at the drop of a hat, loss of focus, depression, anger	Don't take this medication. Helps a little with the allergies but rather suffer with the allergies than take this drug again.	F	19	3 weeks 10 mg 1X D		4/15/2010
1	Allergies	Sleepiness, being in a dream like state, memory lapses	I took one table for severe seasonal allergies and Zyrtec did relieve my congestion however the following morning I overslept, and awoke feeling like I was in a dream. The entire day was a blur and when I came home I was so exhausted I took a nap. This may work for some people but I won't be taking it again. Ever.	M	50	1 days 1 tablet 1X D		4/15/2010
1	allergies	itching all over my body, developed vaginitis		F	57	3 weeks 30mg 1X D		4/14/2010
1	Allergies	I have been extremely angry and depressed for the last three days. I also started having flu-like symptoms, so I got on-line looking for Zyrtec side effects because I had just started using the Zyrtec Liquid Gels three days ago.	I am very glad I found the comments about Zyrtec causing mood changes. I had no idea that it might be the cause of my sudden anger. I feel very tired and have flu-like body aches. I will report back if my symptoms disappear after I stop the Zyrtec.	F	69	3 days 10mg 1X D		4/14/2010
5	seasonal allergies	I started to feel drowsy/tired, but I think it was a combination of the fact that I had taken it at the end of a long day of non-stop sneezing. The allergies had exhausted me and the Zyrtec maybe just completely relaxed me into sleep.	I only take Zyrtec about once or twice a season. It is usually enough to get me through. I'd say I have moderate symptoms but then I'd have one day where I cannot stop sneezing and tearing and at that point I take a Zyrtec (I'm afraid to take it too much). I'll then be free of symptoms for a good 4-5 days. It'll come back, but it won't be severe. On those days I do a saline nose spray and otherwise am able to live with it without suffering too much. Regarding children, I have given my 6 year old the child's Zyrtec formula. But I do a much lower dose - I give him *slightly* more than what is prescribed for 2-5 year olds. The teacher reported that he had a sleepy morning that day but otherwise we saw nothing else, and my son said he felt so much better. In his case too the relief lasted several days.	F	41	1 days 10 mg 1X D		4/13/2010
1	Allergies	Complete change of mental state.	Glad I found this site. Started taking yesterday and have been in a complete bitter state since. This drug may work for some or it wouldn't be so popular but for others... watch out. If you take and your nose clears up but you wish everyone around you would just drop dead and you curse everytime your phone rings... probably not the drug for you. Glad it only took my 24hrs to figure this out instead of the 6 months, year, 2 years it took others on this site. In addition, I have all the other negative side effects listed, increased appitite, sleepy, etc. So it must be an all or nothing proposistion. You either are fine with it and you have no side effects or you have all. Suggestion, buy the 5 pack - take one - if it works great. However, if you notice any of the negative side effects, toss them out and move on. It won't get any better, it will only get worse.	M	42	2 days 10 1X D		4/13/2010
1	allergies	I took this as well as my 3.5 year old daughter, I took this med. at night and the next day I was so exhausted. Could have slept all day. No energy to do anything. Felt very grumpy, and hungry all day. Couldn't stop eating. My daughter also was very grumpy, hitting things, and hungry all the time that day. I will not take this medication again. My daughter is normally very happy, never hits anything.		F	33	1 days 5mg 1X D		4/13/2010
3	Seasonal allergies	I took the one pill once a day right before I went to bed, and it definitely relieved all my symptoms and made me feel great. HOWEVER, I noticed that--even though it had been 12 hours or more since taking the pill--I became VERY tired in the afternoon and evening. Like so tired I fell asleep! This is unlike me.	I believe this pill also gave me strange dreams, like even stranger than the ones I normally have.	F	35	5 days 1X D		4/12/2010 Email
1	allergies	Daughter 3 1/2-- really scarry to see my outgoing child turn into a non expressive sad child! She hasn't taken this for some time, but each time I give it this reaction occurs. Same with singular.		F	3	1/2 tsp 2X D		4/12/2010
