Drug Ratings for ZYRTECAverage Rating: 2.1 (1498 Ratings)
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Results are sorted by Date Rating Was Added from oldest to most recent Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.) Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 |
| RATING | REASON | SIDE EFFECTS FOR ZYRTEC | COMMENTS | SEX | AGE | DURATION/ DOSAGE | DATE ADDED |
  | F M | | | | |||
| 2 | allergies | | 12/25/2000 | 2 | allergies | none | have not noticed any changes in allergies | M | 13 | | 12/25/2000 | 1 | Allergies | Change in behavior of our 7 year old son. He also did not feel right on the medication. | Did not clear up the runny nose. It did lower occurrances of sneezing. | M | 7 | 3 weeks | 6/10/2001 | 4 | Allergies | None | Has had no side effects and has reduced allergies probably 85%. I am very satisified | F | 28 | 2 months | 6/22/2001 | 3 | | 10/16/2001 | 3 | possible allergies | its knocked me out . and made me drowsy. | M | 26 | | 11/1/2001 | 4 | allergies | dry mouth, increased reaction to alcoholo | M | 41 | 5 days | 11/4/2001 | 3 | allergys | fatigue, drugged feeling | F | 23 | 6 months | 11/28/2001 | 1 | allergies | Utter fatigue and drowsiness. | I will not continue this medication, because I cannot function well being so fatigued. | F | 62 | 1 weeks | 12/24/2001 | 5 | Allergies/Hives | No side effects. | Zyrtec works great for me. I take it everyday. If I miss even one dose, I break out in hives. | F | 45 | 1 years | 2/4/2002 | 3 | M | 32 | | 6/10/2002 | 3 | Pet dander/dust mite allergy | None | Reduced but did not eliminate sneezing and coughing. Worked okay for about two years but now it seems that either my allergies have gotten worse or my body has built up a resistance to it. | M | 45 | 3 years | 6/11/2002 | 3 | seasonal allergies (hives) | drowsiness, dizziness | You only take it once a day, but the drug started to wear off long before the end of the day. However, relief is felt within about 15 minutes of taking it. | F | 31 | 2 years | 6/13/2002 | 5 | hives | need to take at bedtime because it causes severe drowiness | F | 31 | 6 months | 9/26/2002 | 5 | allergies | F | 36 | 2 years | 11/5/2002 | 5 | clear nasal congestion | dry mouth | excellent drug...worked much better than claritin for me..A+++ | M | 16 | 30 days | 11/7/2002 | 3 | | 11/14/2002 | 2 | eye allergies | extremely sleepy...I couldn't get myself out of bed in the morning. Such a dry mouth that I had to drink large amounts of liquids all day to feel satisfied. My mental state was "loopy"...I couldn't concentrate and felt it was unsafe for me to be driving, I was that out of it. | There should be a stricter warning concerning the sleepiness and altered mental state. I stopped taking the drug immediately because the side effects were so terrible. Claritin never gave me these types of side effects! | F | 32 | 1 days | 11/25/2002 | 1 | allergies | I experienced severe cns and disassociative episodes while on zyrtec for 1 month. | If you are taking this medication and feel in anyway that your mood or emotional affect has changed, it probably has and is due to zyrtec. Please contact your doctor immediately. | M | 27 | 1 months | 2/21/2003 | 1 | allergies | I felt as if I were becoming depressed, but not sad or melacholic. It was as if I couldn't taste, smell, see, or hear things as clearly as I used to. I felt numb...emotional and (physical) sense-wise. Increased tendency to | I would never ever recommend that anyone take this med. Claritin makes you sleepy, but zyrtec makes you dull, in a very very bad way. If you are taking this med and you feel like this, talk to your doctor. I did and it turns out this is a known side effect, just not one that is made much of. It should be. I am honestly surprised it has not been taken off the market. It seems dangerous. | F | 31 | 3 months | 2/21/2003 | 2 | allergies | I felt tired and had a headache | F | 35 | 4 days | 3/14/2003 | 5 | Allergies | None | Zyrtc is the best medication I have ever taken. It works as fast as 20 minutes and lasts all day long. I have taken Claritin and Allegra and neither one of them even touch my allergies. You've got to ask your physician about this one. | M | 28 | 2 years | 4/30/2003 | 1 | allergies, congestion | depression and extreme emotional sensitivity in my 8yr old son | he was back to normal when he stopped taking zyrtec | M | 8 | 3 weeks | 5/21/2003 | 3 | hayfever type symptoms | Drowsiness.Could possibly be dependency forming.Dry mouth.Dehydrated. | Im usually a light sleeper but with zyrtec I sleep very deeply.More like a tranquilizer than an antihistamine although I do find it to be helpful if taken at the first sign of symptoms appearing.If my attack becomes full blown before I take it,it does nothing.Im concerned about becoming too dependant on antihistamines because Ive noticed the more I take them