Drug Ratings for ZYRTECAverage Rating: 2.1 (1498 Ratings)
Compare ZYRTEC with similar: |
Results are sorted by length of time drug was taken from longest to shortest 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 | | | | |||
| 1 | severe allergies to grass and trees | My 14 year old son became a completely different person - formerly happy, cheerful kid turned severely angry, moody and suicidal. Also developed skin rashes. Didn't appear to help his nose symptoms either | My son took this drug haphazardly which is probably the thing that saved him. He took it most regularly when he started going in for his allergy shots every Friday. Then every weekend he was a depressed mess. Looked up ways to commit suicide on the internet. We started to wonder if it was the allergy shots and then made the link to zyrtec. He was off it for two weeks and became more normal. Two days back on it, suicidal again. I don't think this drug is appropriate for children!!!!!!! | F | 48 | 4 months 1X D | 11/16/2010 | 1 | allergies | aggression, hiting, biting others, hyperactivity, irritable, change in behaviors, change in personality and sleeplessness. These behaviors occurred gradually. | I was not warned by my allergist that these are possible side effects. My son started zyrtec the same time my daughter was born so I thought his behavior changes were due to the changes in our home. After taking him off zyrtec, I immediately noticed an improvement in his behavior. He wil not be taking zyrtec again. | M | 2.5 | 4 months 1/2 teas. 1X D | 2/23/2011 | 1 | seasonal allergy | during: feeling exhausted. after: withdraw symptons: itching, heightened skin sensitivity. | I take OTC anithistamines every year from april to august for seasonal allergies ( sneezing, sore throat ). I switched to Zyrtec last year. I did not make the connection about the side effects until this year. last summer shortly after stop taking zyrtec I got itchy on lower legs, i thought it was due to stress, eventually heat rash ( after shower or exercise ) was bad too. I went back on Zyrtec for about 1 month for the itch because I couldnt stop scratching my legs and my skin got even more irritated, with tiny red rash all over. zyrtec did stop the itchy rash right away. Then I stopped taking it, and I was fine. this summer 1 week after quittng zyrtec, one day, my hands, feet, and legs got itchy. And heat rash came back too. I finally made the conection I am going thru Zyrtec withdraw. | F | 43 | 4 months 10mg 1X D | 8/14/2011 | 1 | asthma | Runny nose, bloating in the face, depression, nightmares | I had taken zyretec last year for 4 months after i had a horrible asthma attack. within those 4 months, were the worst times of my life, I felt very depressed, and at one point had thoughts of suicide, im 15 years- and am still growing in height and noticed that my natural speed of growth had stopped dramatically, (i was 14 at the time when i was taking it). Any time i took the medicine i would wake up with a bloated face- even my friends in school noticed the change in my face (my self esteem lowered big time). My nose was constantly runny- and i had huge exams- so the outcome, as you can see, didnt go so well, yes, it helped my breathing, but id rather not go through those 4 months again. I also do recall having some terrible dreams. I dont recomendend this medication for anyone below the age 18, atleast it is what i think, since i am younger i had a higher risk of many side effects. Now that i have stopped using it, and switched back to singular, my face went back to normal, my nose isnt runny, my height hasnt changed- it takes a while for your natural growth to take back its place in order( by the way my parents are very tall- my mom is 5'7 my dad 6'0, i dont believe it is a gene thing) , and the bad dreams i was having no longer exist. | F | 15 | 4 months IDK 2X D | 7/13/2011 | 1 | suggested to take when it OTC | It was absoluetly horrible. I became sick with what appeared to be Brochitus, and had just started taking Zertec when it became OTC in place of generic Clariton (as it was suggested as being much better for what appeared to be seasonal allergies (Burning eyes, watering eyes, sneezing, etc). Unfortunately my GM Dr. believing the bronchitus was bacterial and not getting better, put me on another 2 series of antibiotics (in all - it was 3 in row (1st, Z-Pac, then 10 days of Levequin, then 10 days of Amoxicillan) my lungs sounded worse and worse, weasing, bronchial spasms, persistant coughing with what sounded like loads of phlem in my lungs. The Dr knew I had just started taking Zertec and he thought "oh good" it should help. When i came back a 4th time he prescribed Levaquin again, Advair, and referred me to a Cardio Pulminary Specialist. However - that appointment couldn't be scheduled for between 2-3 weeks. within one week, I was was so distraught and having a bronchial spasm | The Cardio specialist took Xrays, and breathing tests to see if I had cancer, Emphasema, or other possible deseases. He too was told that I had been on Zertec for about 2.5 months at that time, and again said "good". After 1 month of Prednizone, 35 lbs of weight gain, Advair, and