Zyrtec User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

• Mom...
• May 21, 2017

For Urticaria "Hives is directly linked to autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto's, a thyroid disease. Chronic hives can't be treated with Zyrtec if this is the case. I give Zyrtec 8 stars because it is a great OTC fix for allergies. However, if you are suffering from chronic hives and find nothing helping, perhaps you need to research... I am experiencing this firsthand. I have found oatmeal baths and coconut oil with essential oils to soothe my chronic hives, specifically lavender, lemon, Melaleuca, and peppermint. My next step is getting a full blood panel done to confirm Hashimoto's. Zyrtec can't fix that but is good for common allergies."

• Deb...
• October 10, 2019

For Urticaria "I have had chronic urticaria for 1 year. Been to my own GP, an allergist, a dermatologist, and a rheumatologist. I was taking Zyrtec, Zantac, and Xyzal twice a day, sometimes 3 times when hives were really bad. Also several doses of prednisone. It has been a horrible year. But the Zyrtec did help, and I still take it now once a day. Rheumatologist recently prescribed Singulair, and finally I have not had any hives or angioedema now since I started taking it 2 full weeks with no symptoms. One Zyrtec in the morning, one Singulair at night."

• Anonymous
• June 11, 2008

For Allergic Rhinitis "I have had side effects with every single allergy drug I've tried-prescription and none-ranging from sleepy to practically comatose. Zyrtec is the only medicine that helps me and positively impacts my quality of life."

• Anonymous
• August 20, 2009

For Allergic Rhinitis "I just took Zyrtec for the first time last night. I slept great, but now that I am awake, I feel so tired. I am not experiencing any of my allergy symptoms, but I am on Nasonex too. Nasonex and Zyrtec work great together, the Zyrtec is the antihistamine, and the Nasonex is just a generic allergy medication. I am very sluggish, but people have said that it wears off within a couple of days. I am a little drawn back though, people have been saying it causes problems with their moods, but I trust my doctor who prescribed it to me. Hope you all feel better soon."

• AZJ...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 21, 2022

For Allergic Rhinitis "I had been using this several times a week for years. At the same time, I had strange gut pain, mild nausea, and generally, days where I just felt lousy. Many days with anxiety and fatigue. My eyes get extremely dry overnight too. I tried so many things, including many doctor visits, leading to CT scans and ultrasounds, nothing found. I would sometimes have some pretty good days, never realizing that the bad days occurred when I took Zyrtec. I use this site often, as I am very sensitive to all drugs and supplements, but never dreamed that Zyrtec could be the source of most of my issues. After reading the negative comments, I stopped taking it, and my gut pain went away almost immediately, as did the general malaise and anxiety. I had thought these popular OTC antihistamines were harmless! I tried Claritin and Allegra and they are no bargain either, but not nearly as bad as this nasty drug. Good old Benadryl works fine, but is not recommended for daily use."

• tri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 17, 2015

For Urticaria "I have been getting viral hives over the last 6 months. I went and saw an allergist (who diagnosed me), and he recommends this instead of Benadryl. For me, it hasn't helped. I guess I'm not as lucky as the others here."

• Be ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2022

For Allergic Rhinitis "Don’t take!!!! I started taking Zyrtec at the end of February due to fluid in my ears. My medical provider recommended taking it every day through spring. I started feeling very sad and thought I was just because of the long, cold winter. I was also feeling tired all the time and napping more than usual. I thought it was from starting work earlier at my new job. I had my annual physical yesterday, and my MD noticed I had an irregular heart rate, and an EKG verified this. She is referring me to a cardiologist. When I got home from my appointment, I remembered that the only thing that has changed is that I started taking Zyrtec, so I didn’t take it today, and I swear that I feel 10 years younger. My joints don’t ache, I have energy, and I feel less anxious…. I plan to see the cardiologist, but I would bet my house that my heart rate is back to normal without the Zyrtec…."

• lif...
• April 30, 2008

For Allergic Rhinitis "Zyrtec has been a wonder drug. All of my life I have suffered from allergies. It's affected every aspect of my life, from relationships to pets and school. Anyone with allergies knows when you wake up in the morning, and as soon as you walk out the door, you start feeling like you have the flu. I've been using Zyrtec for 6 months now, and I feel wonderful!!! I can play in the yard with my kids and stay outside as long as I'd like to."

