Loratadine and Drowsiness: What Users Say

• Sun...
• March 31, 2017

Claritin (loratadine) for Allergic Rhinitis "It was effective for my allergies, however, it caused many side effects that are listed nowhere! Depression, anxiety, confusion, and sleepiness that was so pronounced I had to pull over while driving. This was the Non-drowsy formula. There are 11 other people who had similar reactions in the support in drugs.com group, under the drug name. I'll deal with my allergies rather than end up in the psych ward."

• Wax...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 6, 2020

Claritin (loratadine) for Allergic Rhinitis "Claritin is very effective on my allergy symptoms, but it also makes me drowsy. However, I've had problems getting a good night's sleep in the past, and the usual OTC sleep aids like melatonin and Advil PM don't always work for me. With 'non-drowsy' Claritin, I haven't slept this well in ages! Need to ask my MD or a specialist if Claritin induces good quality, healthy sleep and whether I can keep taking it as a sleep aid."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 21, 2019

For Allergic Rhinitis "After a trip to the urgent care again and a diagnosis of severe sinus infection, pressure in head, fluid around eardrum-almost an infection, excessive post-nasal drip, and slightly asthmatic due to allergies! This is a repeat scenario, and I have tried cetirizine, but it does not stop my severe post-nasal drip at all. So the doctor (who also has allergies and a wife with severe allergies) told me to take Claritin during the day and also prescribed cephalexin, steroids, and an inhaler. Well, after praying and spending another 2 hours spitting due to post-nasal drip, I took the Claritin/Loratadine. Wow, it stopped my post-nasal drip in only 20-30 minutes! *** My reactions were sudden drowsiness even though it says non-drowsy, and before that, a few heart palpitations. However, it did work, and nothing else has stopped my symptoms! I have indoor/outdoor allergies, numerous food and medicine sensitivities, and allergies, and so on. * Tried the 10 mg but plan to go to 5 mg child dosage. :0)"

• Nee...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 7, 2023

For Allergies "I have been taking loratadine for five-plus years because I was exposed to mold at my job and in my apartment. As a result, I started experiencing allergy problems and began taking this medication. Initially, it worked great, but now I am experiencing hair loss, headaches, eye problems, a rash on my leg, dry mouth, sleeplessness, memory issues, body pain, and constant thirst, among other things. After reading these reviews, I have decided to discontinue the medication and see if these side effects subside. Stay tuned because I am in desperate need of help."

• Anonymous
• August 8, 2010

For Urticaria "I have been using generic loratadine for two weeks for itching and burning due to sunlight and becoming overheated. It works well, but I do feel somewhat drowsy and unmotivated. I am sleeping much better than I usually do and recalling many more dreams, which are generally quite pleasant."

• DrH...
• June 13, 2007

For Allergic Rhinitis "In regards to Loratadine, the symptoms for overdose are absolutely correct. I have seasonal allergies and was trying a new (for me) over-the-counter drug. I thought it was like most other allergy drugs I had used, so I took as needed. Six tablets in an 8-hour span were an OD, and I got bad headaches, extreme sleepiness, and dizziness (the next day), heartbeat seemed OK. My breathing and runny nose seemed to be pretty good, though. I don't suggest using more than described on the bottle."

• wal...
• November 18, 2010

For Allergic Rhinitis "For a year or two, my daughter and I have been using the generic, non-drowsy version of this medicine. We use it to treat allergies, both seasonal and year-round. It is not always one hundred percent effective for the worst attacks, but it is very often successful, and best of all, it does not cause drowsiness. This is very important to us."

• bad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2023

Claritin (loratadine) for Allergic Rhinitis "Everyone in my family has allergies. We recently moved into an old house and cleaned what needed to be cleaned, and we stopped Claritin because it was no longer helping us. Allergies were situational. That being said, the one time it genuinely helped me was when I burnt my throat from vomiting and had a sore throat at the same time, and I NEEDED a dry mouth because of excess saliva from injury. I found Claritin made everyone in my family snore too, but possibly that happened before taking it. I would say it interacts with other meds that make you drowsy, even though websites say it doesn't."

• kaz...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 27, 2013

Alavert (loratadine) for Urticaria "I have been taking this medication for 10 years due to multiple allergies. I take it at night as it can cause drowsiness, although personally I have not found this to be a problem."

• Jim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2018

For Allergic Reactions "Taken for itchy legs, but didn't relieve itching at all, made me drowsy and lethargic, and gave me a headache! The rest of the pack is going in the bin."

• Hon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2022

For Urticaria "After one dosage, I felt so sedated and drugged up. Within 24 hours, I was feeling depressed, so I stopped immediately."