Albuterol inhalents - I was still not well, I had nearly lost my voice completely and had severe weazing, coughing, phlem at times, and bronchial spasms. THEN BY CHANCE I HEARD OF SOMEONE AT WORK HAVING A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT SIDE AFFECT OF ZERTEC - POUNDING IN THE CHEST, AND THEN AS IF HIS HEART WAS FLUTTERING. When I heard this, I looked on the web for remote 4% -7% side effects - RIGHT THERE THEY WERE: Horeseness, Severe Weasing, Coughing, and Bronchial spasms. I literally felt like death warmed over at times, with sexual side affects as well. I then self diagnosed, and immediately quit Zertec and with 48 hours found dramatic improvement. Now 2 weeks later, I not only am completely clear in my lungs, but do not need any inhalents. In fact today I went on my first Cardio / Bike ride in nearly 6 mos, have complete renewed energy, and even was able to make lovve with my wife for the first time in 4 mos. I AM TOTALLY SERIOUS AND NONE OF MY DOCTORS EVEN BELIEVE ME. I KNOW IT WAS THE ZERTEC AND I HONESTLY BELIEVE HAD I NOT STOPPED IT, IT COULD HAVE KILLED ME. I want to know why the FDA made this an over the counter available drug without any of these types of warnings!?!?!? Zertec is adverti | M | 43 | 3.5 months | 3/22/2009 | 5 | cold urticaria(hives from cold) | weight gain and increased appetite, ( but I started taking it over the holidays.) Dry eyes in the morning and maybe some joint pain in my hands. | I have suffered from cold urticaria since I was 16 (now 45). It cycles through every 7 tears or so, so I do have some years when I don't get them. I have to say that zyrtec has been a miracle drug for me. I will deal with the weight gain. for me, nothing beats being itch free. My dr had also prescribed zantac which acts on a different histamine receptor site than zyrtec, but I haven't needed to use it yet. I guess sometimes the effects of zyrtec(which I beleive is an H1 receptor) wears off after a while which is why she prescribed the h2 receptor drug. | F | 45 | 3 months | 3/18/2009 | 5 | headaches allergic rhinitis | none whatsoever! | Had chronic headaches for years. zyrtec has helped immensely, but and i am amazed by reading all of the side effects you have mentioned. i have none. zero. zilch. except of course, my head doesnt hurt. | M | 3 months | 9/19/2006 | 5 | Hives | I didn't realize until today my confusion MUST be associated with taking zyrtec. I'm 40 and thought it a natural process with my family history. | I love this drug. It's done wonders for me. I got hives and was prescribed it and it took them away. I'm weaning myself to taking it once a day, at supper, every 3 days. I did notice I get especially tired at night, but that's ok, it's bedtime! I've been on it for 3 months now, and can't complain about my side effects. | F | 40 | 3 months | 1/30/2007 | 4 | allergies | lethargy/exhaustion, increased appetite, weight gain | I have been taking Zyrtec almost every day for the past three months. It has worked very well overall so far, even controlling my allergies when the pollen is really bad. For about the first month and a half I was really exhausted, but unlike Benadryl it doesn't make me totally out of it, so I can deal with being somewhat exhausted now. But after gaining at least 15 pounds in the past three months (and I'm one of those people who can *never* gain weight), I decided to look it up online and discovered a lot of other people have been having the same problem. | F | 21 | 3 months | 7/18/2006 | 4 | pet and seasonal allergies | Increased hunger and weight gain - I asked the pharm and the dr. about this and they do not have any proof that it is related to Zyrtec but I have never had a weight problem and now I am 7 stubborn pounds overweight in just 3 months | My allgergic reactions are pretty severe but very sporadic. I have been pleased to be rid of them but I think I will deal with them as they come and take something else. | F | 44 | 3 months | 4/8/2005 | 4 | allergies | weight gain, inability to stay focused at work, drowsiness | I came off of my birth control in December because I was gaining weight on it. My doctor put me on Zyrtec in January for my allergies adn since then I have put on 10 pounds in 3 months. I definately feel like the Zyrtec has caused the weight gain. | F | 26 | 3 months | 3/21/2006 | 4 | Seasonal Allergies | dry throat, sore throat, gasping for breath in the middle of the night | helped out a lot against allergy symptoms, stil feel like I have a lot of sinus pressure though in my ears and face | M | 3 months | 6/16/2008 | 3 | allergies | drowsiness, difficulties waking up in the morning, difficulties concentrating, spacing out often | I did not realize i was having problems concentrating until i began spacing out while driving and missing my exits. I was having a hard time waking up in the mornings, hitting the snooze button 5-6 times before dragging myself out of bed. But i had forgotten to take a dose one night, and woke up the next morning before the alarm without any problems. | F | 28 | 3 months | 3/27/2009 | 3 | seasonal allergies | Extreme tiredness, weird feelings, spaciness, slight depression, headaches, hairloss, and