Should I take Zyrtec before bed?

Many allergy medications, such as Zyrtec, are recommended every 24 hours. By taking the medication before bedtime you're more likely to get through the night without the active ingredients wearing off or becoming less effective closer to the end of the 24 hour period.

What happens if you take Zyrtec before bed?

While some over-the-counter antihistamines can cause drowsiness, routinely using them to treat insomnia isn't recommended. Antihistamines, mainly used to treat symptoms of hay fever or other allergies, can induce drowsiness by working against a chemical produced by the central nervous system (histamine).

Should you take Zyrtec at night?

What's the best time of day to take ZYRTEC^®? Any time of day works. And ZYRTEC^® will continue to work for 24 hours.

How long before bedtime should you take Zyrtec?

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.

Does Zyrtec make you sleepy or hyper?

Both Zyrtec and Claritin may make you drowsy or tired. For that reason, you shouldn't take these medications if you also take muscle relaxers, sleeping pills, or other drugs that cause drowsiness. Taking them at the same time that you take sedating drugs can make you extremely sleepy.

Why doctors are advising against Benadryl

When should you not take Zyrtec?

Does Zyrtec induce sleep?

Zyrtec can cause sleepiness, but only in some people. Take it for the first time when you will be at home for a few hours in case it makes you sleepy. Claritin is less likely to cause sleepiness than Zyrtec when you take either at recommended doses.

Is it better to take allergy medicine at night?

Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness. But others are less likely to cause this side effect. It's recommended to take first-generation antihistamines, like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), at night. This helps limit side effects while you're awake.

How many hours is Zyrtec effective?

Each antihistamine tablet contains 10 mg Cetirizine HCl to relieve your worst allergy symptoms, indoors and out, for a full 24 hours.

Is it better to take antihistamines at night or in the morning?

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.

Does Zyrtec affect deep sleep?

Although antihistamines seem sedative, they impair the process of reaching deep sleep stages and would potentially make the patients “REM sleep” deprived. As a result, first-generation antihistamines impair cognitive function of daily living (2,3).

Does Zyrtec keep you awake?

Does Zyrtec-D (cetirizine / pseudoephedrine) cause trouble sleeping? It can. If taken too close to bedtime, some people find Zyrtec-D (cetirizine / pseudoephedrine) makes it hard for them to get to sleep. The best way to prevent this is to take your dose in the morning or in the early afternoon.

Is it OK to take Zyrtec everyday?

First-generation antihistamines come with an increased risk of certain side effects and drug interactions, so they are not generally advised for long-term usage. “With first-generation antihistamines, some people note decreasing effectiveness if used daily for several days,” says Dr. Lin.

What should you not take with Zyrtec?

While most anticholinergics can be modified or monitored when taken with loratadine or cetirizine, several should be avoided entirely, including aclidinium, cimetropium, glycopyrrolate, glycopyrronium, ipratropium, oxatomide, tiotropium, and umeclidinium.

What is the best antihistamine to take at night?

When is the best time of day to take an allergy pill?

Best in the evening: Allergy meds

Once-daily antihistamines, such as Claritin, reach their peak eight to 12 hours after you take them, so using them at dinnertime or before bed means better control of morning symptoms.

What are the side effects of Zyrtec?

Why am I so tired after taking Zyrtec?

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.

Why doesn't Zyrtec make you drowsy?

This is probably because fexofenadine doesn't cross the blood-brain barrier very much at all. In contrast, cetirizine crosses the blood-brain barrier significantly and is more likely to cause sedation. The size of your dose matters, too.

Is Zyrtec good for anxiety?

Antihistamines aren't an approved treatment for anxiety that lasts more than 12 months. They're also not for use with serious psychotic or other disorders that require specialized care from a psychiatrist.

Does Zyrtec make you gain weight?

Antihistamines that can cause weight gain include: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl and others) Cetirizine (Zyrtec) Levocetirizine (Xyzal)

Does Zyrtec cause anxiety?

One study also suggests cetirizine and hydroxyzine have a greater chance of causing anxiety and mood changes than other antihistamines. Hydroxyzine can also be used to treat anxiety conditions. So if you notice your symptoms worsen after starting this medication, contact your provider to discuss it further.

How many days in a row can you take Zyrtec?

Is Zyrtec-D safe to take every day? Zyrtec-D is recommended for short-term use only. Zyrtec-D contains pseudoephedrine which should not be taken for more than 10 days at a time. If you find yourself needing Zyrtec-D for long-term nasal congestion, consult your healthcare provider.

Is Zyrtec hard on your heart?

For allergy sufferers with heart disease, medicines such as Allegra, Zyrtec or Claritin should be safe. However, medicines containing decongestants — including Allegra-D, Zyrtec-D and Claritin-D — could increase your blood pressure and heart rate or interfere with your heart medication.

Can I take antihistamine at night?

People sometimes use antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine and doxylamine succinate, to combat insomnia. These over-the-counter medications are OK for occasional use in most people.