1	Allergies	Hyperactivity, moodiness, argumentative, irrational, loss of focus, headaches	We put my son on this for his allergies 3 weeks ago. He started having some issues in school, but we thought it was because he hadn't been at karate lately. I took him off the med for a week to see if it was really helping, his behavior returned to normal. However, we put him back on it 3 days ago and he had one of his worse days at school ever. I finally realize it wasn't his karate that was the problem (he's been in lessons consistently), but the Zyrtec. I Googled to see about side effects and sure enough, he's had very similar negative experiences. I also took the 20mg dose a couple of times and had two of the worse migraines I have ever had. I have a very high pain tolerance and I was actually afraid I might have an aneurysm, it was that bad. This drug will never be in my home again. I am rating this for my son as it is more important that people know how awful the side effects can be for children.	M	6.5	18 days 10 mg 1X D		4/12/2010
5	Severe, Year-Round Allergies	none	Zyrtec is the only allergy drug that has worked for me. Claritin and Allegra do nothing to relieve my itchy throat, eyes, and nose. There are warnings of drowsiness, but I have not experienced this, nor any other side effects related to taking this medicine. My major allergies are every type of grass, oak and pine pollen, seasonal weeds, cats, shedding dogs, dust...you name it, I'm probably allergic to it. March and April are the absolute worst months for my allergies, and Zyrtec helps to minimize my torment, though, during these months, Zyrtec cannot completely eliminate my symptoms.	M	26	5 years 10 mg 1X D		4/6/2010
3	Asthama/Severe Allergies	WEIGHT GAIN! About 15-lbs or more? Extreme fatigue, sometimes jittery even though I feel like I can sleep too. Turned into a rip roaring "B" to my boyfriend if I drink alcohol with it! Dryed out nostrils in the morning, stuffiness.	I'm glad to hear that it wasn't my imagination about the Zyrtec causing the weight gain. I can't win...I suffer from allergies/asthma or gain weight and don't suffer. Wonderful.	F	44	4 months 5 MG 1X D		4/6/2010 Email
1		My 6 yr old son had severe behavioral changes within 24 hrs of taking this drug. He was getting bad behavior reports from school that week. He was depressed, cried over little things, had angry tantrums, was violent,incontinence, sleep disruption and falls from the bed. The only change in his routine was the medicine. I remembered the pharmacist saying it differes from claritin in that it works using the central nervous system (we were not getting any results from claritin). I put the pieces together and took him off the drug and already 24 hrs later he is almost back to normal. This is not for every kid - watch their behavior closely if you try the drug. The label does warn of "mental or mood changes."		M	6	10 days 1X D		4/6/2010
1	My son's pediatrician reccomended	My 5 year old son took it and by the third day his behavior was very strange and he had this perpetual sad or tired expression on his face. He was very moody. Just asking him the wrong question would create an angry response. He became whiney and clingy- very unusual for my son because he is generally very independent and cheerful. Where he is generally understanding and forgiving, he was verbally resentful towards me. By the end of day 4 I could not think of anything that would create such a DRASTIC and absurd change EXCEPT something new. I decided it was the zyrtec and googled side effects. Ta da, There are way too many children under 7 years old with these side effects.		M	5	4 days 5 mg 1X D		4/5/2010
3	ALLERGIES	Weird Dream, "Hit by a truck" feeling when waking up, Oversleeping	I took a Zyrtec pill and after having the weirdest dream ever, I woke up 5 hours late and feeling like I had been hit by a truck. It did stop my sneezing.	F	18	1 days 10 1X D		4/4/2010
2	Seasonal allergies	Vomiting, violent shaking, 17 hours sleep	Can't think of anything else that was different in the food that I consumed during the day and I haven't had symptoms this violent before.	M	52	1 days 10 mg 1X D		4/3/2010
1	Allergies	Dry mouth, had breath	Getting off is tough...heart palpitations, chills, sweats, sensation of yoke around shoulders, chest pains	F	55	12 months 10mg 1X D		4/2/2010 Email
1	allergies	heart palpitations-rapid and irregular heart beats; severe muscle pain-leg cramps and bursitis;chronic fatigue-felt exhausted all the time; nosebleeds; mental fog-unable to concentrate; difficulty finishing a sentence because I would forget what I was saying;major weight gain-40 lbs in a year.	The palpitations caused me to be diagnosed with atrial fibrillation in the ER a month ago. My leg muscle pain was so bad I couldn't walk 1/4 of a block. Bursitis so bad at night I couldn't sleep. I stopped taking Zyrtec 4 days ago and everything except the palpitations has disappeared. AVOID ZYRTEC !!!	M	55	2 years 10 mg 1X D		4/2/2010 History

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Average rating for drug: 2.1. This page is printer-friendly; use landscape print with background color turned on.

Key to ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine.

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