the more frequent are my attacks when Im not using them thus I keep taking thus creating a vicious cycle. | M | 35 | 1 years | 6/19/2003 | 1 | allergies | Um, allergies. | Does Zyrtec even work? | M | 29 | 4 months | 8/11/2003 | 5 | Dermographism | None | I developed dermographism and was prescribed zyrtec(10mg)and ranitidine(150mg) and both worked like a charm. The dermographism has finally gone after nearly 3 years, but if it wasn't for the Zyrtec, I don't know what I would have done. | M | 37 | 3 years | 1/12/2004 | 4 | Asthma, allergies | slight sleepiness | Tried Claritin, but it did nothing. Zyrtec is very expensive. | F | 3 years | 2/23/2004 | 1 | allergic rhinitis | none, and none with my son | Didn't seem to do anything at all for either me or my son. Flonase works much better for me.......100% better. For my son, he has to use albuterol, patanol (for his eyes) and flonase plus zyrtec when the allergies kick up during Tball season.....otherwise he is a coughing, pussy eyed, boggy sinused poor little pool of a mess. I don't think the zyrtec does anything for either of us! | F | 28 | 4 years | 3/25/2004 | 4 | chronic allergies | tiredness, fatigue, back ache? | F | 37 | 3 years | 4/22/2004 | 3 | dermatitis | none | it didn't do away with dermatitis to my satisfaction, but helps. | M | 30 | 2 years | 4/27/2004 | 4 | chronic allergies/sinusitis | Extreme sleepiness during the day. | The medication is more efective than Claritin or Allegra for treating my allergies, but the side effects make it impossible for me to function. I get so sleepy that I can't safely drive a car, which I need to do regularly for work. It took about two months of regular use for the drowsiness to appear. I now use the drug only on occasions when my allergies are at their worst. The drowsiness does not seem to be nearly as bad with occasional use. | M | 46 | 6 months | 5/6/2004 | 5 | hives | none | I took 1/2 of a 10mg pill each night. If I missed one day, it was okay, but the 2nd day, I needed it to prevent hives from erupting. Not taking any meds now, b/c doctor and allergist running tests to see if it's something other than allergies. | F | 28 | 20 days | 5/21/2004 | 5 | SAR | None | Great Stuff! | M | 25 | 2 years | 5/22/2004 | 1 | hives | sleepiness,fatigue,dull,chestpain | M | 28 | 2 months | 6/2/2004 | 2 | Sinus problems, Allergies to Dander | After about the 3rd week I started to notice that it was getting harder and harder for me to stay awake. Also, I seemed to be more depresses and unmotivated. Noticed during the third week my tongue swelling. Also found that I can't focus. | On the plus, I don't have major allergic reactions to dander. But found that it would be better to take benydril before going to a friends house with pets. | M | 30 | 22 days | 6/23/2004 | 4 | anaphylaxis, allergies, dermatitis | Like most, I feel groggy most of the time. But it has saved my life a few times due to severe allergic reactions. The zyrtec slowed down reaction time and also gave me an opportunity to have a pet for the first time in my life. | I have taken Zyrtec for five years. I have developed a rash on my fingers and feet. My doctor called it hydro----? Anyway, I stopped taking zyrtec for a few weeks and it went away. Anyone else have this reaction? | F | 39 | 5 years | 6/29/2004 | 1 | Son was taking it for allergies | My son (now 6) had serious behavioral problems to the point of being suspended 15 times from kindergarten. He had always been on zyrtec since he was a baby and had behavioral problems since then also. Stopped the Zyrtec and have not had a problem since. | It had gotten to the point we had him seeing a therapist, did behavioral testing etc. Then I stopped the Zyrtec and he doesn't have the problems anymore. He had a VERY bad temper, would not listen to anyone, very defiant, very hyper. I stopped the Zyrtec and there was an almost immediate change in his behavior, back to a normal rational 6 year old. | M | 6 | 4 years | 7/22/2004 | 4 | congestion | none | seems to work | M | 43 | 2 years | 7/27/2004 | 1 | severe allergies | behavioral problems, emotional numbness, could not sleep, lots of temper tantrums, did not seem to help with allergies after a certain time of day, upped the dosage and he had more unusual behaviors, speech delayed. This medicine almost ruined my child!!! | For a long time I thought my child was autistic. I finally got him an appointment to get him evaluated because he more or less fit the mold of an autistic child. After a year of bad results with zyrtec, I took him off of it and within days he was a different child. He stopped all his irrational, abnormal behaviors, started sleeping and most importantly started talking and responding to life. I thought I was helping him because of his severe allergies, but instead zyrtec robbed him of a year of his life. | M | 4 | 1 years | 7/27/2004 | 1 | tree pollen allergy | HIVES, ITCHY skin, mood swings, depression. | I was put on Zyrtec for mild spring season tree pollen allergies and can not stop taking it...every time I try to stop Zyrtec, I break out in hives and have itchy skin all over. | F | 42 | 3 years | 8/6/2004 | 1 | seasonal allergies | I started taking zrytec and only had runny nose tried to stop after a year and experience hives which I never had before and am force to continue to take it or suffer I am in worse shape than when I started out drys out my skin and mouth and eyes quitting taking this medicine is worst than when I stopped smoking it is addictive and I was never told that | F | 35 | 4 days | 8/10/2004 | 1 | runny nose seasonal | dizziness dry mouth started to develop hives whereas before I had none | I would not suggest anyone start taking this medicine unless your symtoms are severe I was prescribe zyrtec because of seasonal runny nose and tried to stop taking it and started to develop hives which forced me to continue taking it everytime I try to quit I break out in icthy hives I hate this medicine I am sleepy and out of it all the time please dont start | F | 40 | 3 years | 8/11/2004 | 2 | hives | Dry mouth, sleepy, lithargic | Zyrtec was prescribed for hives, but on a scale from 1 to 10, it was a 2. | F | 56 | 60 days | 8/16/2004 | 4 | Hives | NONE not one side effect I was amazed | When I first started taking Zyrtec It was like a wonder drug. Needed only every 48 hours and would clear hives completely with in 20 min. No side effects what’s so ever. But after two summers of taking it one day it suddenly did nothing, Not sure if my body adapted to it or what but defenilty get a trial pack. You will know with in 30 minues if it’s the stuff for you. I have since tried Benadryl. Which didn’t do anything for me. Currently I have gone back to Zyrtec with zantac aswell. | M | 33 | 2 years | 8/22/2004 | 1 | 9 year old daughter has allergies | My daughter's mood changed drastically. She was irritable and angry to the point we thought she was depressed. She also had a rash of white bumps around her eye and cheek. After we took her off zyrtec her normal personality came right back and the bumps went away. This medicine made our daughter miserable. I think it is dangerous. | F | 9 | 4 months | 8/22/2004 | 3 | Food allergies | Drowsiness; would be lethargic and tired the day after taking it; would always crave sugar the day after taking it | Yes, it stops the itching, but the fatigue it brings on is a huge negative. It was enough to make me stop taking it altogether, and guess what happened when I did? My allergic reactions have almost disappeared completely! It's worth pondering whether those were true allergic reactions or withdrawal symptoms. | F | 29 | 5 years | 8/23/2004 | 2 | hives | My 9-year-old daughter, who is normally the life of the party, now seems depressed. She's definitely not herself. She says she just doesn't feel right, her throat feels weird, as does her stomach. But the depression is what made me go on the computer tonight to find out more about this medication. She's been on it for 3 to 4 weeks for hives. I think she would rather have hives than feel so sad and insecure. | F | 9 | 3 weeks | 8/25/2004 | 2 | itching and hives on face | Drowsy and a | I took a very low dose of the medication since I am hypersensitive to all drugs. Just a small bite out of 10mg pill made me drowsy within 20 mins. It also made me feel melancholy and | F | 38 | 1 days | 8/31/2004 | 2 | ragweed allergies | This is my 2nd day of Zyrtec. It controls the histamine response very well, but I am having a side effect that feels pretty extreme, in that I cannot seem to concentrate, and feel dissociated from life. Sad and dull. Weird. | I don't think I can keep taking this, even though the ragweed season is so bad this August. I feel too weird in my head while taking Zyrtec. Back to Claritin (OTC) which was not really keeping the allergies at bay. Dang. | F | 38 | 2 days | 9/1/2004 | 1 | allergies | My 8 year old son took Zyrtec pretty regularly for 3 years, taking breaks at times. At first it seemed wondeful, but then it built up in his system causing terrible side effects. The worst side effect being sadness and DEPRESSION. No more Zyrtec for my son. | Short term it worked for the allergies, but I would NOT give it to a child long term! The side effects are worse than the allergies. | F | 32 | 3 years | 9/20/2004 | 1 | allergies | confusion, disorientation, fainting, irregular heartbeat | My husband just took this medicine today for the first time - 10 mg. Now he's asleep and he came home from work and told me he almost wrecked his truck, because he passed out. He said his heart felt funny and it was beating too fast and that his heartbeat was irregular. He's been very sorry that he took it this FIRST time. This is a bad