Beauty

[Abrowneyegirl]

I would like to share what I learned in hopes to help someone else.

I recently had a terrible experience with itching on wrists up my arms and ankles and lower legs. No noticeable rash, but the itc h was maddening!

I eliminated/changed all the obvious items fragrances, lotions, soaps, laundry detergent, etc.

Doctors were concerned and baffled, the biggest concern was nerve and/or neurological problems or auto-immune disorders.

THEN..... during one of my appointments with my allergist, she mentioned in passing...that she had recently heard of Zyrtec causing rebound itching. I had used Zyrtec for years with no problems. I stopped her and asked why it is used for allergies and hives. She told me it was excellent for allergy hives but for some it causes itching not associated with allergy or hives.

I researched this more thoroughly and found there are LOTS of reports of this terrible/painful itching when people start or stop Zyrtec! I had been on it for years due to my extreme allergies. I was shocked! and annoyed as it is NOT noted as a side effect!!??

I weaned myself off the med and suffered through the painful itching and suddenly it stopped. 100% gone, no itching, none.

I called all my doctors and specialists to let them know I was "cured"

To think of the time, money and fears wasted. I was truly concerned that there was something really wrong with me, what a scary time.

If I can spare anyone else from this journey.......

[YorkieonmyPillow]

Interesting........you know some people take Benadryl for sleep, yet it can cause restless leg syndrome.....you just never know!

[Lilysmom]

Interesting indeed. Benadryl gives me hives. Go figure. It's on my medic alert bracelet along with a penicillin allergy.

[HonnyBrown]

Brown and yorkie, thank you for that info!

I have seasonal allergies and I would be in an evil funk if Claritan caused side effects like that.

Brown, are you going to find a substitute for Zyrtec?

[Abrowneyegirl]

On 11/1/2014 HonnyBrown said:

Brown and yorkie, thank you for that info!

I have seasonal allergies and I would be in an evil funk if Claritan caused side effects like that.

Brown, are you going to find a substitute for Zyrtec?

I got a script for Xyzal. I got it filled but have not taken it yet, I am leery of trying a new drug, silly I know.

For now I occasionally take a benadryl if my allergies act up.

[Tigriss]

If benadryl works, then why not use it? Benadryl makes me sleep, but I do take Zyrtec and haven't had this, but we can take or eat something forever and one day, bam, an allergic reaction.

[susandee]

Thank you for sharing. There are so many stories of people going through this here. http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2013/05/06/cetirizine-zyrtec-withdrawal-unbearable-itching/ The drug company should be held accountable for not labeling this issue on their product. I am so sorry you are going through this. I just recently went through something similar for two months of almost constant itching. It can drive you insane. Something that helped me was a powder called ""Lady Anti Monkey Butt"". Sounds crazy but works divine. Their website is http://www.antimonkeybutt.com/ and you can order at Amazon or purchase locally.

[wonderfulworld]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I learn so much on these boards.

[Abrowneyegirl]

SusanDee- they are many interesting and alarming stories out there and YES Zyrtec should own up to this known side-effect.

When I think about how much $$$ and time was wasted.....((sigh)))

Several of my doctors applauded me for for finding my own solution and bringing it to THEIR attention. They were not aware of this side-effect.

Even my derm who originally prescribed the Zyrtec did not mention that the Zyrtec may be the cause of the problem!!

[colliemom4]

I take Zyrtec and have read about this side effect before. But for now it's helped my severe allergies more than any other allergy med I've taken so I continue to take it. I may experience the itching someday myself. OP, I'm glad you aren't itching anymore and figured out what the problem was.