Updates!

Hello All! It has been an exciting 6 months of hearing from so many people who have won the fight against the itching. It is most exciting to report that in the majority of cases, the 15-day rule holds true! If you go cold-turkey, and can make it to around day 15, you will most likely see a turn-around in your symptoms. It is probably due to the fact that it takes Zyrtec around 7 days to leave your system (so the doctors say), and then another week or so for your system to re-adjust. This is such a great development- it gives people something to work towards, as well as (once again) proves that this is a REAL issue. How could all of these cases be so strikingly similar if we weren't all going through a very real side-effect?!

I have had a few other insights recently that I would like to pass on:

1. It has come to my attention that it may be possible to use the over-the-counter medication Claritin as a step-down method. Claritin is another second generation anti-histamine, but it's formulation is very different from Zyrtec. I have a had a few complaints from people who are Claritin users who had the same problems with itching after stopping the product, but nothing like what I have gotten about Zyrtec. There have been a couple people who have had luck stepping down from the 10 mg Zyrtec to Claritin, and then to the 5 mg dose of Zyrtec, so that the jump from 10 mg to 5 is not so large. I myself had a period where my prescription for Zyrtec expired, and I tried to stave off the itching by taking Claritin until I could get my prescription refilled. The Claritin worked to keep the itching at bay. The added benefit is that Claritin is not as strong of a drug as Zyrtec. If the step-down method is not working for you, this may well be worth a try!

2. I have been faced with the question recently "So now that I have weaned myself from the Zyrtec, how do I control my allergies?" In my case, I didn't have this problem, as I had grown out of the allergies I had had when I began taking the Zyrtec. The unfortunate aspect of this situation is that for many people, Zyrtec was an exceptional medicine for allergies! It works wonders, until you realize that your body is dependent. Many people have been writing in about their finds in the holistic and over-the-counter realms to ease their allergies. If you are having the same questions, I encourage you to check out these topics:

[Of course, for the record, I discourage anyone who has weaned themselves from Zyrtec from trying ANY anti-histamine again. That includes any version of Benedryl, Zyrtec or Claritin; and their generics. Look for these code words if you are unsure: Diphenhydromine, Cetirizine, Loratidine. Be sure to check all cough syrups, cold/ sinus medicines and even sleeping pills for an anti-histamine ingredient. Anti-histamines can also be used as sedatives- check your medications well! Drug store products usually have their active ingredients and descriptions on the label.]

• Here's a great article about allergies from a recent New York magazine: http://nymag.com/guides/everything/fall_allergies/50217/ Of course, they recommend some anti-histamine medications, but it gives you a great overview of all the anti-histamines to stay away from, as well as some ideas for other routes to try.
• Several people have suggested the following: a high dose of Vitamin C, a Juice fast, or the pineapple-derived enzyme Bromelain. All of these seem to be focusing on de-toxifying your body, which can only help.
• Get a Neti-Pot (a nasal irrigation system), especially if you have nasal allergies. What better way to not have an allergic reaction, than to just keep allergens out of your nasal passages?
• Try cromoglicic acid, a mast-cell stabilizer: such as Nasalcrom for nasal allergies, Opticrom eye drops, or Gastrocrom oral (found in any drug store). These drugs actually stabilize the mast cell from releasing histamine, as opposed to anti-histamines, which actually just block the histamine from binding to your nerve-ending receptors. It is derived from plants, and has been touted as a miracle asthma drug, for its bronchodilating properties.

It is a blessing to just be working on this problem, as it means there are many people who have gotten themselves off the Zyrtec! I would love to hear any other allergy recommendations to add to this list.

New people are constantly finding this site in an effort to explain their symptoms, and I am so glad that we have made a forum for those working through it. I have to take a moment to say "Thanks!" to all those who have posted their stories in the comments section. It is a constant source of pride and excitement for me to hear about all of the others out there who have been faced with this problem and have found a way out of it. If you are new to this blog, please take a few minutes to scroll through the comments, they will knock you out with their depth and detail into this problem.

Again, if you are fighting the horrible itch, just know that it IS possible. You can do it.

What To Do!

It has been awhile since I have posted because my ideas have seemed to dry up. During the course of this blog, I have found a wealth of knowledge about the workings of cells and antihistamines, and have had my theory deemed possible by a famous cell biologist. I have also found a wonderful community of others like me who were searching for answers. But... we are still left with this horrible itching! And the doctors who think we are crazy! And the pharmaceutical company who doesn't admit it is a problem! These last issues are very hard to tackle.
There are definitely things to be done about this:

• For those struggling with the itching:
  We have been having lots of breakthroughs on the comment boards with people who are going off of the Zyrtec, and lots of successes making it through that first 2-week hump. (I am so proud!) For some people, going cold-turkey is too much, with our daily lives being so hectic, and they try to step down the milligrams of their pills, in order to wean themselves off gradually instead. The easiest thing to do is to drop down to the 5 mg dose, which is now available over the counter, then try cutting those in half after a period of time. There are lots of suggestions and helpful tips to help you make it through the itching in the comments section, I encourage you to check it out!
• For those who are fed up with the ignorant doctors, and the shady pharmaceutical companies:
  I only have one suggestion. We have to make it known! There have been a lot of people who have found this site who are so thankful to be in touch with other people who have the same symptoms. They are inspired by being able to verify that those symptoms are real, and curable. We need to use that inspiration to get the word out there!
  Follow these steps to help others not go through what you did:
  1: Tell your doctor, in no uncertain terms, that you are positive that you are having withdrawal from the Zyrtec. Be adamant, and let him know that you have found others with your exact symptoms online. He may look at you crazily, but you may just spark something in his mind, especially if someone else mentions the same problems to him down the line.
  2. Notify the FDA. I've said this before, but this is the ONLY way that more tests will be done on Zyrtec, and a possible warning will be included in the labeling. If the label would list this as a side effect, you and your doctor would have known what it was, and maybe a more effective way of treating it would be available. You can do this through a simple online form at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ If everyone who sees this site would take a moment to fill out the form, a red flag may go up at the FDA that some post-marketing tests should be done.
  I would like to note that Pfizer no longer holds distribution rights for Zyrtec. Johnson & Johnson is now the company selling Zyrtec (over-the-counter). It is confusing which company would take "adverse event" calls. The last time I spoke to someone at Pfizer, in February, they no longer had access to the files for Zyrtec. But Johnson & Johnson's website doesn't even list Zyrtec as a product. Therefore, the best way to report on this product is to go straight to the source for help: the FDA.