dizziness. | I started taking Zyrtec about 3 months ago instead of Xyzal or Allegra because my insurance wouldn't cover those anymore. I am just now realizing that perhaps that is why I lost alot of hair the first month I was on this. I can not take a full dose because I get a terriable headache. I cut the dose in half and take it every couple of days. It's much too strong for me. I also get so tired to the point of being unable to function and have to go to bed. I become real depressed and have weird thoughts. When I went off it for a few days all the symptoms were gone. It's unbelievable the side effects drugs can give you even when they may help you at the same time. I also get dizzy and have some racing heart feelings and palpatations. That could be the drug or some other issue I have with perimenopause of low vitamin levels. Anyhow...it has mainly been going on while being on Zyrtec. I am definately going to search for another option for me. | F | 44 | 3 months | 8/2/2009 | 3 | I'm not sure if it is from zyrtec but my son seems to stutter when he is taking it.I went to this wbsite to see if it could be one others have had | M | 3 | 3 months | 4/4/2009 | 3 | itchy nose and eyes; sneezing | Drowsiness beginning >12 hours after taking daily dose. | F | 37 | 3 months | 5/11/2009 | 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 | 3 | allergies | I was taking zyrtec-d and the decongestant raised my blood pressure, giving me migraines. Stopped the med, much fewer migraines (I already had migraines to begin with). Plus, when I stopped taking it, I was sooo itchy for weeks that I had to take other histamines periodically just to stand it. You need to wean yourself off. | The antihistamine worked. I stopped taking the zyrtec-d and my allergies have been okay since it's not the season, but I wouldn't hesitate to try regular zyrtec as needed for my allergies. | F | 23 | 3 months | 12/3/2006 | 3 | seasonal allergies | increasing drowsiness, fatigue and mild depression after two months | very effective in treating seasonal allergies and even irritable bowel symptoms but drowsiness and fatigue becoming more severe Will try a lower 5mg dosage and see what happens | M | 33 | 3 months | 12/22/2004 | 3 | Hives | Itchiness after quitting the medicine. | I began breaking out in hives about 1 yr. ago I have had 4 episodes... the cause of which is guessed to be heat/anxiety. My Dr. put me on Zyrtec and told me to see an allergist. The allergist said I didn't need to be on it every day, just the days I break out (which has been once every 4-5 mo.) I am now off Zyrtec (for one week) and am itching like crazy. My scalp itches, if I sit on my leg or put pressure on my arms they get hot itchy spots. I called the pharm. and she said it is not a withdrawal from zyrtec that the medicine must have been hiding some other illness. (Which from reading these posts I don't believe) I have called the first Dr. and his secretary told me the same as the pharm. I am now waiting on a call back from my allergist. I just wondered if anyone knows how long this itchiness spell will last. I assume since the zyrtec has been blocking all histamines for the last three months that my body is not used to them now. If anyone has any info. it would be appreciated! | F | 23 | 3 months | 4/10/2007 | 3 | allergy symptoms | Muscle twitching especially in the feet and jumping during sleep. Anxiety to the extent of breaking out in a sweat. Depression, strange thoughts, moodiness. Sleepiness during the day. | I took Zyrtec years ago to help me get over a bout with asthma under a doctor's care. It really works great for my allergy symptoms. I posted here because I read someone else's similar symptoms. My girlfriend complains that I'm jumping and twitching during my sleep and it is keeping her awake. The only time I take Zyrtec is when I visit her house on the weekends. She has cats and it helps with my allergies. I usually take 1/2 a pill just before bed. Strange that it took me so long to make the connection between Zyrtec and the sleep disturbances. I will stop using it now and see what happens. | M | 44 | 3 months | 5/19/2007 | 3 | Severe environmental allergies | Weight gain, restless sleep, fatigue, lethargy | I couldn't understand gaining 15 pounds in 3 months when my diet and exercise habits had only positive changes. I attributed it to being a newly wed and moving into our newly built house. My energy and motivation level have dropped noticeably--again I assumed it was from being "settled". I'd recently started thinking I was pregnant, which isn't the case. Only today did I realize it could be the Zyrtec, which I started in November of 2007, so I ran a google search revealing I may be correct. I'm requesting my doctor prescribe something else and going off Zyrtec today. | F | 26 | 3 months | 3/6/2008 | 2 | Seasonal allergies | I take allergy medication in the spring when tree and grass pollen is in the air but then stop during the summer when I don't have problems. I take 10mg Zyrtec in the AM. When I missed a dose I began to feel itchy over my entire body but especially on my hands and feet. Like pins and needles or a nerve