Zyrtec and Nightmares?

[KariC]

My kids' antihistamine (Histex) that they have taken since they were 2 is no longer being manufactured. We have tried others over the past 3-1/2 years, but nothing has worked as well. But now, obvioulsy, we have to find something that works, and quick

Their pediatrician suggested we try Zyrtec (I'd rather have a prescription med, but oh well). Well, we've tried it for about a week, and it does seem to work. However, both kids have been really restless at night, coming in to our bed, etc. And last night, my DS5 moaned and had bad dreams all night long.

Has anyone else ever experienced this with Zyrtec? They take it before bed, we could switch it to morning, but I was unsure about the "drowsy" effect.

 

[Lorix2]

Hmm, not sure about that affect on kids. I've been on it since '99 and it made a huge difference in my life since dust is the biggest trigger with me.

I've had zero side affects from it, I wouldn't even know I'm on it - UNLESS I skip a day or two and my symptoms return.

If it's helping, I'd stay with it for a bit longer and discuss it with your pedi. Are there any other changes in the home right now that may cause them to have nightmares? Is anyone sick? Change rooms around? Just some things to consider maybe.

 

[KariC]

No, this is the only change. I've also noticed some behavior changes. My daughter is extremely hyper and "picky" (as in picking at people to annoy them--I expect a little bit of this, but not this extreme), and my son is just emotional, crying at the slightest thing.

 

[lovemygoofy]

I took Zyrtec for a month and I could not sleep, very restless and if I did sleep I was sweating something awful. I just didn't want to mess with all that and swtiched to allegra d which works great.

 

[lfeikert]

DS4 has taken Zyrtec for about 2 years and he's never had any side effects. It works like a charm for him. He takes it right before bedtime, too.

 

[Lorix2]

No, this is the only change. I've also noticed some behavior changes. My daughter is extremely hyper and "picky" (as in picking at people to annoy them--I expect a little bit of this, but not this extreme), and my son is just emotional, crying at the slightest thing.

Poor kids! Then maybe this isn't the right med for them. I would suggest calling your ped and letting them know. Good luck.

 

[Mkrop]

Both of my boys have been on Zyrtec and it has worked great for them. DS5 did mentioned two nightmares last week but he has been on it longer than that and so I wouldnt say there is cause and effect there.

I hate that it is OTC now. I feel like I have to buy it constantly or buy every bottle off the shelf.

GL

 

[kaw1218]

DD9 has taken Zyrtec since she was 5.

She usually takes it after school.

she was getting drowsy if she took it in the morning. She's never mentioned nightmares, I haven't noticed any sleep problems.


I also hate that it's over the counter. Now it'll cost me more

 

[EdiePA]

Nightmares can be a side effect of Zyrtec and as an adult, I hated taking it for that reason. I can't imagine the effect on a child. Call your pediatrician, there are other choices.

Edie

 

[mrsv98]

Dd took it when she was little and it just didn't work for her. If I gave it to her in the morning, she was a little zombie, if I gave it to her at night, she was restless and agitated. We switched to Claratin and it worked great.

OTOH, I have been taking zyrtec for years with no side effects so it is definitely a person by person reaction. I would call the doc and ask for something else, there are loads of allergy meds out there.

 

[ZachnElli]

Two of my kids take it with no side effects. But this really is a person to person thing. We had the flu and my 2 year old had horrible behavioral side effects to Tamiflu. I googled it and it was pretty scary the behaviors that some kids have had as a side effect to Tamiflu! Definitely call your doctor and switch to something else, there are other options.

 

[DorkyDisneyMom]

I guess that I haven't made the connection. #2 son takes it sometimes and he doesn't sleep well at all when he does. I just thought it was because he had a stuffy nose. I will have to ask his pediatrician next time I am in.

We have nasonex for when his allergies are really bad. I will have to ask about clairitin.

 

[KariC]

Thank you, everyone! I had no idea this could be a side effect....I always have technicolor nightmares with things like Nyquil or even TylenolPM.

I'm still bumming over the loss of their "regular" allergy med. Nothing else has worked (claritin is like candy, allegra didn't stop the "sneaky sneezes-for you JoJo fans, and the others I don't remember all the details). The doctor has a few up his sleeves to try next....but we wanted to go with a popular one so the risk of going off the market would be small.

Ah....the life of allergies.....