Many people have mentioned that we have the makings of a lawsuit on our hands. I agree that there does seem to be some liability issue at stake. But I am not positive that we can prove the damages (unbearable itching?!). I am not a lawyer, so if you know one, pass it by them, and let us know what they say.

I encourage everyone to comment about their struggle with this problem. Every little piece of advice, or story of success or failure, may help someone else out there who is in the same predicament. At this point we only have each other!

Eureka!!

Okay, folks. There is some good news, and some bad news.
Let's start with the bad news: ...it is possible that, short of me becoming a molecular biologist, a definitive answer to why do we start itching after stopping Zyrtec? may never be uncovered (by me, at least).

But, the good news is: I've gotten the best answer I could possibly have found!
First things first: it is my whole-hearted belief that everything happens for a reason. The are no coincidences in life. I have recently moved to Boston for a short time, to rehearse a new play. It just so happens that the woman I am staying with is good friends with a renowned bio-chemist who specializes in drug discovery and receptor functions! After struggling for answers from the FDA, Pfizer, and UCB (and being given little or no information), I have stumbled upon a wealth of knowledge right under my own roof! So here goes:
After some research into this phenomenon, with help from some pharmacology books, my chemist friend believes that we are suffering from allergic dermatitis; basically a skin allergy to a drug. Stopping the Zyrtec triggers your immune system, you begin to be allergic to the Zyrtec (which remains in your system for at least 7 days), and your skin begins to create the opposite effect the medication was going for. Your skin then begins to produce more histamine. How and why this happens is not known, but it only occurs in people who are particularly sensitive. It depends on the person, and how the medication has "tweaked" certain reactions in your body. Anti-histamines are particularly idiosyncratic, and react differently in different people. ***Therefore, Zyrtec has "tweaked" the receptor it binds to in the skin of hypersensitive people, and upon stopping the Zyrtec, the skin over-produces histamine, which causes severe itching until the immune system readjusts.***

Phew! This answer seems extremely plausible (and strikingly similar to my initial theory!).The pharmacology book entry backs it up as well. It states, "A drug allergy may develop... allergic dermititis is not uncommon". If that isn't substantiated proof, I don't know what is. Just seeing something in print makes me feel a little more validated. If only we had been able to read about this side-effect in the labeling of the drug, we may not have been made to feel so foolish by our doctors!

I have been wishing for 6 months to speak to a scientist, and finally had an opportunity to. His help was incredibly enlightening, and extremely validating. Now I just need to figure out what to do next...

That's how they getcha!

As I have been researching the company which developed Zyrtec (UCB, a medical company located in Belgium) I have recently come across a new product which they developed, called Xyzal. A light-bulb went off for me, as one of my recent commenters mentioned that their doctor suggested trying Xyzal instead of Zyrtec (see comments from Jan 24th).
Xyzal is also an H1 receptor antagonist anti-histamine (the same molecular product as Zyrtec). It's medical name is... wait for it... Levocetirizine Dihidrochloride!!!!!! Sound Familiar?! Zyrtec's medical name is cetirizine dihydrochloride. As Zyrtec's patent was about to run out, UCB got to work finding a very close sister to something already currently being sold (and which makes loads of money), they market it as something "NEW!" and have another top-seller to hand to distributers. But Xyzal is really just Zyrtec in disguise!

Xyzal makes a very important statement about the state of the drug business: that medicines are created to make money, not to solve medical issues. This exact situation is what created Zyrtec (and the residual side-effects we are having). The drug developer takes a current drug and manipulates it a certain way, which he thinks will not add any detrimental effects, and sells it as a new molecular identity. Something about this change in Zyrtec (from it's predecessor hydroxyzine) has affected the way our nerve-endings react to stimuli. Who knows what effects Xyzal may contain considering its unfortunate parent, Zyrtec?
For those of you looking for an outlet; some way to relieve the itching and craziness, please be wary of possibly prolonging your pain by taking more of the exact medicine you are trying to stay away from... this includes over-the-counter meds like Benedryl, and now prescribed medications like Xyzal as well!

It's Official

At a drug store in Arizona this past weekend, I saw it with my own eyes: Zyrtec is about to be put out on shelves for the unsuspecting masses to purchase. As many people have mentioned in the comments section, the worst thing about being on Zyrtec is that no one (even doctors) ever told you it was possible that you wouldn't be able to stop taking it. Now, because of our crazy drug system, those folks who purchase Zyrtec over the counter will have even less chance of knowing what they are getting into. I feel sorry for them.
The pricing is as follows:
12 Chewable 10 mg: $13.99, 30 Zyrtec 10 mg: $24.99, 24 Zyrtec-D: $25.99
I know that these prices may be much cheaper for some people who have prescriptions for Zyrtec; I know of one person who pays around $50 for a month's supply, even with prescription coverage! For those folks, I am happy. No need to break the bank on medicine that you need. But please, if you know someone who is about to try Zyrtec out for the first time because they see it on the shelf, mention the possible side effects. Give them the chance to hear the possibilities that you didn't get.

Zyrtec Goes Public

It's true... as you may have read in the comments section or in the newspapers, in the next couple of weeks, Zyrtec is about to go over-the-counter. Meaning any regular person who feels like they have allergies will be able to purchase Zyrtec without a prescription (kinda like Claritin did a few years ago). Zyrtec's patent expired on December 25th, therefore the right to make and distribute cetirizine (the chemical name of Zyrtec) is in the public domain. Johnson & Johnson will be making the otc version, which will be on shelves in late January.
This is great news for allergy sufferers who swear by Zyrtec: the pill will most likely cost less (at around $22 per 30-day supply), will be available without a prescription, and there is the possibility that generic versions might begin to sprout up as well, lowering the price and accessibility even further. This is bad news for Pfizer, with Zyrtec being one of it's top sellers (Pfizer sold $1.57 BILLION Dollars worth of Zyrtec last year!!!!!!!!!). It is also bad news for those of us who have unbearable side effects from taking cetirizine: it means even more people will start to have these strong reactions, and they may not make the connection as to what it is stemming from.
Now, more than ever, I suggest that all of you out there who have had an issue with Zyrtec to report your reaction to the FDA (see post 12/3). It is the only way I can see right now to have our voice heard. It only takes a moment!
On a side note: I apologize for the lack of posts, with the holidays and a new job, I have gotten kind of swamped, but I have NOT given up on this! I am still exploring many issues on this topic, and will post about them soon! Happy New Year!

