Cetirizine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine, but some people still find it makes them feel quite sleepy. Common side effects include headaches, dry mouth, feeling sick, dizziness, stomach pain and diarrhoea. It’s best not to drink alcohol while you’re taking cetirizine as it can make you feel sleepy.
Why does cetirizine make me 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.
How long does cetirizine make you drowsy?
Effects persist for at least 24 hours following a single dose of cetirizine. No tolerance has been found to cetirizine’s antihistaminic effect.
What is the best time of day to take cetirizine hydrochloride?
Cetirizine can be taken at any time of the day. In most people it is non-sedating, so they take it in the morning. However, a percentage of people do find it to be sedating so if it does make you drowsy it is best to take it in the evening. Cetirizine can be taken with or without food.
What antihistamines make you drowsy?
Chlorphenamine is known as a drowsy antihistamine as it can make you feel sleepy. Non-drowsy antihistamines are less likely to have this effect. These include cetirizine, fexofenadine or loratadine. Most people prefer to take a non-drowsy antihistamine as it’s less likely to interfere with their everyday routine.
Can I take 2 cetirizine a day?
Adults and children 6 years and older can take cetirizine capsules and tablets. The usual dosage for adults younger than 65 years and children who are 6 years and older is one 10-milligram (mg) dose per day. You shouldn’t take more than 10 mg in 24 hours.
How long can cetirizine be taken?
How long should I take cetirizine for? It depends on why you’re taking cetirizine. You may only need to take it for a short time or as a one-off dose. For example, if you have a reaction to an insect bite, you may only need to take cetirizine for a day or two.
Is cetirizine anti inflammatory?
Cetirizine belongs to the second-generation family, so, it is very selective for peripheral H1 receptors, is potent and quickly relieves symptoms, exerts additional anti-allergic/anti-inflammatory effects, and is usually well-tolerated.
Is cetirizine used for sore throat?
Cetirizine is used to temporarily relieve the symptoms of hay fever (allergy to pollen, dust, or other substances in the air) and allergy to other substances (such as dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches, and molds). These symptoms include sneezing; runny nose; itchy, red, watery eyes; and itchy nose or throat.
What is the strongest antihistamine for sleep?
Common choices and the potential side effects include:
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Aleve PM, others). Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine. …
- Doxylamine succinate (Unisom SleepTabs). Doxylamine is also a sedating antihistamine. …
- Melatonin. The hormone melatonin helps control your natural sleep-wake cycle. …
- Valerian.
What can you not take with cetirizine?
Do not use with any other antihistamines applied to the skin (such as diphenhydramine cream, ointment, spray) because increased side effects may occur. Cetirizine is very similar to hydroxyzine and levocetirizine. Do not use these medications while using cetirizine.
Does cetirizine cause weight gain?
H1 receptor antihistamines such as cetirizine, fexofenadine, and desloratadine are among the most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of allergies and have been shown to stimulate appetite and weight gain as side effects of treatment (6).
Is cetirizine the same as Benadryl?
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a first-generation antihistamine. First-generation antihistamines tend to cause more sedation and drowsiness and can impair coordination and driving. Zyrtec (cetirizine) is a second-generation antihistamine.
Do antihistamines weaken immune system?
Most anti-allergy medications do not affect immunity, but it does depend on the medication. Medication such as antihistamines and Montelukast are generally considered safe so you should continue to use these. To the best of our knowledge, there is no reason to think that antihistamines would lower the immune response.
How quickly do antihistamines work?
Usually, antihistamine tablets start to work within 30 minutes after being taken and tend to be most effective within 1-2 hours after being taken. Antihistamines are more effective when taken regularly as a prevention, before symptoms occur, rather than only when you have symptoms.
What drugs should not be taken with antihistamines?
Some products that may interact with this drug are: antihistamines applied to the skin (such as diphenhydramine cream, ointment, spray), blood pressure medications (especially guanethidine, methyldopa, beta blockers such as atenolol, or calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine).