Question 1

how to know if zyrtec (cetirizine) makes me sleepy?

Accepted Answer

Do you feel sleepy : After you take it?  It can cause  fatigue (5.6%), ;  somnolence (5% to 20%). The higher the dose - the more sleepy a person might feel.

Question 2

is it ok to take 20 mg of zyrtec (cetirizine) at once? and will i feel sleepy?

Accepted Answer

Not necessary: The dose recommended is 10 mg each day, but if one's doctor is prescribing 20 mg because it happens to be working better at the higher dose, one can follow her doctor's recommendations. Zyrtec (cetirizine) causes some people to have some sleepiness, but in general, does not make people sleepy. With a higher dose, there isn't much information about that and whether or not it increases sleepiness.

Question 3

what can i do for extreme sleepiness after taking xanax 2 hours after taking zyrtec?

Accepted Answer

: I would go to Drugs.com and see if these meds interact with each other and any other meds you might be taking.  Your body is talking to you. Listen and take good notes.  If you take only one do you get sleepy? If so which one? Does your quality of sleep affect this the next day.

Question 4

i have been taking zyrtec right in the morning since two days. it has removed sneezing etc, but i feel sleepy and lethargic during day. when to take?

Accepted Answer

Other options: Zyrtec causes some drowsiness in about 10% of the people, although this effect tends to fade out after awhile, fexofenadine has virtually no sedating effect.  Nasal steroid would even be more effective for nasal stuffiness without the sedating effect.

Question 5

am thinking i may be allergic to our english bulldog. which is the safest/most effective rx or otc antihistamine that's least likely to cause drowsiness and can be used daily? zyrtec claims to be non-drowsy, but it makes me very sleepy?

Accepted Answer

: Allegra may be helpful...over the counter...

Question 6

i end up sneezing all the time when on vacation in india. is there any nasal spray i can get over the counter? tried zyrtec and it made me very sleepy

Accepted Answer

Saline: Don't know what are available in India without a Rx. But Claritin or Allegra will not likely make you drowsy.  Cortisone nasal spray is likely your best bet. I also suspect that mold exposure is the likely cause for your problem (Isn't it about Monsoon season in India now?)

Question 7

i have cetirizine hcl 10mg, is it going to make me sleepy?

Accepted Answer

Not usually: as it is one of the less sedating antihistamines but it can happen and some people do get sleepy it depends on the person.

Question 8

if cetirizine makes one sleepy, how long does this side effect last?  (both acutely after taking it and over time.)

Accepted Answer

24 hours: Cetirizine is a 24 hour medicine, initially the first 5 to 6 hours you may experience the most of its sedating effect and it starts wearing off, sometime you may have residual fatigue the following day.

Question 9

does long term use of zyrtec (cetirizine) cause possible forgetfulness and drowsiness?

Accepted Answer

It can: Zyrtec (cetirizine) is antihistamine and histamine is active in brain so it is entirely possible to cause mental cloudiness and neuro changes.  Has less 'sleepiness' than other antihistamines but doesn't mean it is without side effects.

Question 10

what are some anti-histamine medications that do not cause drowsiness? having a bad experience with zyrtec (cetirizine).

Accepted Answer

Fexofenadine: Fexofenadine sold as Allegra (fexofenadine) does not cause drowsiness as it does not cross the blood-brain barrier.

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Doctor answers about:

Zyrtec sleepy

A member asked:

How to know if zyrtec (cetirizine) makes me sleepy?

A member asked:

Is it ok to take 20 mg of zyrtec (cetirizine) at once? and will i feel sleepy?

A member asked:

What can i do for extreme sleepiness after taking xanax 2 hours after taking zyrtec?

A member asked:

I have been taking zyrtec right in the morning since two days. it has removed sneezing etc, but i feel sleepy and lethargic during day. when to take?

A member asked:

Am thinking i may be allergic to our english bulldog. which is the safest/most effective rx or otc antihistamine that's least likely to cause drowsiness and can be used daily? zyrtec claims to be non-drowsy, but it makes me very sleepy?

A member asked:

I end up sneezing all the time when on vacation in india. is there any nasal spray i can get over the counter? tried zyrtec and it made me very sleepy

A member asked:

I have cetirizine hcl 10mg, is it going to make me sleepy?

A member asked:

If cetirizine makes one sleepy, how long does this side effect last? (both acutely after taking it and over time.)

A member asked:

Does long term use of zyrtec (cetirizine) cause possible forgetfulness and drowsiness?

A member asked:

What are some anti-histamine medications that do not cause drowsiness? having a bad experience with zyrtec (cetirizine).

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