A Plan

I have been getting lots of emails and comment posts from people just finding the site, wanting to know the in-and-outs of suffering through the itching. I would like to take a moment to go over the best plan of attack for someone just quitting Zyrtec.
I, personally, went cold-turkey off of the Zyrtec, after trying a stepping-down technique which didn't really work... it only made my symptoms more unbearable (see post Aug 27th). I felt that I needed to just quit completely and suffer through the itching. The majority of the bad episodes lasted from days 3-15, with the most heat and welts coming up at night. From day 15- week 6, I was having smaller episodes, but much more manageable, my skin finally feeling like my own again. Now, about 4 months later, I am pretty much cured, with just a few small incidents when it is cold outside and my jeans rub against me.

The best things I have learned in my struggle with the itching:

• Do NOT, under any circumstances, try to replace Zyrtec with another anti-histamine, like Benadryl, to curb the itching. It will only prolong your effort to get your skin back to normal. I could have shaved 6 weeks off of my recovery by not taking Benadryl.
• Try not to start scratching spots at all, as one small scratch can sometimes provoke a horrible heat and spreading of the itching. Nip hot spots in the bud with any over-the-counter cream or fluid you can find. Vick's VapoRub worked wonders for me, the menthol and camphor have an awesome cooling effect which stops the heat dead. Try a cool shower or start focusing on something else to try to drive attention away from the itch (cook, clean, play video games). Distraction really does work.
  
• I have found that keeping your skin moisturized, especially now in the winter, is a great way to stave off the itching, as dry skin makes your nerve endings more raw. I use Gold Bond Healing lotion, which was an amazing find that actually keeps me covered for a full 24 hours.
• Above all, know that you are not crazy!!! Feeling positive in the fact that you are going to get through it, that others have done it, will make life much easier.
  

I have heard people mentioning a step-down technique focusing on lowering their dosage gradually (by cutting up pills) and it would be very interesting to know how that has worked! I imagine that if you do the drop slowly enough, it just might stave off the itching. If you are reading this, and have tried to quit Zyrtec by lowering your dosage of a period of time... let us know how it is going!!!

The Best We Can Do...For Now

At this point, I'm not positive where to go next. I have spent hours on the phone with pharmacists at Pfizer, who never know the answers to my questions, but also don't even know where to direct my call. A couple of times, they have even said "Are you a health professional, ma'am?!" because I keep asking them questions which are beyond general medical knowledge. I have spoken to some very nice people at the FDA, as well, who pretty much just lead me to their website, which I have already scoured for information. It seems in this day and age there is no use in talking to someone on the phone, because they will just be giving you information from the same web-pages as you can get at home! Unfortunately for us, the complete Review of the initial application from Pfizer for Zyrtec is just not available- probably because it was more than 10 years ago that this product was accepted by the FDA.
All of the people I have spoken to have made sure to ask one thing- have you made a report of your adverse reactions? When you make a report, to Pfizer or to the FDA directly, a complete documentation is made of it. Surely if enough people start to mention it, a red flag will go up. When I made a report to Pfizer, I asked the woman if any other reports of this type had been made. She couldn't seem to find any. (!)
So as of now, I think we need to make ourselves known. You can call Pfizer's help-line, to "report an adverse event" at 1(800)438-1985. You will speak to a pharmacist who will document everything about your case. They have all been very nice. The ones I have spoken to have said that any report you make to Pfizer is automatically reported to the FDA. Considering the lack of information from our side, I say we should all report to the FDA directly as well. You can do this on their website, at: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/
You simply write a statement about your case, and enter the dosage and amount of time that you took the drug. You will have to give your name and address to file. It only takes a few minutes.
I believe it is very important to get the word out there. This route may very well be the best route to try to get some testing done! And if there are some post-marketing tests with people like us, maybe other folks won't have to deal with this horrible itching!

What?!

As I was watching TV today, an ad for a new nasal spray, Veramyst, came on. For some reason, I was drawn to watching it. The ad was promoting how "finally, there is a product which covers both your nose and eye symptoms!". And then, there in plain sight at the bottom of the screen: "The way Veramyst works is not completely understood". I couldn't believe it! As a person who spends a good amount of her free time trying to uncover the inner workings of an allergy medication, I was completely pissed off. How is it possible that they can spend a bunch of money on a commercial (a woman looking very happy in the midst of beautiful flowers) and not spend some money to actually figure out what they are dealing with?! I looked up the product online, and found that there are also some major side effects, including the fact that 1 in every 1000 people who use this product will get a fungal infection in their nose. Gross.
Stories like this remind me that as patients, we HAVE to know more than our doctors. We have to study up, be more aware, and less complacent about what we put in our bodies. The FDA, who most Americans think is on their side, does not develop, manufacture or administer one test on the drugs they accept. The FDA only looks at the information given to them by the drug company and decides whether the benefits of the drug outweighs the risk of taking the drug. Which means there could be MANY risks involved, as long as there is an even slightly greater benefit. I, for one, would never be comfortable using a drug every single day that has no science to back up it's effectiveness.

Winter Weather Woes!

It has finally come upon us... Winter. As noted in previous posts, my itching has been so much better, to the point where I barely think about it. The worst moments of itching during the Zyrtec years (when I would just forget to take a dose) would always happen when it was cold outside and my skin would be dry/cold and rubbing against my jeans. I feel itchy just thinking about it! And I have to say, I was nervous to think of the approaching cold weather, wondering, will it come back? Unfortunately, in the last week, when the weather has been cold and blustery, I have noticed the itching much more. The best thing (and only thing) I can think of to deter it is making sure my skin is thoroughly moisturized. I have a humidifier in my room, and I make sure to slather on the cream in the mornings.

On the medical research front:
After a wonderful breakthrough with my allergist, and validation of my theory into the reasoning behind our itching, I have been overwhelmed by the next step: trying to determine the pharmacological reason Zyrtec is different from the other major antihistamines (and therefore causes this adverse side effect). What I have learned so far:
Drugs are developed by drug companies to find a new product which could help cure diseases. But they are also into developing drugs to make money. Drug companies want to be able to find a product that they can market exhaustively as "New!' or "Different!" than the other drugs currently on the market. Therefore, they find a current drug and change it just a little: they make it bind to different places in the human body, or in other ways, or with a different affinity, or to a different place on a receptor. All to be able to say "Our drug is different! You need to buy it!". In the case of Zyrtec, scientists took one of the oldest antihistamines, called Hydroxizine, and changed it a bit. Hydroxizine was known to have a good effect on itching as well as the usual allergy symptoms, but was more sedating, and lasted in the system for only 6 hours (like it's cousin Benedryl). Zyrtec (or it's generic name, Ceterizine) was derived from Hydroxizine, supposedly maintaining it's itch-reducing qualities, but making it less sedating (which also means less soluble into the brain- see post on Oct 11th), and lasting a full 24 hours. Ceterizine is also more selective as to where it binds onto an H1 receptor. These slight changes to the molecular structure are very hard to pin down, especially for a lay-person such as myself.
I have spent many hours pouring over the Pfizer and FDA websites, looking for a way to learn about the molecular structure of Zyrtec. I have found some very interesting information, like that above, but no specifics. As you can imagine, trying to ask specific questions of a government agency, or of a huge pharmaceutical company can be completely impossible. I have spoken to some very nice people, but I have found no direct person to contact regarding the development of Zyrtec. Honestly, I'm not sure if I will ever find the answers I am looking for. All I know is that it still seems very suspicious, that a drug marketed for those with itch and derived from a drug that was supposed to be great for itching is the one that causes itching!
I am still on the hunt for more information. Cell-phone bills be damned!

Trusting Yourself

I have been receiving lots of e-mails and several comments on this blog recently from people who are just beginning to realize what their itching is really stemming from. Why the sudden influx? My guess is that during the fall, when things are no longer in bloom, people are more apt to go off of their meds for the season. Thus, the itching starts up, the doctors say "you're crazy!" and sufferers of the itching start questioning themselves. (Something about that series of happenings reminds me of the children's song "The Wheels on the Bus": You go off the Zyrtec and the itching starts up, the itching starts up, the itching starts up...")
I would like to take this time to say: You're Not Crazy! There are many others out there suffering the same symptoms as you are!
Dr. Mehmet Oz was on Oprah yesterday, and something he said really hit home with me. You have to "consider yourself an EXPERT of your own body." You have to TRUST what you know your gut is telling you, then take control of the situation. I knew in my heart that it wasn't just my allergies flaring up when I would go off of the Zyrtec and begin to itch uncontrollably, yet I was still coerced into remaining on an unnecessary drug for 7 years (!) by doctors who told me I was crazy. I am typically the type to go with my instincts, too. But for some reason, I felt that I couldn't know more than the doctors. I feel strongly that we need to begin believing in ourselves, not the drug companies, or the doctors we pay to give us their advice. YOU live in your 20 square feet of skin everyday. Your knowledge is just as worthy as any doctor's!

The Next Step

The allergist definitely agreed with my suggestions about the nerve endings becoming overwhelmed after quitting the Zyrtec. As a matter of fact, he said that the nerve endings are most likely having to "reset the threshold to stimuli". He was so intrigued by my research and also by my case that he even said he would be more apt to prescribe Allegra instead of Zyrtec in the future! When I laughed, wondering if he was just teasing me, he said no, that doctors can't rely on the testing data given by a drug company. That doctors need to do their own "post-marketing data research" with their patients, to see the actual effects of the drug. I was shocked at his open-mindedness!
I have researched a lot of the background of Zyrtec: the full list of tests done and to whom, the complete list of side effects, the chemical make-up. At no point have I found any information on tests given after Zyrtec leaves the system. I haven't even been able to find any post-marketing (after Zyrtec went on sale) research, either. Surely, somewhere in the testing of this drug by Pfizer or the FDA, someone had to experience the itching. But I'm sure most of you can guess what would be told to them: "You're crazy! Zyrtec isn't a dependent drug! It's just your allergies flaring back up!" The same old shtick we all have heard from our doctors.
At this point, with my itching subsiding, and my theory looking pretty solid, I need to focus on finding the next step. The allergist suggested finding out more about how Zyrtec was created, or get the full list of tests from the FDA. There must be more information out there that I am missing!

The Itch Update

As of today, I am almost 3 months off of the Zyrtec, and off of the Benedryl for six weeks, and I have to say things are going well on the itch front. Of course, I still have a few sporadic moments (while walking briskly in jeans) when the friction causes it to flare up, but I have had no horrible episodes for 4 weeks. I feel that soon I will be completely ITCH-FREE!!!
I believe that the decision to go off of the Benadryl was the best decision I have made during this process. I went through a very tough couple of weeks after stopping it, but things have calmed down much quicker since then, and I truly believe that my body just needed a chance to adjust on it's own; with no drugs. The fact that things have gone so much smoother plus the fact that my skin only started to feel more like my own since being un-medicated really proves to me that I am on the right track with my theory that your skin is somehow changed by the anti-histamines. I feel like if I hadn't taken the Benadryl for 6 weeks after quitting the Zyrtec, I would have made a much quicker recovery, most likely in half the time.
For those of you out there who are in the thick of Zyrtec Withdrawal (or those who I may have tried to help by recommending Benadryl for the tough times in an e-mail): I'm sorry if I led you astray! I don't know if cold-turkey is the best option for all of the sufferers of this phenomenon, but I know for sure that you will only lengthen your pain by going back to the anti-histamines for any length of time.

Validation Part 2

At this point, I have determined that nerve ending damage is not only possible, but is most likely the cause of our itching. The next step is to focus on determining what is different about Zyrtec that it interrupts our nerve endings' capacity to work correctly.
An interesting fact about Zyrtec is that it is the most sedating of the top anti-histamines. Sedation (sleepiness) happens in the brain; an anti-histamine is sedating when it is more soluble with oil, and can therefore permeate the sedation receptors in the brain. The first anti-histamines produced (including Benedryl) were incredibly sedating. The second generation of anti-histamines (including Zyrtec, Allegra, Claritin) were made more soluble with water instead of oil, and therefore are less likely to permeate the brain, causing less sleepiness. Allegra and Claritin are officially labeled as "non-drowsy". But Zyrtec, on the other hand, is known to be the most sedating, especially in the first week of taking it, and becomes less sedating after the first week of use. Your brain and body somehow adjusts to the sedating effects of Zyrtec after extended use. Could the skin be adjusting as well?!

1. Zyrtec reacts at an H3 (sedation) receptor in the brain, causing sleepiness, but after a week, your brain adjusts, causing less sleepiness.
2. Zyrtec also reacts at an H1 (nerve ending/ itch) receptor in the skin, restricting itchiness. Is it possible that your nerve endings adjust to it and never adjust back?

This information seems to corroborate my theory that damage to the nerve endings is the reason we itch. If your brain adjusts to Zyrtec, why couldn't your nerve endings?

Validation!

I explained my entire theory (see previous post) to my allergist, just to see if anything about it rang true to him. Being a well respected allergist at NYC's best hospital, Columbia Presbyterian, I expected him to be thorough and honest, even if he believed I was on the wrong track. But in the end, he definitely gave me hope that my theory was actually a possibility. Over the next few posts I will be elaborating on the information he has given me, in order to validate specific points of my theory.
The questionable part of my theory (to me, at least) was whether a part of our body (our nerve endings in this case) can decide to lag, or decide to stop doing their job. It seems to be a very humanized trait, which I didn't know was possible in something as small and simple as a nerve ending. The allergist agreed that it was possible; that every cell in our body has a series of "activators" and "brakes" working around it. In this case, the Zyrtec was holding the "activators" at bay, which caused the "brakes" to become relaxed because they weren't in use. Once the "activators" are allowed back in, the "brakes" become confused. He offered this wonderful analogy: A car that is parked doesn't really need it's brakes. If it just lets the brake pads fall away, when it starts to roll, the brake pads have to scramble to react. This analogy is precisely my theory about our nerve endings!

My Theory...Revisited

Great News! My trip to the allergist yesterday went very well, and I will be posting about it in the next few days. I am excited to think that I just may be onto something here. But first, I wanted to clarify my theory. It's been coming out slowly in my posts, and in order to understand the whole array of information and advice I received from the allergist, I want to start by giving a complete version. Why do we suffer such horrible itch after stopping Zyrtec?
First, let's be clear. I have no allergies, I have no rare diseases which could present as itching, and I have no topical irritants (like detergents, moisturizers, bugs in my apartment) which would cause the itching. Therefore the itching is an issue in the skin. There is something chemical happening in the skin to create the itching. The only trigger is the fact that I have recently stopped taking a long-term anti-histamine.
Itching is caused by histamine irritating the nerve endings on your skin. Anti-histamines block the nerve endings in your skin from being irritated. They do not, like the name suggests, actually stop histamine production. These facts lead me to believe we are talking about a problem with our nerve endings. My theory is that taking Zyrtec for a long period of time causes your nerve endings to become accustomed to not being stimulated. Therefore when you stop taking the Zyrtec, your nerve endings are stunned; they over-react, are easily triggered by things like friction with clothing, and take a long time to readjust to operating on their own. The itching is our nerve endings trying to over-compensate for the lack of Zyrtec.
So that is the theory, as well as I can explain it. There are many more questions to be answered, but this is a very solid scientific base to start from.

The Itch Factor 2.0

It has been 2 and a half weeks since I have given up taking Benadryl for my itchiness. I went through the entire gamut; from horrible itching and welts to normal bouts with itching while moving and now have crossed over into feeling somewhat like myself again. I think it was a great decision to stop with all anti-histamines, it's the first step to equalizing my body again. The past few days have been the first days in the past several months where my skin has started feeling normal; I can scratch freely, move at a normal pace (even in jeans) and not be scared to leave the house without my Vick's Vaporub.
I have a check-up appointment with my allergist coming up on Thursday. I am a little nervous to have to explain (once again) how hard these past 6 weeks have been. I can just see his questioning look, wondering what the hell is wrong with me. I think I am going to get a list of good questions together for him, and use the time to pick his brain; maybe pass my theory by him, and see if he has any information that can add to it. If I can try to stay on track, and speak intelligently, maybe I'll get some great advice as to where to go from here.

A New Resource

I have found a great resource online for sufferers of itch: http://www.livingwithitch.org/
The founders of a new medical society focusing on itch (the International Forum for the Study of Itch) have put together this resource online as a place to publish their reports on creating a better life for those with itch; whether it be psoriasis, eczema, or plain itchiness.

On their website, the Forum has published the 4 types of itch:

1. Itch that originates in the skin (like dry skin)
2. Itch related to damaged nerve fibers
3. Itch rising from internal diseases (like liver disease)
4. Itch caused by psychiatric reasons

Considering my many blood tests for internal diseases (all negative), and the large amount of people who have suffered my exact same symptoms after stopping Zyrtec, I figure that Items #3 and #4 are not possible factors in my itch. It is certainly possible that our itch originates in the skin (#1). As shown in my previous posts, I believe that Zyrtec has "switched on" our histamine receptors, making them over-react. But it is #2 that is the most interesting to me. As I said in my last post, histamine (after being released by a mast cell) irritates the nerve fibers in the skin to create the itch. And now I see that damaged nerve fibers may be to blame for some people's itch. Is it possible that Zyrtec has stunted our nerve fibers and have left them to be over-stimulated after stopping the drug? It is possible that our nerve fibers, during a long-term anti-histamine, become much less used to stimulation, because where there is no histamine, there is no activation of the nerve endings. Upon regaining their normal stimulation processes (after stopping the drug) they could become overwhelmed, and cause spurts of extra sensation (our itch). I know that nerve fibers take a long time to regenerate after having sustained damage. They grow only 1 millimeter per day. Is it possible that this could explain the length of time it has taken to return to my itch-free life?

The Mast Cell

Mast cells are the cells which release granules of histamines when triggered by Immunoglobulin-E, a chemical which is an anti-body to many types of allergens. See the chart at left, which is a helpful guide to understanding the typical allergic reaction. Because we are talking about a reaction (itching) which occurs without an allergen trigger; and therefore without the help of IgE, we need to look further to find the source of the itching.
The histamine which is released by a mast cell dilates capillaries, activates endothelial cells (responsible for hives) and increases blood vessel permeability to cause redness and swelling. It also irritates the nerve endings, which causes the itch. It's this last part about the itching that is important: maybe the nerve endings are the next piece of the puzzle.

Interesting Tidbits

In my research into the cause of the itch I have learned about some very interesting groups of people who also suffer from horrible itching and some of their symptoms seem shockingly familiar!

• People with Mast Cell Activation Disorder have mast cells (cells which release histamines) which are easily triggered to release their contents. Some triggers include friction, heat and dry skin.
  
• Those with Dermatographism have skin which quickly becomes raised and inflamed (hives) when rubbed by any dull object or by clothing, and spreads easily to other areas.
  
• Mastocytosis patients have a proliferation of mast cells, which release their histamines without any trigger, creating allergy- like symptoms.

I don't believe that Zyrtec withdrawal is caused by any of these rare disorders (particularly because their symptoms are much more serious), but it definitely seems like the mast cell is a very important piece of the puzzle.

Welt Mania

It's official... the welts came back. Last night I had one of those horrible episodes where I wake up itching, realizing that I've scratched up welts. I was involved in an upsetting dream, somewhat aware of the itching, but by the time I fully understood what was going on, the bumps had already begun spreading. I jumped up and thought that I should take pictures of the welts (why would I do that?!), but of course, I was too dazed to fumble with the camera. I decided to just slather on some Vick's and lay in front of the open window, where a cool breeze was coming in. The whole time I couldn't believe that this had happened again. This hasn't happened since day 14! I am in week 7 of being off of the Zyrtec! I should not be doing this welt thing anymore! My allergist mentioned once how infants very easily get bad eczema (which is a rash that comes up only after itching a spot... as opposed to a rash that itches) because they frequently itch at night while they are sleeping. Doctors tell their parents to put socks or mittens on their hands at night to keep their hands off of themselves while they are sleeping, which clears the eczema up. Maybe I'm in need of some new mittens!

The effects of research....

The past week I have been spending a lot of time researching cell biology. I am intrigued by what exactly happens to our cells while on Zyrtec that makes them so sensitive and reactive once we come off of it. It seems like I will have to do some very serious searching into the specific chemical make-up of Zyrtec to nail down a reactor. Though I am not a scientist (I have a music degree for God's sake!), I definitely have the motivation and interest to figure this thing out, no matter how many times I have to look up the medical terminology! The one down-side to reading up on this subject, as I'm sure all of you itchy people out there can understand, is that the more I read about the itching, the more I itch. It's a matter of focusing on it so much that it starts to happen. The old "distraction" technique doesn't help when you are educating yourself about the different types of hives! I got a great recommendation about another holistic remedy for itching, though, which gives me something tangible to do to ward off the itching: Oolong tea. According to a Japanese study done in 2001, drinking Oolong tea 3 times a day after meals was shown to have a very positive effect for sufferers of itching from eczema. Oolong tea is a Chinese tea that is somewhere between Green and Black tea. It is known for it's high amount of polyphenols- agents which banish free radicals in our skin. It's the tea that is usually served at Chinese restaurants in the lovely little pots! You can find it at health food stores (I found mine at my local Whole Foods), or most likely any Chinese grocery will have it as well. I have been drinking the tea for 3 days, and I do feel like it helps, if only to give me the emotional lift of feeling like I have something working for me. If I drink the tea while reading about the hives, it definitely helps! [Thanks to Moo for the great tip!]

The Itch Update

On the Itch Front: 6 Days and I am still Benadryl-free. Luckily, I have been distracted enough at work to move through the itch, and the tough times at night are still appeased with a slathering of Vick's VapoRub. I really think I can do this; I'm happy to think I'm doing something that could help.
On the Theory Front: Something my allergist mentioned during one of my appointments this summer has been running through my mind the past couple of days- that Zyrtec is the anti-histamine (as opposed to the other big anti-histamines, Claritin and Allegra) that is most prescribed to patients with hives and itching. I did a little research and couldn't find anyone online who has had the same itching withdrawal symptoms after stopping Claritin or Allegra. It seems a little suspicious that the medicine that is given specifically for itching is the exact medicine that makes people itch uncontrollably after discontinuing it. It seems to go along with my theory that because the chemical makeup of Zyrtec is different than the other anti-histamines, it changes the histamine reactions of our cells to create a more "trigger-happy" cell, causing our horrible itch.

Unmedicated and Unhappy

I have been Benedryl-free for three days, and I gotta say that I am sorely missing it. The itching is definitely still going strong, especially in between my fingers and when my clothes rub against me. I haven't had a horrible episode (one that includes tears, that is) yet, though, and I am still confident that going off of all anti-histamines was a good decision. I am not sure how long I will give myself in this "experiment", particularly because my work (waitressing) involves a lot of fast movement and physicality. But I will give it my best shot.
In a moment of weakness, and also as a plan to fall back on, I researched home remedies for itching and have tried a few of them out:

1. Aloe Vera: I happen to have a lovely aloe plant which sacrificed a small leaf for this purpose. Unfortunately, the aloe seemed to only make the itching worse as it dried. Rating: Don't Try It.
2. Lemon Juice: I was thinking that this might actually work; the citrus having a nice balancing effect. Yet again, I was wrong; it had no effect one way or the other. Rating: Don't Try It.
3. Vick's Vapo-Rub: I was very skeptical of this remedy, as itching has nothing to do with inhaling vapors. But I was wrong about this one; the Vicks had a great cooling effect which cut off the stinging itch immediately, and it also lasted a long time; letting me get to sleep soundly. My grandma always says that you could fix anything with "some good Vick's salve!", and once again, she is right. I looked up the active ingredients of Vick's, and found that both Menthol and Camphor are naturally occurring and are used in some over-the-counter anti-itch medicines. Menthol is predominantly used because it triggers cold-sensitive receptors in the skin (not actually lowering the temperature of the skin), therefore taking all of the heat out of the itch. This remedy is really just for those particularly itchy spots, as it wouldn't be possible to cover yourself with Vick's, but it is a great option for those late-night hot-spot episodes which keep you from sleeping. Rating: Highly Recommended. Note To Self: Listen To Your Mammaw.
   

I have also read good things about a bath in baking soda, oatmeal and/or evaporated milk, which may be a good option for those all-over-itch times. I will try those as well if I have a chance. Anyone have any other suggestions? It would be great to hear about other useful remedies, especially if it is something you most likely would have around the house already. The average adult has 20 SQUARE FEET Of SKIN... I need all the help I can get!

The Itch Factor

As it stands now: I am at 6 weeks and 2 days, and I am still having major itching crises. Sometimes I think I am doing well.... there are days where I only take one Benadryl as a preventative measure. But just yesterday, as I was walking to the bank (only 4 blocks) I was having a meltdown...again. Hot, horrible itch all over my body. I keep telling myself that I was on this medication for 10 YEARS, it makes sense that it would take a month or two for my body to return to normal. But it also seems as if I am missing a piece of the puzzle. How can I help this along? It seems as if there must be something I could do. Not wearing tight clothes, taking more cool showers, and being less physical hasn't worked. Going with "My Theory", my cells are having a tough time rebalancing the distribution of histamines. This is a scary thought, but could taking less Benadryl help? Is relying on the Benadryl during my itchy times inhibiting my cells from calming down? Benadryl is just another anti-histamine; it could be giving my cells less chance to realize when is the correct time to create histamine. Am I continuing to itch because of the Benadryl?! Just thinking about it makes me itchy, but maybe it's time for a trial run. No Zyrtec, No Benadryl. Let's see what happens.

You Have Got to be Kidding Me!

I spend a lot of time on this blog (and in e-mails to people who write me about their itching) talking about the benefits of Benadryl. It curbs the itching quickly (a little in the beginning, and more as the days wear on), it only lasts in your body for 6 hours (no dependency issues), and is a great emotional back-bone when the itching gets tough. It even has time-tested results; considering the formula has not changed for over 60 years. But as I grabbed my Benadryl this weekend, preparing for a trip to the fair (heat and lots of walking= itching), what do I notice in the small print? "Distributed by PFIZER". Benedryl is distributed by the same company I spend hours and hours railing against for the mess I've gotten into with Zyrtec! How is it possible that at once, the company I have lost faith in is also the company that saves me? It is GENERIC Benadryl for me from now on.