reaction. After the second day I had small subdermal blisters similar to eczema on my feet and ankles that developed into hives. The itchiness was unbearable. I used cortizone cream and when I resumed the zyrtec the itchiness subsided. Recently I stopped taking the drug again and the itchiness returned. This time I did not use cortizone but restarted the zyrtec and again the itchiness subsided. | Great website! I'm glad to konw others have had this side effect. Zyrtec works for the allergies, but the withdrawal is not acceptable. Will need to speak with my doctor on this so I can take another drug that doesn't cause the itchy hands and feet. | M | 48 | 3 months | 6/23/2006 | 2 | nasal allergies year round | I had noticed my mood change drastically. I felt like I was PMSing all month long. EVERYTHING got to me. I was in a rage over any little thing. I am normally not like this at all! I tested to see if it was the zyrtec (stopped, symptom went away, started again, symptoms started, and so on). Went back to Claritin and am fine...for now. The same symptom was with my 4 year old. His pediatritian prescribed it for him and I trusted it was ok. Immediately had to stop. My son changed overnight! | should mention this side effect in their product labeling | F | 35 | 3 months | 4/16/2007 | 2 | Seasonal/Pet allergies | Weight gain (lots for me!), irrational thoughts, weird dreams | Wow! I just realized that all of the negative thoughts and 15 pound weight gain is due to my taking Zyrtec...Not sure why I didn't peruse the reviews before because I usually do extensive reading before taking anything. I have gained 15-20 pounds in the last 3 months. Unbelievable because I work out 4 to 5 times a week and eat sensibly. I have only been taking this medicine for about that long too. I quit taking all of my vitamins for perimenopausal symptoms because I thought that they could be contributing to the weight gain. I'm totally freaked out by this medicine. Talk about weird dreams...the weirdest. Also I have had really illogical thoughts which made me even consider committing myself to a mental institution...stay away from this medicine for sure!! | F | 46 | 3 months | 8/15/2009 | 2 | allergic reaction, seasonal allergi | depression, mood swings, disturbed sleep, apathy, very wierd dreams, weight gain, memory loss | not really sure what made me wake up yesterday and say I'm not taking that any more--the difference in just one day is scary enough that today I went looking for side effects for Zyrtec--I agree with the others-I'd rather have a stuffy nose than feel like this anymore | F | 49 | 3 months | 6/9/2009 | 1 | Dust Mite Allergies | In My 10 year old, aggression, fatigue, uncontrolled outbursts of anger, restlessness, sleep problems. | Did control the sneezing, created a very unhappy child and family. Pediatrician called it a mood disorder, recommended family therapy and meds. Zyrtec went in the garbage and peace returned to our home. Thank you for this website | F | 40 | 3 months | 6/3/2009 | 1 | seasonal allergies | first two weeks---- complete relief of allergies, even excema seemed to improve, some drowsiness 3rd week-2nd month--- sleeping part of the day, nervousness, nearly constant hand tremors, occasional dizziness, daily chest rashes, frequent nausea, feeling 'outside' myself, constant worry, trouble thinking/concentrating, sometimes racing pulse, stopped taking caffeine but still no change after two weeks, went to doctor who prescribed low dose anti-depressant, which did nothing except add to list of side effects 3rd month---- in addition to above side effects, began wheezing at night several hours before my next dose of zyrtec. Took benadryl to help me breath, doctor prescribed inhaler. wheezing episodes would come earlier and earlier. Finally, my husband and I sat down and eventually associated all the above symptoms with the time I started taking zyrtec on a consistent and daily basis. 4th month--- stopped taking zyrtec and antidepressants, had headaches a couple days, felt | This happened about a year ago, after some research online, I believe I had a rare allergic reaction to zyrtec, and that the drug was broken down in my system producing a chemical which caused the psychiatric effects. I think most people can probably take this drug without problem, but should be aware of the possibility of rare reaction. I also react to other allergy medicines, claritin has lost its effect on allergies over the years so I stopped taking it, but I remember it caused restless dreams (not nightmares) so I would take it in the morning always. Benadryl causes drowsiness, and Singular I only took once but both times I had norrible nightmares, one of which I woke up in the middle of the night and I felt like a needle was being pushed through my foot which didn't go away for several minutes. I now take flonase occasionally with allergy eye drops and elidel for my excema, all on an as needed basis and I never get the complete relief that I had with zyrtec. I'm sure steriod shots would work for me but I haven't tried it and I'm not excited about it. We switch between a variety of allergy medications for our son as needed, and