• Hiv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 25, 2019

For Urticaria "I began with getting a swollen lip one day, then the next day it was a part of my lip that was swollen. Then came the hives episodes. No blood test could figure it out for me. I just gave up. Until my doctor said to take 2 Zyrtec in the morning and 2 at night when they are really bad. Then take one in the morning, one at night. This has saved my sanity. I don't get more than the occasional single hive once every few days with a strict Zyrtec regimen."

• New...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2021

For Urticaria "I am having hives for the first time in my life, I am 40. This started soon after I gave birth a few months ago. Blood tests don’t say anything, but I am just sad to know if there is going to be an end to this ever. I take Zyrtec every two days. I was never on any medication, and my hive disease has not shown any improvement on days without Zyrtec. Any advice is welcome. One of the things I want to know: will I get addicted to Zyrtec (prescribed)?"

• bob...
• October 3, 2012

For Allergic Rhinitis "It really did not work for me. My eyes itched a bit less, but my nose just kept itching and running. Also sneezed multiple times after the 1st dose. Tried a 2nd tablet 4 hours later with no noticeable results. This may work for some people, but I get better relief from Benadryl, which works well but causes drowsiness."

• Miy...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 31, 2022

For Allergic Rhinitis "I started taking Zyrtec many years ago, on and off only when I suffered seasonal allergies, and it worked fine. However, a little over a year ago, when it came to the end of the spring allergy season and I got off Zyrtec, I started getting pruritus all over my hands and palms, arms, feet, and buttocks. I thought I was having an allergic reaction from another medication I was taking at the time, so I kept on taking Zyrtec to relieve the symptoms. Thankfully, my health improved, and I was able to stop taking other medications recently, so I also stopped taking Zyrtec, thinking that I wouldn't need it anymore. This is how I found out that this severe pruritus was from withdrawal itching due to Zyrtec! The withdrawal itching is really severe, and although I can barely stand it during the day, I cannot sleep at night. I get hives all over my body, from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet, including my private parts. It is an absolute nightmare. Don't use Zyrtec if you haven't yet or switch to another kind."

• Ju-...
• July 7, 2008

For Allergic Rhinitis "I have been taking Zyrtec for about 3 months now, and one side effect that I have noticed is I sound like I have laryngitis all the time. My throat is too dry and scratchy. Other than that, it works great, no itchy eyes, sneezing, and such!"

• Sne...
• January 14, 2009

For Allergic Rhinitis "I have been using Zyrtec for the last three years with great results. I am back to running outdoors without the urticaria, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Also, I can visit friends who have pets without needing to leave after five minutes."

• Can...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 5, 2021

For Allergic Rhinitis "I used Zyrtec for indoor allergies (dust and pet dander) for 2 months. I was directed by my allergist to quit taking it 2 weeks prior to allergy tests, and within 2-3 days of stopping the once-daily Zyrtec, I broke out in hives from the top of my head to the bottoms of my feet (I've never had hives in my life). The hives lasted about 10 days, with the first 3 days being the worst. After doing more research on Zyrtec, I found that withdrawal hives is VERY common. I will never use Zyrtec again!"

• ban...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 7, 2021

For Allergic Rhinitis "I was on Zyrtec for 3 years for allergies. I finally scheduled an appointment with an allergy doctor and had to stop the meds before the appointment. After two days, I had intense itching/burning on my palms and soles of my feet. To the point I had to cave and take half a pill, and it would immediately subside after 20 minutes. I stopped the meds after doing some research and seeing how bad withdrawals are. It’s been almost a month since I last took half a pill. I’ve broken out into random rashes on my neck and chest almost daily. Also, every time my boyfriend kisses me anywhere except for my face, I get a red rash. Fun times. Do not use Zyrtec!"

• sti...
• March 9, 2009

For Allergic Rhinitis "This stuff works great. Clear head and reduced asthma reaction to allergens. The only problem is if I take it at night, it is really hard to get out of bed in the morning, and I am usually groggy for the first couple of hours at work."