My Theory

After thinking about it, it seems unlikely to me that this strong of a reaction could be caused by just "sensitive" skin. I feel like there is something chemical happening; considering the fact that my skin is not irritated, red, dry or bumpy when I start feeling itchy. I feel like it is happening inside my skin. Like there is some kind of chemical reaction from being on Zyrtec long-term which causes the histamine creating parts of our skin cells to get switched on, like a light switch. Once we go off of the Zyrtec, the cells have a hard time determining when to release histamine, as if the sensor is extra sensitive; or "trigger- happy" as my allergist called it. All of this could be exacerbated by sensitive skin, which could be a reason why only some people have this reaction when stopping Zyrtec. When we stop the anti- histamine, our skin cells then have this readjustment period of evening out their reactions, the spurts of histamine causing the random waves of itching we feel. The rubbing of our clothes could be triggers to our skin cells as well, and the cells of our hands and feet (are they more sensitive, just like our fingers?) could react more quickly because of their extra sensation. This is just my educated guess at this point. Since no doctor has heard of this, and I have yet to find any documentation, I will consider this a scientific theory. Thats right, we are heading back to 7th grade here. I am going to try to prove it by disproving it. Your ideas and suggestions as to how are very welcome!

Doctors...Part 2

I figured that since my allergist determined that the itching has been narrowed down to a "skin issue", I would run it by my dermatologist this week. She asked the same questions I have heard a million times (do they give a script to these people when they get their diploma?) about what detergents I use, eczema issues, allergies, etc. She said she had never heard of such a thing, and brought in another dermatologist to give her opinion. The second doctor said (once again) that Zyrtec is a benign drug and isn't known to cause dependency. She thought that I might just have sensitive skin and itching/ hives which the Zyrtec was holding at bay. I asked about whether that would still happen with no allergies, and therefore no allergen trigger, and she decided it must just be sensitive skin. She scratched the surface of my skin with the tip of her pen and said, "Yes, you have a tendency to go red very quickly, which is a sign of sensitive skin." I felt like they weren't understanding the severity of the issue. Did they really understand that this itching is unbearable? I know that there are people who suffer terrible skin problems with no allergies or illnesses whatsoever, but this problem has a trigger... the stopping of a long-term anti-histamine. How could there not be a correlation between the itching and the Zyrtec?

On The Home Stretch?

Well, it's official. As of today, it has been 5 weeks since my last Zyrtec. That's right, folks, 35 days and counting; waiting for the itching to be gone. I hate to admit it, knowing that there will be people who read this who are desperately wanting to know how long their itching will last; who will realize they may have longer than they thought to suffer. As I said before, the itching has been much better since the third week, but I've never had a day where the itching isn't a constant worry. Am I gonna be OK at work today? What happens if I have a horrible episode in dance class again? If I am going to walk to the library, I should wear really loose clothes, just in case. Do I have enough Benedryl in my bag to get me through the day? That's still my life, even after all this time.
Just yesterday I was running late for an appointment which was only three blocks from my apartment. I was trying to get there on time so I was walking with a little more gumption, and I found myself immediately trying to breathe and distract myself from the hot, stinging itch that quickly covered my whole body. First my hands and feet, followed quickly by any place my clothes were rubbing on my skin; my waistband, my bra strap, my thighs. And I was so frustrated. I wasn't even walking that fast; I was only keeping my normal (itch-free) New Yorker pace. It is a perfect example of how I've become so delicate and tentative since stopping the Zyrtec. I won't wear certain clothes, I don't like anyone hugging me or caressing me, I won't walk anywhere if it is too far or if I have to get there fast. My poor boyfriend thinks I am losing my mind. A typical exchange, around 3 A.M.:
Me: (completely frantic) Honey! Honey! I think I'm getting bit!
Him: (dead asleep) Whaat?
Me: Are there bugs in here? Are you getting bit? I think I'm getting bit!
Him: Whaat? Nooooooo...there's no bugs...ughhhh...(groggily groans and goes back to sleep)
The guy has the patience of Job. Here's hoping that this is gonna be the home stretch, and life will return to normal soon!

Trying To Be Strong

The days went by at an insufferably slow pace, just trying to wait out the inevitable waning of my itching. I am glad to say that at around day 15 or 16 I began to feel a little more like myself. I noticed that the Benedryl was having a stronger effect on the itching, and I was only taking it twice daily. I returned to the allergist, for the results of my new blood tests: NEGATIVE on all fronts; which left his job basically done. In fact, being able to think of nothing more he could do that could help me, he said, "Well, I guess I'll just see you in 6 weeks, and hopefully the itching will be gone?!" in a slightly questioning tone. I found myself reassuring him; "Yes, of course, I should be much better by then." But this exchange left me with the enduring question of why? The fact that I have no medical/ chemical reason for the itching makes me the perfect candidate for exploring the reason that this condition occurs. I feel as if I NEED these questions answered:

• What is it about stopping taking an anti-histamine that causes this reaction?
  
• Why are only some people affected?
• What is the physiology of a skin cell which is creating so much histamine with no allergen trigger?
• Why are doctors so loathe to accept that this is a withdrawal symptom?
  
• How is it possible that there is no documentation of this problem in any Pfizer literature?
• How can we stop this from happening to other people?

I'm not a doctor, or a scientist for that matter, but I am determined to try to figure some of this stuff out. Are you with me?

Doctors are supposed to know EVERYTHING, right?!

The first two weeks off of Zyrtec is always the worst on the itching front- checking any online forum on this subject, or even my comments section, makes that fact clear. I was suffering the same horrible, hot, stinging itch as bad as it ever was. I had an appointment with my allergist 8 days after taking my last Zyrtec, to check-up on my progress. He was shocked to learn how badly it went. He was very supportive of my decision to quit the Zyrtec cold turkey, though, and I was thankful he was remaining open-minded to my situation. Here I was- a completely healthy, happy 30 year old, NO ALLERGIES, no history of hives, yet racked with this unbearable itching. He was most confounded by the remnants of the rash on my hands, and even brought in another allergist from the office to give an opinion. And this new doctor and I did the same ole' dance; the questioning about what detergents I use, what moisturizers, whether I have bugs in my apartment. Anything that could cause the itching, but all things that had been ruled out time and time again. And of course, the old stand-by that "It's just your allergies flaring up." UGH! How I hate that one. After a quick perusal of my chart, though, this second doctor saw that I have no allergies to begin with. Needless to say, she was out of there real quick. My own doctor kind of laughed, to cover the somewhat awkward moment, and said that they seemed to be stumped. I mentioned (once again) the fact that I had always felt like this was a withdrawal symptom, and that I had found some other people online who had very specific similarities to my case. He at least acknowledged my thoughts, but again said that he had never heard of this before. He felt he needed to test me again for several rare illnesses which could present themselves with severe itching; such as lupus, liver dysfunction, thyroid issues, and a couple of rare auto-immune disorders. So, feeling somewhat drained, I once again marched myself over to get my blood drawn.

