Prolonged use of some antihistamines can also lead to other rare side effects such as dry mouth, drowsiness, and blurred vision. Overall, antihistamines are generally safe and effective for managing allergic conditions but prolonged use can have some risks.
Long term use of some antihistamines may increase your risk of dementia. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is vital for memory and learning.
It's generally safe to take the newer generation of antihistamines daily if you have year-round allergy symptoms. But make sure to avoid anything that has a "D" in its brand name, which stands for decongestants. Long-term use of decongestants will worsen your allergy symptoms.
There are some potential side effects and there are some cases where long-term antihistamine use can worsen urinary retention or narrow angle glaucoma.
Cetirizine is unlikely to do you any harm if you take it for a long time. However it's best to take cetirizine only for as long as you need to. If you take it regularly over a long period there's a very small chance of severe itching if you stop treatment suddenly.
Allergists recommend long-acting, non-sedating antihistamines — ones that won't make you sleepy — for everyday use. Though you may know them by their brand names, the generic versions tackle the same problems: Cetirizine (Zyrtec®, Aller-Tec®, Wall-Zyr®). Fexofenadine (Allegra®, Aller-ease®, Aller-Fex®, Wal-Fex®).
Non-sedating antihistamines are used in the long-term control of allergy, as in hay fever, eczema, sinusitis, and chronic urticaria. No serious side effects have been reported. Tolerance is not a problem. Rarely, they can cause acute self-limited liver injury.
“The most common side effects you tend to see are fatigue, headaches, and dry mouth,” says Shih. If you're someone for whom the benefits of regular antihistamine use far outweighs the occasional minor side effect, longterm use is safe for most adults and children, he adds.
When antihistamines block histamine, our appetite can increase. This, plus side effects like drowsiness, could lead to weight gain. Your risk of gaining weight from antihistamines may depend on many factors. But a healthy diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors can help you manage your risk.
Zyrtec Withdrawal: Severe Itching & Hives
This itching may begin as soon as 12 hours after the last dose of Zyrtec and can affect every part of the body. Some patients report itching so severe that they cannot control scratching and have caused sores all over their bodies.
Dr Grant confirms that many people can suffer withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking antihistamines suddenly. Dr Grant recommends the patient resume taking the antihistamines and then slowly reduce the dose to wean off slowly.
Older adults are especially sensitive to the central nervous system- and anticholinergic-related side effects of sedating antihistamines because of decreased cholinergic neurons or receptors in the brain, reduced hepatic and renal function, and increased blood-brain permeability.
You shouldn't take prescription antihistamines if you also are taking certain other prescription medicines. These include erythromycin (an antibiotic), or certain medicines used to treat fungal infections. These include itraconazole or ketoconazole.
Anticholinergic and alpha-adrenergic side effects
Many over-the-counter antihistamines contain a decongestant as well, and therefore if the user experiences palpitations, the medication should be stopped.
The evidence presented does suggest, however, that patients on prolonged antihistamine therapy may develop clinical tolerance. When this is suspected the dose should be increased or the drug discontinued for a short perior (3 to 14 days) before resuming therapy.
The nonsedating antihistamines, however, are often used for an extended period and several forms have been linked to rare instances of clinically apparent acute liver injury which has generally been mild and self-limiting; the antihistamines most commonly linked to liver injury have been cyproheptadine, cetirizine and ...
Zyrtec (cetirizine) is a second-generation antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. It is available over the counter for use in adults and children 2 years and over. Side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, sore throat, dizziness, and stomach pain.
Cetirizine and levocetirizine have been linked to rare, isolated instances of clinically apparent acute liver injury.
For many people with allergies, symptoms are the worst around 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. Taking an antihistamine at bedtime may help you or your child feel better in the morning during allergy season.
Yes, it is ok to take the medication for an extended period of time. However, the "D" formulation has a decongestant (which is what the 'D' represents in the name) and this can raise your blood pressure. I would recommend discussing with your doctor if this will be a possible problem for you.
The ZYRTEC® package label doesn't state a limit on how long you can take ZYRTEC®. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions, especially if you're taking other medicines or being treated for any other conditions.
What is the most powerful natural antihistamine? Researchers haven't yet established any natural product as the “best” or “most powerful.” Natural antihistamines with the most research backing their use include stinging nettle, vitamin C, quercetin, butterbur, bromelain, and probiotics.
Fortunately, many newer, second-generation antihistamines last longer and are non- or low-sedating, says Dr. Bassett, adding that “Zyrtec, Xyzal, Allegra, and Claritin (or their generic formulation) are less likely to have major side effects compared to older, first-generation antihistamines.”
So what can older adults safely take for allergy relief? Wozniak: Newer antihistamines such as Claritin® (loratadine) and Allegra® (fexofenadine) tend to be safer and better tolerated.