• DRS...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 22, 2020

For Allergic Rhinitis "I suffered from reoccurring respiratory infections 2-3 times a year, as well as seasonal allergies. A nurse recommended I start taking Zyrtec daily, so I did. It has been over 3 years now, and I have not had so much as a cold in that time. Now, in the spring, I have to supplement it with Benadryl, as the hay fever can get bad at certain times and make my eyes itch. But overall, I am much better off respiratory infection-wise. I also take L-Lysine daily, and my doctor had made the comment that these 2 combined could possibly act as a prophylactic against COVID as well. Thank you, Zyrtec!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 12, 2022

For Allergic Rhinitis "It sucks if you quit taking it. I had been taking it for 2 years. Just be prepared for your skin to itch and crawl like you have bugs all over you. Don’t take it because if you stop, it’s miserable."

• rub...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 18, 2024

For Allergies "One of my favorite oral antihistamines, I've been switching between a few for a while once I build up a tolerance for one and have to use a different one. Overall effective but I wish I could only take it instead of finding out it doesn't work and have to sit in misery for 24 hours until I can take a different one."

• xte...
• April 13, 2017

For Urticaria "I've had chronic hives for most of my life. I can't tell you the different types of medical 'cocktails' I've been on. I've tried doxepin up to 100 mg... made me loopy all day long. Don't really want to take anything that will mess with my brain. I've taken Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, Zyrtec with Zantac, I've switched antacids---be careful with Prilosec. That will lower your B12 quicker than anything. Mine got so low, I had to start giving myself B12 shots from taking the Prilosec. Nothing is working for me! I am miserable beyond comprehension! If anyone has any other suggestions, please post. Thank you."

• bee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2021

For Urticaria "Unfortunately, I had a severe reaction to generic Zyrtec last night. I took 10 mg before bed. I woke up with severe heartburn, nausea, and an abnormal heart rhythm. I took sodium bicarbonate to relieve the acidic heartburn. I went back to bed only to be awakened with another severe heartburn, but in addition, I was extremely dizzy, nauseous, had cold sweats, and a sick feeling. I went to the bathroom nauseous. I barely made it back to bed as I was about to faint. Fortunately, my bed isn’t far from my bathroom, as I almost fell from faintness and dizziness. My head was soaked in cold sweats. In the late morning, I found out that there is a percentage of women in my age group, 60s, that have fainted with Zyrtec who have taken it for less than a month - in which I have only taken it since my Patch Test allergic reactions on Thursday. No other symptoms since the drug wore off."

• Unk...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2021

For Allergic Rhinitis "This stuff worked great in the beginning for my allergies and overall health. I had terrible itchy skin and post-nasal drip that this medication helped with. It also gave me a healthy appetite, as I used to be underweight at 140 lbs most of my life. Now I’m a tall 217 lbs dude, and I feel healthy! The only negative side effect is this medication gave me terrible muscle pain and joint pain. I no longer take it, but it did help me for quite a while. I still have a healthy appetite and am maintaining the weight after being off of it for so long now."

• Zyr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2021

For Urticaria "DO NOT take Zyrtec. The withdrawal symptoms of Zyrtec are not worth it when you try to go off of it. Intense, unbearable itching. Hands, arms, legs, feet, chest, scalp. Itching that makes you wish you could shed your skin like some kind of bug. It's been over a week, and I'm still itching. Claritin helped on day 4 and a half pill on day 8 to reduce itching to get me functional again. Although now I'm super dry. Be aware of that if breastfeeding. Only time will tell how long it takes me to get back to normal. Save yourself and don't get started with this med."

• Ash...
• June 30, 2008

For Allergic Rhinitis "I've suffered from allergies for 10-15 years. I was prescribed Claritin; all it did was make me tired. I was then prescribed Clarinex, which worked wonders, but after I lost my health insurance, I couldn't afford the prescription anymore. Once I learned Zyrtec had gone OTC, I decided to try it. I've been taking it for about three weeks, and, for the most part, it's working great. To combat the drowsiness, I take it before bed. Still have flares that require other medication, but I'm happy overall."