Enter Stage Left: The Wrath of Zyrtec

I was positive that I could beat the itching. The schedule my allergist created was to take the Zyrtec in this pattern: after 4 days, 4 days, 5 days, 5 days, 6 days, 6 days (using Benedryl in-between to curb the itching) and then by 7 days off of Zyrtec, I would be weaned. The first set of 4 days went pretty well. I was not very busy, I took it easy at home to deal with the itching, and the Benedryl seemed to cut it somewhat. But as the sets of days went on, by the sets of 5 days, I was realizing that the itching was consistently coming back at day 2.5, and was, in fact, getting more intense. The Benedryl was not helping very much. I started having horrible episodes at night where my whole body would be itching, and huge welts would come up wherever I scratched. I started thinking there were bugs all over me, literally driving me crazy. I developed a horrible rash on my hands, which I would scratch unknowingly while I was asleep. Thanks goodness for the internet, because at that point, I found some people online who were describing these exact symptoms; making me realize I wasn't alone. I was having a hard time doing anything; my clothes and shoes rubbing against me even while just walking was enough to bring me to tears. Working (I am a waitress) and trying to take dance classes were an exercise in restraint from itching and crying. All the while, I knew that after a month, when I saw my doctor again, I would have to say how horrible it was, and wonder whether he would believe me. I was buoyed by knowing there were others out there who fought the same battle. I decided that this on-and-off with the Zyrtec was only making things worse. When I would take a Zyrtec at the scheduled time, I knew I would have 2 wonderful, itch-free days. But I also started to realize that days 2.5 and on would be more horrible and more intense than the last round. Taking the Zyrtec was only perpetuating the cycle of misery I was going through. I decided after 3 weeks of struggle that I would never take a Zyrtec again.

My Story... Continued

I have been living in New York City (a very low allergen area) for several years now, and I have experienced no allergy symptoms whatsoever. I focused on finding an allergist who could help me figure out how to get off the Zyrtec. I lucked upon an allergy clinic at the highly regarded Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. My doctor was very interested in my predicament and a great listener; I felt he could help me. After a couple of tests (skin as well as blood tests), my suspicions were confirmed- I was allergic to NOTHING AT ALL. I had "grown out" of the allergies I had 10 years ago, and could easily drop the medication. I told him all about the itching, and he said he had never heard of such a thing; that Zyrtec is a very benign drug, and shouldn't have any withdrawal effects. Nevertheless, he worked with me to fashion a plan to wean myself off of the Zyrtec. A kind of step-down plan to lengthen the time between taking Zyrtec doses, in hopes that by 7 days after a dose (the length of time the drug stays in your body- supposedly) I would be weaned off the Zyrtec. He recommended using over-the-counter Benedryl tablets (or a generic version) to curb the itching in between doses of Zyrtec. He told me that Benedryl (in tablet form only- the liquid spray isn't nearly as effective) is a very successful medication that has been around for many years, and only lasts in your body for 6 hours, with no threat of withdrawal symptoms. I was truly thankful and hopeful that this was exactly what I needed!

My Story... Part 1

I started taking Zyrtec 10 years ago in response to some nasal allergies I was having while living in Ohio. Because I am a singer, the allergies were starting to affect my voice. The Zyrtec worked great, and I was very happy with the results. My voice was clear, and I stopped having constant sinus infections. After a few years, as I graduated college, I felt that my allergies had subsided, and I really wanted to try to stop taking the medication. This was the first of many tries to stop taking Zyrtec. It took me several days of intense itching (and a couple bottles of topical anti-itch medication... which never worked) to figure out the link: I had stopped the Zyrtec; that is why I am itching so horribly. I never had itching before, as I said it was always only a nasal symptom which I began Zyrtec for in the first place, so it was hard to make the connection. I quickly went back on the Zyrtec, and the itching completely subsided. I suspected that I was withdrawing, but didn't know for sure, all I knew was the unbearable itching was gone. I continued to take the Zyrtec, even though I suspected I didn't need it, just to keep the itching at bay.
Over the years I have spoken to a couple of doctors about it, and they have all told me that it is only my allergy creeping back up as the Zyrtec dissipates from my body, even though I tell them that my allergic reactions NEVER included any itching or hives. I continued with the Zyrtec, never feeling sure that my allergies were the cause of the itching, but knowing at least that the Zyrtec curbed it. As a struggling singer/ actor, I have had a very hard time coming up with the money and prescription for this drug over the past few years, as I have no health insurance. But somehow I figured it out, knowing that if my supply ever ran out, I would be in misery. This process went on for 7 years! What a testament to just how horrible the itching can be!
In recent years, I figured out that taking my 10 mg. Zyrtec every other day instead of every day was possible (no itching between doses), but whenever I tried to make it to every third day, I began itching consistently at day 2 and a half. If I ever forgot to take a dose, my plans the next day would be cut short, only to get home quickly to take a pill. The fact that it was so consistent (no matter the season or the circumstances, I would have itching at day 2 and a half) made me feel sure that I was having withdrawal symptoms, not allergies.

Get the word out, as they say!

Hello! If you have found my site, you may have already guessed what it is about...Zyrtec Withdrawal. And by withdrawal, I mean the horrible and frustrating itchiness that some people get after having stopped taking Zyrtec, the anti-histamine made by Pfizer. I personally have had a very intense reaction, and am horrified by the lack of information out there for people like me. Pfizer doesn't mention it anywhere in their documentation, and doctors are hesitant to admit that it is a genuine problem. I have had a 10 year love/ hate relationship with this drug.... and these days it is all hate, considering the daily struggle I am having to wean myself off of it. As of today, I have not taken a Zyrtec tablet for exactly 4 weeks, and am still working hard to get through the frustrating bouts of itchiness I have. I will be posting my complete story on this site, as well as updates on the itching front, hoping that this information will help anyone else who is struggling with this problem. Thanks for reading, and here's to hoping for an itch-free Fall!