Does Zyrtec make you drowsy?

[just2peachy]

I have been using Claritin for years. I realized it wasn't helping me enough with my allergies, so I switched to Zyrtec this week.

Well, after my usual wine with dinner, I feel asleep and missed the first half of American idol! It happened Tuesday night as well.

So, does Zyrtec make *you* drowsy?

I'm thinking I shouldn't drive while taking this medication.

 

[Cool-Beans]

Nope. I love that stuff.

Ever since 2nd grade, when I fell asleep after taking Chlor-Trimeton, I've been waiting for allergy meds that don't knock me out. Seldane was like a God-send to me...and they just keep getting better.

Very, very pleased with Zyrtec.

 

[DixieDolphin]

I recently made the switch to Zyrtec, because the Loratadine in Claritin / Alavert gives me nasty canker sores.

It hasn't made me drowsy, but I haven't noticed any improved allergy-fighting-goodness yet either. This is day five on the Zyrtec, without sleepiness... but still without much allergy relief.

When this batch runs out, I may have to go on the hunt for another type of med again.

 

[Dodie]

Yes, but I take it at bedtime, so it works for me. I'm fine during the day.

Ever since 2nd grade, when I fell asleep after taking Chlor-Trimeton, I've been waiting for allergy meds that don't knock me out. Seldane was like a God-send to me...and they just keep getting better.

Oh my goodness! I could have written this myself! I'd totally forgotten about Seldane. I've been through them all over the years and, so far, Zyrtec works better than any. I've taken it for several years though, so I'm sure my body will eventually become "immune" to it like it has all the rest. (Chlor-Trimeton, Sudafed, Seldane, Seldane-D, Allegra, Allegra-D, etc.)

 

[just2peachy]

I forgot about Seldane - that was the best. I guess I just have to get used to the Zyrtec.

 

[Dodie]

I forgot about Seldane - that was the best. I guess I just have to get used to the Zyrtec.

You are taking it at bedtime, right?

 

[CarolinaBlue]

Yes, it makes me very drowsy. When I take it, I have to take it at bedtime. I guess it's because I'm not used to taking drugs.

 

[just2peachy]

You are taking it at bedtime, right?

No, I actually take it in the morning. Maybe I had more wine than I thought.

 

[CathrynRose]

I was told it does. However, I literally am sitting in bed, ready to lay down - when I take it, so I dont know if it really does. KWIM?

 

[shortbun]

My doc's instructions were, "take it at bedtime so the drowsiness doesn't interfere with the rest of your day." My son took his at bedtime but now takes XYZAL which has less drowsiness (their claim) and is made by the Zyrtec folks.

 

[wowsmom]

I take mine at bedtime but don't think it makes me drowsy.

When my one son was a toddler and taking the liquid Zyrtec, it definitely made him drowsy for the first couple of weeks he was on it - I loved allergy season at that point.

 

[honugirl]

I've taken Zyrtec before and don't remember it having those properties. Maybe it does though. I'm not sure. Hmmm. I'll have to try it again. Seasonal allergies are on the rise again for me.

 

[CraftyMouse]

Nope. I've been taking Zyrtec for years and it has never made me drowsy.

 

[Jockaroo]

I call Zyrtec my zombie pill. This stuff knocks me out. I had to take it around 8 p.m. and would be out by 10 p.m. If I took it later I couldn't function until noon. I'm on Veramyst now. Zyrtec did help my allergies, but I couldn't live my life. I too miss my Seldane and Hismanal. These drugs really worked, too bad they could kill ya.

 

[Mkrop]

Bot of my boys are on Zyrtec and the peds told me to give it tot hem at bedtime bc it makes them drowsy.

 

[Amy&Dan]

It makes me extremely drowsy, I can't take it anymore because of that. I switched to Alavert (12 hr., non drowsy formula). I take that first thing in the morning and then at night, I take Benadryl if I need something. I generally don't, my allergies aren't bad in the evenings for the most part.

Edited to add: I find that I have to switch gears with my allergy meds. For instance, Claritin works great for me in the fall, but doesn't work at all in the spring. Some non drowsy things make me sleepy. Right now, Alavert is working great but that could be the tree polllen in my area is subsiding! I just find that I don't buy anything in large sizes because it may not work consistently. It drives me nuts.

 

[Imzadi]

I just made the switch to Zyrtec last nite.

I had gone through 2 full boxes of tissues in 5 days as I was still sneezing and had itchy, buring eyes after finshing a free box of Tylenol Allergy medicine. Plus, my tongue was sore from itching the roof of my mouth.

The Loratadine in Claritin did nothing but over-dry me out, while I still had all the other symptoms.

I couldn't believe the Zyrtec when I first took it. All my symptoms went away after 30 minutes. The biggest difference was with my eyes. They finally felt normal again!

A Zyrtec rep that I spoke to a while ago said, since you only have to take one pill in 24 hours, take it at nite before bedtime. That would take care of any drowsyness.

 

[just2peachy]

Bot of my boys are on Zyrtec and the peds told me to give it tot hem at bedtime bc it makes them drowsy.

off topic, but did the tag fairy spell your name wrong?

 

[Robinrs]

It does not make me drowsy which is surprising because everything usually does!

 

[Kae]

Yes & gives me a sore throat. Ah, seldane wow do I miss that stuff. I like the new Sudafed that you can buy, but it is not behind the Phar counter. It has been a beautifull spring here. The prettier the trees are the worse my allergies are.

Kae