including zyrtec. I plan to cautiously try new allergy medications in the future. | F | 25 | 3 months | 7/23/2009 | 1 | seasonal allergies | I took Zyrtec two years ago when it was still being prescribed by doctors, and it seemed to help. I did take it after I got a steroid pack to calm my symptoms down. I stated taking it this year. I've been taking it for about 3 months now. Two weeks ago I felt very dizzy and actually had to cancel a trip because of it. I thought I took two pill within a few hours, I couldnt remember. Since then I've been being very careful, and I woke up yesterday feeling very dizzy and nauseous. I know it wasn't because I took too much. This scares me and after reading all of this, I am not taking it anymore, I didn't take it yesterday and I would NOT recommend this. | I have never felt this kind of dizziness before. I also felt very tired lately and thought it was just my allergies, but it might be the medicine. I am curious to see how I feel after a few weeks without being on it. | F | 24 | 3 months | 9/13/2009 | 1 | chronic allergies | Major effect was that I had progressively worse memory impairment. After 3 months, I was having trouble remembering recent events and finding common words, and it was starting to affect my job. I also experienced significant weight gain (20 lbs) and the medicine just didn't work well for my allergies compared to others to combat allergies, although at least it did not make me tired. | I rarely have very negative reactions to drugs, so I was surprised at the extent of my impairments with this medicine. Once I went off it for several days, my memory started to improve and I began to lose weight again. I realize everyone is different so the drug might work okay for some people. However, if you start experiencing memory loss, realize it may be the drug itself. Very scary to experience. | F | 42 | 3 months | 4/6/2009 | 1 | Allergies, Chronic Sinusitus | dazed feeling, derpression, anxiety, weird thoughts, irritable | unfortunatley Zyrtec really worked pretty well on my allergies and sinus problems, but I'm almost positive they are the culprit of my dazed dizzy anxious state that I get in. The worst is I think they are causing me to awake from sleep gasping for breath!!! I think this is a seriously bad drug to take....use caution. | M | 35 | 3 months | 5/6/2008 | 1 | indoor allergies | I'm so thankful for finding this web site. Our 3.5 year old son has been a different child while taking this medication. I came here today in the off chance that the liquid form of zyrtec might be responsible...... I am relieved and sad to know so many other children have had the same side affects. He is very angry, won't eat, disrespectful and sleeps fitfully. He is off this stuff today! | M | 3.5 | 3 months | 3/6/2009 | 1 | Indoor allergies (cats and dust) | extreme mood swings/ irritable, axiety, lack of concentration/ focus, sluggishness, constant complainging of body aches and stomach ache | My 5 year old daughter began taking Zyrtec 3 months ago and I noticed some immediate (within a week of beginning Zyrtec) changes. The slightest conflict produces crying and tantrums that I have never before seen in her. She constantly complains that her legs ache and stomach hurts. She worries about ridiculous things she never was concerned with before, and her grandmother has even gone so far as to call her paranoid. Again, this has all started only since I began giving her the medicine and this site has been eye opening for me. The worst part- she is still having allergy symptoms. She took her last dose of Zyrtec last night and she is scheduled to see an ENT doctor to see if her allergy symptoms are not an anatomical issue. | F | 5 | 3 months | 12/4/2009 | 1 | allergies | My son took this in past and then a few months ago restarted it for allergies-horrible side effects-headches, eye aches, belly pains, crying, rash nape of neck, sore throat, acting out, ect. I had him to the doctor 3 times, the ER 1 x and for a psych eval. I took him off it thanks to this site and there is a dramatic change-able to get him to school w/o crying, tantrums ect. Please how can we get a warning for this med- valnscott@verizon.net | Please consider this med a source of any problems you or your child is having. I wouldn't have believed it if i did not see it first hand. | M | 6 | 3 months | 4/10/2006 | 1 | Pollen allergy (grass) | Depression, Anxiety, Adnormal/Difficulty thinking, Nervousness, Nose bleeding, drowsiness. | I had never experienced any very positive effects from this drug. I can't recommend it, really. | M | 3 months | 5/21/2006 | 1 | Cat allergies | Sudden asthma attacks. No history of asthma. Constant sinus congestion. Tired, run down, feeling withdrawn and no desire to participate in outdoor activities I used to love. Irritable, mood swings, and general malaise. | I started taking Zyrtec (begrudingly, as I hate taking ANY medication) to control cat allergies. Only take it when symptoms begin to show which is about 1/2 pill 2-3 times or less per week. About 2 months ago I began having sporadic asthma attacks, usually at night, lasting for anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours