[Kitty]

I just bought the generic equivalent of Zyrtec. I've only ever taken Claritin before but it does little to nothing for my Spring allergies.

Does anyone here take Zyrtec or have an opinion about it one way or the other? I've heard that it makes some people sleepy so I'm planning on taking it with my bedtime meds. I hope I'm not one of those people that it makes hyper!

Thanks for any info given. (I posted this on the Medication forum, too).

[MooseasaurusRex]

My oldest son (6) takes a zyrtec each night. Even with it, he needs a breathing treatment from time to time.

Haven't seen any 'hyper' from him, but we know how meds work differently on everybody.

I know this probably doesn't help you, just hope you get relief from the allergies.

[Dejibo]

I prefer it over Claritin. It prevents histamines from being released, instead of covering them with Anti histamines, once they are released. Its does make me a bit sleepy, and I sleep better when I took it.

I needed it for a few months when I started Copaxone, and it did a better job for me than claritin, but after a few months, and my body getting settled, I found I didnt need it anymore.

Hope that helps.

[Snoopy]

My PCP recommended Zyrtec last fall when I went in for what I thought was a sinus infection, nope! Allergies

My daughter also uses Zyrtec, it's the only OTC allergy med she can take with her other meds. It doesn't make either one of us tired and it sure helps.

[tovaxin_lab_rat]

My friend that I am staying with this weekend takes Zyrtec. About an hour or so after she takes one in the morning, she feels like she needs a nap. She has no medical problems other than allergies.

I took it for a while and had the same problem. I switched to Singulair. The docs don't know how it works but it works great on some people and does nothing for others. I also tried claritin which also did nothing for my allergies.

[SandyC]

None of the allergy pill meds work for me. The nasal ones do though. I take Nasacort and that stuff is amazing.

[DM]

My DH used to take Zyrtec at bedtime, but his Dr switched him to Xyzal and he's doing well on it. His Dr switched him b/c the Zyrtec went OTC and the other is an RX that ins pays for. I keep Hydroxyz HCL (RX) on hand for when I need it and sleep like a rock when I do take it. (usually just during allergy season or if my skin condition flares.)

[Natalie8]

I took Zyrtec for awhile for allergies at nighttime. It definitely helped and I slept great but I realized that I was feeling too groggy in the morning and having a hard time getting going. It took me awhile to figure out it was the Zyrtec. I take Claritin now but since it makes me hyper I have to take it in the morning!

[Dejibo]

btw, it take zyrtec about 2 hours to really start working. its a long acting pill, so its a slow starter.

Many swear it doesnt make them feel any different, and many feel it makes them sleepy. You wont know till you take it. I have had patients swear tylenol makes them sleepy, but I have never experienced that.

[DM]

Dej~~ My DH took his Zyrtec at bedtime too, as it knocked him out.