I’ve been taking allergy pill brands Allertec and Zertec (Cetirizine) for about 6 years every single day every 24 hours. If I miss even an hour my body bursts into unbearable hives i can barely handle for 3 hours. I went to doctors to check if i was allergic to anything, only thing that came out was a slight allergy to peanuts. I have changed my diet, the fabric of my sheets, the detergent, my soaps and shampoos, its been years and i am starting yo believe maybe my body developed a dependency. I just tried using a different allergy medication that is Diphenhydramine. in hopes that counter attacks my awful hives? and nothing. pleas@e can someone help me or give me an explanation to why this is happening
I was really interested to read your experience of taking Cetirizine Tablets. I also had a problem taking them last summer.
I have an acute reaction if stung by a wasp and so my GP always recommends taking a antihistamine during the summer months when they are most active. Last year I took Cetirizine Tablets for approximately four months from the beginning of June until the end of September. All was fine while taking them but when I stopped, after a few days I started to itch very badly. I could not understand this and did not connect it to stopping the tablets, but I became very concerned and did quite a bit of research as to what was going on.
I had a blood test done and saw my GP, but still came to no real conclusion.
I then began looking at various forums online about taking antihistamines long term, and sure enough there are many people who have suffered the same effect. I think GP’s are reluctant to mention this as a side effect as its a cheap and effective treatment for lots of people.
I managed to live with the itching and it gradually eased until it eventually stopped but it did take a few weeks, you do have to persevere with it.
I can only suggest that you see your GP who might suggest a reducing dosage strategy, but please have a look online at other suggestions as well, from other people that have suffered.
Really hope this helps you.
I’m so sorry you are experiencing this. It is so horrible.
I also had the same experience. I developed Urticaria 4 years ago and managed it with Zirtec as are you for a year and a half. As we wanted to start a family I had to try and stop taking them and it was horrific. It is as though when the dose wears off it intensifies the pain of the rash symptoms.
I strongly believe Zirtec is addictive and your body becomes dependent. I had to wean myself off by using Piriton. It as an older and less ‘high tech’ pharmaceutical. It is longer out on market and seems to have a slightly less aggressive impact on the body. I switched from Zirtec to these and slowly weaned off piriton using half tablets etc. I am not going to lie - it was uncomfortable at times and I thought I was going to rip my skin off…but push through and take cold showers etc.
Now I take nothing - I still have Urticaria and hives - but they are nowhere near as intense or uncomfortable. They come and go of their own accord and just use a nice moisturiser when they start flaring up.
In terms of trying to ‘cure’ myself from Urticaria - Unfortunately I haven’t found anything. I reduced stress, started yoga, got laser treatment on sinuses under care of an immunologist, took Chinese herbs and medicinal mushrooms, did various ridiculous diets - No improvement.
However - I am much more comfortable in my own skin and can manage on a daily basis without any major issues - and I attribute that to staying away from anti-histamines!!!
Hope this helps!