and occasionally wake up in the morning with asthma symptoms persisting. Now I'm getting asthma attacks during physical exertion (I'm an avid hiker) and can no longer enjoy this activity because it's so taxing. This is why I hate medication. Going off it and never taking anything again!! | F | 34 | 3 months 5mg 2X W | 10/28/2011 | 1 | allergies | muscle pain, swelling of hands/feet, itchy skin | All side effects disapppered within 48hrs of stopping Zyrtec. | F | 37 | 3 months 10 MG 1X D | 2/24/2012 | 1 | Allergies | Swelling of eyes and face. Itchy eyes and face. Depression, bad dreams, tiredness | I could not understand why I was not getting better. I would get so bad I could not go out in public sometimes not being able to open my eyes. I would go to the doctor and he would tell me to keep taking this pill. Now I realize all along it was the zyrtec causing these reactions. Within 4 days of stopping the pill my face is back to normal, the red scally patches are gone and I have more energy. | 57 | 3 months 1X D | 1/24/2013 | 1 | enviro and seasonal allergies | Horrendous drug -- zombielike while on it, unsatiable hunger, marked edema, "disconnected" feeling, itching when trying to get off it. | This is the first drug I've ever taken that I absolutely *hate*. Prescribed for nasal symptoms in combo with Zantac, I don't think it actually helped that at all - just loaded me with awful side effects such as feeling tired and very, very lethargic, disconnected and totally "out of it" during the day, voracious hunger and unbelievable weight gain even when watching what I eat, and edema like I experienced only when pregnant. Legs with 1/2 inch deep pitting edema, hands swollen, etc. Trying to get off of this is difficult as itching is scary... | F | 48 | 3 months | 12/6/2005 | 1 | allergies to a laundry soap I think | chronic fatigue, irritability, anger, depression, weight gain, itching, dizzyness | I started taking it when I began having horrible allergies (turned out to be from a powder laundry soap). While taking Zyrtec I felt very lethargic, depressed, irritable, easily frustrated, I had no energy or strength. I had the allergy for weeks before I took zyrtec and did not have the symptoms that I ended up having while on the Zyrtec so I know they didn't result from the allergy. I am normally a thin person and I gained 9 pounds in the two months I was taking Zyrtec. I am normally a very patient, loving, thoughtful parent. I am a happy, easy-going, and very motivated person. While on Zyrtec I was very irritated and unhappy with my family. I didn't realize that these symptoms were due to Zyrtec at the time. My allergy went away and I didn't take zyrtec anymore. My energy was back, I started my P90X exercize again and lost four pounds. I felt like my old self again and was a happy mom and wife again. Then a few days ago I cleaned that shelf where the laundry soap had been and my allergy came back. I started the zyrtec four days ago. Again, I have no energy. I have not excersized at all, I'm hungrier, I am so irritable even the sound of my husband chewing food makes me angry. I feel overwhelmed when the baby cries. I kept shaking my head today saying, "there is something wrong." I decided to look up the side effects of zyrtec. That's the only thing I am taking. Finding this blog has totally confirmed my suspicion. I know now, that all those symptoms I had were n | F | 31 | 3 months 10 mg 1X D | 6/12/2011 | 1 | runny nose, allergies, red eyes | fatigue, weight gain, bizarre dreams | I took Zyrtec for 3 months and it worked great in clearing up my runny nose and red eyes. Within that 3 months I gained 10 pounds and have no energy. I'm a very healthy eater and I've worked out daily for years so I couldn't figure out why I was putting on weight. Once I figured out the only change I've made to my lifestyle was Zyrtec, I got off it immediately. I've been off it 2 weeks now and my energy is slowly slowly coming back but I'm having a rough time losing the weight. | F | 47 | 3 months 1X D | 2/27/2011 | 1 | Allergies | Depression, temper-tantrums, mood swings. | This is like a body snatcher. I've been fine, then after the zyrtec, I want to kill myself. NO ONE TAKE THIS MEDICINE! | M | 12 | 3 months | 3/14/2008 | 1 | Eczema, seasonal allergies | Extreme mood swings, anger, inability to cope with even the slightest disagreement, screaming, drowsiness. General insanity. | DO NOT give this evil stuff to your child. My daughter experiences both a chronic eczema as well as hive like breakouts made worse during allergy season. I have tried Zyrtec on 2 occasions and experienced the same side effects both times. I can't even believe I tried it a 2nd time. I am even more galled that it is now available OTC. Have you noticed that when looking through the list of antihistamines here that Zyrtec has the most responses??? This is why. I believe it's just too strong for kids. Stick with good old Benadryl at night. | F | 4 | 3 months | 4/3/2008 | 1 | Allergies | My almost 3 yr old daughter has been taking Zyrtec for about 3.5 months. We were told to take it (by a Ear,Nose,Throat Specialist no less) to "dry her head up" after a severe earache that would not go away. It worked, no more severe drainage for DAYS. HOWEVER: Over these last few months my happy child has been aggressive, short tempered, occasional catatonic like stares, prone to tantrums and will fall apart at the drop of a hat, as if possessed / bi-polar ! She also would say occasionally that her tummy hurt, her "pookie" (vaginal area) itched/hurt and she was drinking tons of water, had a few headaches and sore throats along with runny stools constantly. We NEVER connected the two (med and behavior) due to her being 2.5 , a new baby brother and being in play school. We blamed everything else. My husband found this site and as of this morning she is OFF Zyrtec and I hope by daughter will be back soon. Thank you !!!! | The doctors need to tell parents the REAL side effects and let the parents choose if the cure is worth the poison. If we had been informed of the TRUE side effects, not what the label says, we NEVER would have put her on the drug ! | F | 3 | 3 months | 5/25/2007 | 1 | allergies, asthma | Depression, weight gain, "zoning out" | After 4 years on Allegra with no side-effects my insurance no longer covered it. I switched to Zyrtec-D and for the last 3 months I have gained weight and been very depressed. I never thought it could be the Zyrtec-D, but on my last trip to the Dr. he asked if I was feeling drowsy. I decided to stop taking it on monday, it is now Friday and boy! what a difference. I have an overall feeling of well-being and I've lost 3 pounds! I am so glad that I found this site. My co-worker told me about it and he has lost 10-15 lbs since getting off Zyrtec without changing a thing! | M | 31 | 3 months | 8/17/2007 | 1 | allergies | Weight gain, extreme moods, I became very angry very quickly (not my usual temper), I was not quite in a fog, but I wasn't all there either. | I gained 10 pounds in three months, I was tired all the time, and my family kept asking me what was wrong. They said that I always seemed unhappy. After thinking about it I realized that I wasn't unhappy, but I wasn't happy either. It was a strange mood kind of hard to explain unless you' ve been there. I wouldn't recommend this drug for anyone. | F | 3 months | 10/24/2007 | 1 | allergies | Very tired, sad, and attitude changes | My normally happy six year old went from a sweet child to a child that was tired all the time, cried very easily, and out of nowhere had behavioral problems. It got to the point she was not pleasant to be around. I talked to another Mom and she gave me this website. After my child being off the drug for three weeks she is back to her old self. The side effects of this drug just aren't worth it. | F | 3 months | 9/25/2007 | 1 | allergies | I became very depressed and lethargic. Poor short term memory from the constant overtired feeling. Difficulty sleeping, moodiness, hair loss, unexplainable rage and despair, irritability. Discovered side effects by switching back to Claritin to save money and the clouds just lifted within a couple of days. Zyrtec-D was great in relieving my sinus problems from my allergies, but brought me down low enough that I was looking for ways to hurt myself and thought I was about to have a complete breakdown and not be functional in caring for my family. | My daughter (2) also began taking Zyrtec shortly before I did and I didn't realize until I had problems that her sadness and agressive behavior was from the Zyrtec as well. Thankfully we are both off this medicine now. | F | 31 | 3 months | 8/25/2007 | 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 | 1 | Allergies, Sinusitus, Eczema | Extreme Fatigue, Confusion, Dizzyness, Blurred Vision, Inability to Concentrate, Forgetfulness, Severe Itchiness upon stopping | Worked great for two months then side effects took over. Was in a constant "fog", unable to concentrate, mistakes at work, unable to fall asleep and stay asleep at night, basically made me into a zombie. I've been off for 5 days now and now have severe itchyness all over my body (seen the term "Zytec Withdrawal", checkout - http://zyrtecwithdrawal.blogspot.com/) Not worth it. I will never will use again. | M | 35 | 3 months | 10/20/2008 | 1 | allergies | My sons took this for allergies, ages 4 and 5, with bad dreams and restless sleep as a result. Also my 5 year old had daytime hallucinations, asked if he was dreaming, said he saw things that we didn't, it was really weird. | I would not give this to children unless their allergies were unbearable. I would rather treat with Vicks Vaporub at night than have a wigged out child. | M | 5 | 3 months | 4/20/2007 | 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 | 3 | Severe allergies | I have been depressed since I began taking Zyrtec, but because my girlfriend and I broke up around the same time that I started taking the medicine, I assumed that the termination of the relationship was the cause. After frustrations with being tired all of the time and remembering the same effects when taking diphenhydramine, I decided to utilize the internet to research common side effects of Zyrtec. It all makes sense now. Being down about the termination of a relationship is one thing, but not wanting to move or do anything is something else entirely. I would imagine that the medication increases one's susceptibility to depression, and when one is forced to deal with a difficult situation, depression is more likely to ensue. I have also experienced the insomnia and withdrawal headaches described on this website: http://zyrtecsideeffects.blogspot.com/. | As an antihistamine, it performed wonderfully; my allergy symptoms were almost completely eradicated. However, I would caution users to be aware of potential side effects and be observant of any changes in one's behavior. | M | 23 | 2.5 months | 1/5/2009 | 1 | Allergies | mood changes, sleeplesness, stomach pain, diarrhea, headaches | This is the worst medication I have ever taken for allergies. At first I was very drowsy all day long. After about a week I had a lot of trouble sleeping. Sleep became almost non-existant and when I tried to sleep I would have bad stomach cramps twitching muscles in my legs. Next was the diarrhea and severe migrane headaches. I went off the pill but still had severe mood swings and sleeplessness for at least a month after I discontinued them. Believe me if you take this medication and even begin to have side effects, my best advice is to stop taking it right then and there. | F | 21 | 2.5 months | 6/22/2007 | 5 | Sinus Drainage Due To Sleep Apnea | Same as below! 5 Just to get your attention. Vivid Dreams, very tired during the day although taking Zyrtec at night, can hardly get moving in the morning (and I'm a morning person, I love a new morning!)I'm 47, male, 160 pounds and was disgnosed with sleep apnea during last summer. Went through labs and was placed on a CPAP breathing machine. Felt much, MUCH, better after getting use to the face mask. Had more energy, slept better and felt I was breathing fine. Dr. prescribed Zyrtec for sinus drainage that comes along with using a CPAP machine with moisture. Was getting use to that and just snorting and coughing in the mornings to clear my head. Have also been using Nasacort_CQ nasal spray once each morning (longer than using Zyrtec). After starting Zrytec (on it for over two months now) eventually began vivid dreaming, can hardly get moving in the morning, feels like sleep apnea all over again during the day due to being tired and just wanting to sleep. Also have been taking Lexapr | See to the left | M | 47 | 2 months | 1/5/2007 | 4 | Allergies | Sleep much better, possible increased appetite, but also may be the Astelin. | Worked great on allergies. Induced sleep helpful because I used to be insomniac! | F | 33 | 2 months | 6/19/2007 | 4 | Severe allergy symptoms | First, let me point out that my allergy symptoms for the most part were "cured". I have been complaining lately of extreme fatigue and weight gain in the belly area where I have NEVER had an issue before. Last night my husband pointed out that I began complaining about these things after taking Zyrtec. I looked at my calendar, and he's right! I've reached out to my doctor to look at other options for treatment. In the mean time, I skipped my Zyrtec does last night, and do not plan on EVER taking it again. I realize that everyone reacts differently, and I would recommend this product to others. I do feel, however, that the makers of Zyrtec should include a "journal" of sorts for their customers to use and track changes to their mood, behavior, energy level, and figure. Actually, I plan on keeping a journal from now on when ever I try a new drug or homeopathic approach. It's just plain scary to think how these side effects can sneak up on you... | F | 29 | 2 months 1 pill 1X D | 5/26/2011 | 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 | 4 | Sinus Drainage Due To Sleep Apnea | Vivid Dreams, very tired during the day although taking Zyrtec at night, can hardly get moving in the morning (and I'm a morning person, I love a new morning!) | I'm 47, male, 160 pounds and was disgnosed with sleep apnea during last summer. Went through labs and was placed on a CPAP breathing machine. Felt much, MUCH, better after getting use to the face mask. Had more energy, slept better and felt I was breathing fine. Dr. prescribed Zyrtec for sinus drainage that comes along with using a CPAP machine with moisture. Was getting use to that and just snorting and coughing in the mornings to clear my head. Have also been using Nasacort_CQ nasal spray once each morning (longer than using Zyrtec). After starting Zrytec (on it for over two months now) eventually began vivid dreaming, can hardly get moving in the morning, feels like sleep apnea all over again during the day due to being tired and just wanting to sleep. Also have been taking Lexapro for over a year with no problems from it. Zyrtec did work great for the drying of the sinus' but to put up with all the other "new" affects is not worth it. Quit Zyrtec yesterday, had a sinus h | M | 47 | 2 months | 1/5/2007 | 4 | Allergies | A very positive side effect! I have anxiety sometimes that causes chest pain, headaches and general lousy feelings. Zyrtec seems to prevent that from happening. I sleep well and can breath better. | M | 60 | 2 months | 3/26/2009 |