Does Zyrtec Make You Sleepy?

Published date:

2022-10-17
Score: 4.8/5 (43 votes)

Are you searching for an answer to the question: Does zyrtec make you sleepy? On this page, we've collected the most accurate and complete information to ensure that you have all of the answers you need. So keep reading!

Drowsiness, tiredness, and dry mouth may occur. Stomach pain may also occur, especially in children. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

You may wonder, how long does the drowsiness of zyrtec last? Since the effects of Zyrtec last 24 hours, drowsiness can hit at any time. Avoid alcohol and be careful about driving if the med hits you with the sleepies, per the Zyrtec site. It's annoying to feel as if you've inhaled a mouthful of sand.

Similarly one may ask, is it better to take zyrtec at night or in the morning? Cetirizine (Zyrtec) can be taken during the day or at night. If you feel sleepy after taking cetirizine (Zyrtec), taking it at night may be a better option for you.

Besides above, why does zyrtec make me so sleepy? Unrelated to the immune system, histamine is also produced in the brain, where it plays an important part in feeling awake. Antihistamines used to treat respiratory symptoms can get into the brain and interrupt this work, making you feel drowsy.

Likewise, what should you not take with zyrtec? Avoid the use of alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers as cetirizine can increase the risk of drowsiness. Cetirizine may cause central nervous system depression; avoid activities requiring mental alertness until accustomed to the medication.


Does Zyrtec help with anxiety?

Most antihistamines are known to cause drowsiness during the day. This may be a problem for people who operate heavy machinery or otherwise have to remain alert. These drugs also aren't effective for severe anxiety or depression, and they're not a long-term treatment for any anxiety disorder.

Is it OK to take Zyrtec everyday?

Experts say, it's usually okay. “Taken in the recommended doses, antihistamines can be taken daily, but patients should make sure they do not interact with their other medications,” says Sandra Lin, MD, professor and vice director of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at John Hopkins School of Medicine.

How quickly does Zyrtec work?

How fast does ZYRTEC® start working? ZYRTEC® begins to work at hour 1 on the first day you take it.

What happens if you take Zyrtec before bed?

While some over-the-counter antihistamines can cause drowsiness, routinely using them to treat insomnia isn't recommended. Antihistamines, mainly used to treat symptoms of hay fever or other allergies, can induce drowsiness by working against a chemical produced by the central nervous system (histamine).

What are the side effects of taking Zyrtec?

Common side effects may include:

  • drowsiness, tiredness;
  • dizziness, feeling light-headed;
  • feeling hot, sweating;
  • numbness, tingling, burning pain;
  • decreased sense of taste;
  • headache;
  • upset stomach, nausea, constipation; or.
  • dry mouth, sore throat.

Does Zyrtec work better than Claritin?

Zyrtec is found to be more potent, or stronger, in laboratory studies, compared with Claritin,” says Dr. Kung. “It also reaches a higher concentration in the skin, which can be more helpful for skin-related allergies. However, Zyrtec has a greater chance of making you sleepy while taking it.”

Does Zyrtec 10 mg cause drowsiness?

Common side effects

The most common side effect of cetirizine is feeling sleepy and tired. This happens in more than 1 in 10 people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if this side effect bothers you or does not go away. Other common side effects of cetirizine happen in more than 1 in 100 people.

Which antihistamine is best for sleep?

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine medicine that relieves the symptoms of allergies. It's known as a drowsy (sedating) antihistamine and is more likely to make you feel sleepy than other antihistamines.

Does Zyrtec cause weight gain?

Antihistamines that can cause weight gain include: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl and others) Cetirizine (Zyrtec) Levocetirizine (Xyzal)

Does Zyrtec cause anxiety?

One study also suggests cetirizine and hydroxyzine have a greater chance of causing anxiety and mood changes than other antihistamines. Hydroxyzine can also be used to treat anxiety conditions. So if you notice your symptoms worsen after starting this medication, contact your provider to discuss it further.

Does Zyrtec side effects go away?

Some side effects of cetirizine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

How long do antihistamines make you drowsy?

What to do about: feeling sleepy, or drowsy, during the daytime – drowsiness usually wears off 8 hours after a dose. Do not drive, ride a bike or use tools or machinery if you're feeling this way.

Does Zyrtec last 24 hours?

Some medications for treating allergies, like Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Allegra (fexofenadine) last 24 hours and don't need to be taken at night. But if you're combating allergy symptoms with a different antihistamine first thing in the morning, keep in mind that its effects will only last six to eight hours.

How long do antihistamine side effects last?

Most commonly abused antihistamines include Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Allegra. The antihistamine withdrawal timeline depends on the specific drug. The withdrawal signs usually begin between 48 and 96 hours after the last dose. They usually peak between days 3 and 5 and can last between 1 and 7 days.


Does Zyrtec Make You Sleepy - What other sources say:

Zyrtec vs. Claritin for Allergy Relief - Healthline?

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Cetirizine: antihistamine that relieves allergy symptoms - NHS?

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