{"id":58393,"date":"2023-05-18T09:30:21","date_gmt":"2023-05-18T13:30:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=58393"},"modified":"2026-04-03T08:43:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T12:43:27","slug":"zyrtec-withdrawal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/zyrtec-withdrawal\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the signs of Zyrtec withdrawal?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you have stubborn hay fever or seasonal allergies that aren\u2019t responsive to other over-the-counter antihistamines, you may find success with Zyrtec. Along with <\/span>Xyzal<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>levocetirizine<\/span><\/a>), it is the <\/span>most powerful<\/span><\/a> OTC antihistamine allergy medication available. The drug works effectively against allergy symptoms like itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, a runny nose, and an itchy nose or throat. However, stopping the drug after long-term use\u2014think months to years\u2014can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to <\/span>reports<\/span><\/a> submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the most commonly experienced symptom from Zyrtec withdrawal is unbearable itching (pruritus) that happens within a couple of days of stopping the medication. Ranging in intensity from mild to severe, Zyrtec withdrawal itching can be uncomfortable, to say the least.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve recently stopped taking this antihistamine, here\u2019s what you can do for Zyrtec withdrawal relief.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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Save up to 80% on Zyrtec with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tZyrtec 10 mg, 100 tablets (1 Bottle)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Walgreens\"\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$2.89\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Kroger\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$9.34\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee Zyrtec prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n

Withdrawal symptoms of Zyrtec<\/span><\/h2>\n

Zyrtec<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>and its generic<\/span> cetirizine<\/span><\/a>) is an OTC antihistamine that <\/span>relieves<\/span><\/a> sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes associated with allergic rhinitis (seasonal or perennial allergies) caused by allergens like dust mites, mold, and pollen. <\/span><\/p>\n

Common side effects that occur in people who take Zyrtec include sleepiness, fatigue, and dry mouth, says <\/span>Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD<\/span><\/a>, a medical toxicologist and medical director at the <\/span>National Capital Poison Center<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Although rare, there are reports of people experiencing withdrawal symptoms, including severe itching, after discontinuing use of Zyrtec, says Dr. Johnson-Arbor. These patients had taken Zyrtec continuously (daily) for several months to years, she says.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to <\/span>Jill Barat, Pharm.D.<\/span><\/a>, a compounding pharmacist at Pharmedico in Sarasota, Florida<\/span>, <\/span>symptoms of Zyrtec withdrawal include:<\/span><\/p>\n