Zyrtec Withdrawal Lawyers 

Zyrtec (cetirizine) is an antihistamine which is commonly used to ease symptoms of seasonal or environmental allergies. Unfortunately, thousands of patients are now claiming that they suffered from Zyrtec withdrawal symptoms so severe that they feel compelled to continue taking the medication for the sole purpose of avoiding the severe itching and hives caused by Zyrtec discontinuation.

Zyrtec Withdrawal: Severe Itching & Hives

Some patients have reported severe itching as a symptom of Zyrtec withdrawal. This itching may begin as soon as 12 hours after the last dose of Zyrtec and can affect every part of the body. Some patients report itching so severe that they cannot control scratching and have caused sores all over their bodies.

At this time, there is very little formal documentation of Zyrtec and antihistamine withdrawal.  Some patients are even referring to cetirizine (Zyrtec) "addiction" because withdrawal itching is so severe that it becomes unbearable to the extent that these allergy sufferers cannot imagine a time when they will be Zyrtec-free.

On a message board about Zyrtec withdrawal featured on the consumer advocacy website ConsumerAffairs.com, some patients expressed the suffering, frustration, and anger they have endured as a result of this un-warned-of side effect:

• "The itching is so bad that I almost feel like I am going insane — imagine a mosquito bite that covers your entire body and then multiply that by ten. The side effects of Zyrtec withdrawal are now the primary reason for why I take Zyrtec."
• "Honestly, the withdrawal side effects are infinitely worse than the allergies that caused me to take Zyrtec in the first place."
• "My hands and feet felt like they were on fire with an insatiable itch. NOTHING helped."
• "I'd wish that there would have been more warnings about the potential side effects of taking this drug long term."

To combat the intense itching which may occur with the cessation of cetirizine (Zyrtec), some patients have worked with a dermatologist to begin a short regime of corticosteroids. Other patients have found that gradually decreasing their dose of Zyrtec makes withdrawal symptoms less severe.

Zyrtec Lawsuit Consultations

Consumer advocacy groups state that they have repeatedly reported to the FDA about the frequency and severity of Zyrtec itching as a withdrawal symptom. However, despite these measures, there is still very little documentation of the issue. Though the FDA finally began to require warnings of "discontinuation syndrome" (withdrawal) on the labels of some antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, no steps have been taken to address or warn of Zyrtec and antihistamine itching, hives, and withdrawal symptoms.

If you believe your extreme itching or hives may be a result of Zyrtec withdrawal, please contact our personal injury lawyers. We are currently working to learn more about Zyrtec withdrawal and investigating potential compensation in Zyrtec lawsuits.