HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

I just got zyrtec (cetirizine) oral drops which allow me to be alert. will it cause insomnia if i take it at bedtime? i am still afraid it may make me drowsy...

A doctor has provided 1 answer
Dr. John Chiu answered

Unlikely: Zyrtec (cetirizine) causes drowsiness (usually mild) in only about 10% of the people and given your paradoxical response, it may indeed keep you awake at night. Try something else.

Dr Crane and another doctor agreed

Answered 11/14/2020

3.5k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

Hi. My allergies are killing me! Nose won't stop running and I am quite drowsy... been taking Zyrtec (cetirizine) regulary for over a month! Is it okay to take every 12 hours?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

I have allergies and my ears feel stuffy can I take 30mg non drowsy sudafed nasonex (mometasone) during day and a half of zyrtec at night I take 15mg escitalopram?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

I am on Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Flonase for severe Hayfever. Neither should cause drowsiness but I feel severely tired&like I almost have to be reminded to breathe?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Stuffy nose and my OB said it might be due to allergies. I've never had allergies before. 25 weeks pregnant, and was told it was safe to take zyrtec. Will it help for nasal congestion? Is it drowsy?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

What can I do for extreme sleepiness after taking Xanax 2 hours after taking Zyrtec?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

My body acts weird. Everytime I use Zyrtec (cetirizine) drops I get very little drowsy only on the first dose. My tolerance goes away if I stop it for long. Why?
Does long term use of zyrtec (cetirizine) cause possible forgetfulness and drowsiness?
What are some anti-histamine medications that do not cause drowsiness? Having a bad experience with zyrtec (cetirizine).
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?
My doc prescribed me Zyrtec (cetirizine) 10 drops twice a day. I get drowsy with it. I also have classes on Monday. i find it hard to stay full awake.

Telemedicine

Primary Care
Manage Your Conditions
Women's Health
Children's Health
Men's Health
Senior Health
Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle
Sexual Health
Mental & Behavioral Health
Travel Medicine
Urgent Care
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.