drug, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I'm speaking from the point of view of someone who has watched her husband being scared all evening from taking it. He won't be taking it again, I can guarantee that. I wish he hadn't taken it to begin with. Right now, I don't know whether to go to bed or force him to go to the hospital, because I'm worried sick. Do not use this bad drug. | F | 33 | 1 days | 9/26/2004 | 1 | allergies/asthma | My son who is 2 1/2 had MAJOR TEMPER TANTRUMS and VIOLENT OUTBURSTS where he would hit and kick...not only hurting people but himself...he would throw things and kick and SCREAM!!! Almost like he had no control of his impulses and exaggerated temper. This was not like him at all. Stopped the medication and my nice son returned. Sure he had a tantrum here and there but they were normal toddler ones...not scarry ones. | I was not aware until coming to this website that this can be a side effect. His Dr. prescribed it for supplemental allergy fighter as he also takes Singulair and Pulmicort for his asthma. I would rather him be congested and cough than have these fits. I think we will stick to Claritin. | M | 2.5 | 1 weeks | 9/26/2004 | 3 | asthma | Not exactly sure as my 11 month old is taking this. I think he has become more aggressive, but this could be attributed to him becoming a toddler. | M | 1 | 4 days | 9/30/2004 | 3 | Itchy Rash On Elbows, Knees, Ankles | Depression, exhaustion, extreme sleepiness. | Worked well in getting rid of rash, but side effects are a problem. Even when taken at night the medication's effects carry over several hours into the next day. | M | 47 | 14 days | 10/17/2004 | 3 | pet and seasonal allergies | I've been taking it for a month it worked for a few weeks and then stopped, then I started to notice a change in myself. I've become very irratable and depressed. I'm tired and fatigued and sleep all the time. Also lately I've had a very dry nose and mouth and have had an increased appetite and have been gaining weight. I feel sick like I've got a cold and my asthma has been very bad. Guess what I looked all zytec side effects on the internet and I have about 80% of them. I am going to stop taking it immediately. | People thinking about taking this drug should research it on the internet. If you see how many side effects it has, you'll think twice about taking it. | F | 39 | 30 days | 10/17/2004 | 2 | ongoing allergies & sinus problems | This made me so drowsy I could not function. Could not drive, was lethargic, felt drugged. | Seemed to help my allergy symptoms tremendously but the extreme drowsiness and drugged feeling were more debilitating than the allergies. In other words, this made me feel worse than did the problem for which I was taking it. | F | 31 | 5 days | 10/17/2004 | 1 | allergies | did not stop my sneezing, made me sleepy at first, but that subsided. Now I cannot stop taking it because I start itching, expecially in my palms and feet. It's enough to make me histerical. | I now have itchy skin whereas before I never itched too much, just sneezed. I'm trying to stop, and am on day 3 without it. I itch. | F | 39 | 4 years | 10/29/2004 | 4 | Asthma, Running Nose | lethargic (not drowsy), dry mouth - some dissociation in life, a kind of a non-excitement, low sex drive but I do not think I am depressed. | Solved (yes solved) my morning nose itch/sneeze - never have them and no asthma symptoms. I take 10mg at breakfast daily but if I don't, I start wheezing at night - and have to take resort to ventolin puffs. Seems ok – if only I can have my normal sex drive back! | M | 46 | 1 years | 11/10/2004 | 1 | Allergies / Hives | At first I didn’t notice any neg. side effects and enjoyed not suffering from allergies. But over the 3 months, I became lethargic and became more aggressiveness. Sounds conflicting, but I went from doing stuff when I got home from work, to just watching TV. At work and with friends, if someone annoyed me (which became easier over time), I’d let them know in no uncertain terms they should stop. Stopped using it 2 days ago and I am feeling a lot calmer. | Listen to your friends and family. It took my roommate pointing it out for me to notice. I remembered my brother-in-law saying something about stopping using Zyrtec because of mood side effects. So I stopped and feel much better now. I also found out my niece was almost expelled from school for disrptive behavior, but settled down after taking her off it. So becareful, the change can be subtle and build over time. | M | 26 | 3 months | 11/10/2004 | 3 | seasonal allergies | drowsiness...the medicine worked well, though i started getting hives after i started it. and when I stopped taking it I was extremely miserable and felt as if I was in withdrawal, had hives, and was extremely itchy. | I have stopped taking it. | F | 22 | 4 years | 11/19/2004 |