Is Zyrtec as effective as Benadryl?

Is Zyrtec or Benadryl better? Both drugs are similarly effective, but Zyrtec may cause less drowsiness. Zyrtec still can cause drowsiness as well, though. Since both medications are available OTC, you can try one to see how it improves your symptoms.

Can I take Zyrtec instead of Benadryl?

Benadryl is also used to treat insomnia, motion sickness, and mild cases of Parkinsonism. A main difference between Benadryl and Zyrtec is that Zyrtec tends to cause less drowsiness and sedation than Benadryl. Both Benadryl and Zyrtec are available in generic form and over-the-counter (OTC).

Does Zyrtec help for itching?

Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine hydrochloride) are antihistamines used to treat allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing, runny nose, and allergic skin rashes.

What allergy medicine is similar to Benadryl?

OTC antihistamines include:
  • Brompheniramine (Dimetane)
  • Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
  • Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
  • Clemastine (Tavist)
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
  • Fexofenadine (Allegra)
  • Loratadine (Alavert, Claritin)

How long does it take Zyrtec to work?

Most people experience at least 24 hours of relief after a single dose. Zyrtec, on the other hand, is fast acting. People who take it may feel relief in as little as one hour. Antihistamines like Zyrtec and Claritin are designed to calm the histamine reaction your body has when it’s exposed to an allergen.

What is the best antihistamine?

Summary. Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra are all good antihistamine options and are generally well-tolerated. But there are some differences between them that may make one of these antihistamines better than the others for you. For example, Zyrtec and Allegra may work faster than Claritin.

Which is better for seasonal allergies Zyrtec or Claritin?

Zyrtec has a quicker onset of action compared to Claritin and may be more effective than Claritin in reducing allergy symptoms, according to one clinical trial. However, cetirizine, the active ingredient of Zyrtec, has been shown to produce more drowsiness than loratadine.

What happens if Zyrtec isn’t working?

“It’s perfectly fine to try different allergy medications. Try one allergy medication for a period of time, and if it isn’t working, try a different one.” You may want to try using a steroid nasal spray and an antihistamine together.

Can I take Benadryl 12 hours after Zyrtec?

Yes, you can take both Zyrtec and Benadryl.

Is it better to take Zyrtec at night or in the morning?

Official Answer. Cetirizine can be taken at any time of the day. In most people it is non-sedating, so they take it in the morning. However, a percentage of people do find it to be sedating so if it does make you drowsy it is best to take it in the evening.

Does Zyrtec dry up mucus?

When they dry out mucus, they can actually thicken it. Newer antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin, Alavert), fexofenadine (Allegra), cetirizine (Zyrtec), levocetirizine (Xyzal), and desloratadine (Clarinex), may be better options and are less likely to cause drowsiness.

Does Zyrtec stop working over time?

Antihistamines may stop working because hives can become worse over time or because the intensity of hives can wax and wane over time. It’s also possible that antihistamines become less effective because people aren’t taking them as prescribed.

Is it OK to take Zyrtec everyday?

Zyrtec (cetirizine) is safe to take every day if you have allergy symptoms on a daily basis. If you don’t have allergy symptoms every day, you can take it as needed on days when these symptoms bother you.

Can I take 2 Zyrtec at once?

There have been reports of patients taking 15-18 times the recommended dose of Zyrtec (recommended dose is 10 mg) and having some adverse effects (restlessness, irritability, somnolence). Taking two 10mg tablets should not cause you to have any serious problems.

Can I take 2 Zyrtec in 24 hours?

You shouldn‘t take more than 10 mg in 24 hours. Your doctor may recommend a 5-mg dose once or twice per day if your allergies are mild.

Can Zyrtec calm anxiety?

Antihistamines: Antihistamines are usually prescribed to treat allergic reactions. However, some are also used to treat anxiety on a short-term basis. Antihistamines work by having a calming effect on the brain, helping you to feel less anxious.

Can Zyrtec cause weight gain?

Antihistamines can also make you feel tired and unmotivated to exercise. Antihistamines that can cause weight gain include: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl and others) Cetirizine (Zyrtec)

Does Zyrtec suppress immune system?

Cetirizine does not influence the immune response.

Does Zyrtec affect sleep?

Antihistamines

Impact on sleep: Using antihistamines can block the presence of an important neurotransmitter, acetylcholine , which leads to insomnia.

Can Zyrtec cause your heart to race?

Many medicines, including diet pills, antihistamines, decongestants, and some herbal products, can cause heart palpitations. Nearly everyone has palpitations from time to time.

Which antihistamine is best for anxiety?

Hydroxyzine’s unique effect on serotonin is likely why it’s the only antihistamine used for anxiety. While hydroxyzine can be used to treat many different types of anxiety disorders, it is used most often for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), especially when it is associated with insomnia.

Does Benadryl stop itching?

Common Causes of Itchy Skin

BENADRYL® can provide soothing relief when you need it most in some of the more common itchy skin categories – including outdoor, wound-related, and sunburn itches. Be sure to check with your doctor if you develop symptoms beyond itching, such as a fever, swelling, or joint pains.

Is it OK to take Benadryl every night for allergies?

Experts say, it’s usually okay. “Taken in the recommended doses, antihistamines can be taken daily, but patients should make sure they do not interact with their other medications,” says Sandra Lin, MD, professor and vice director of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at John Hopkins School of Medicine.

Which antihistamine is best for sleep?

Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine. Side effects might include daytime drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation and urinary retention. Doxylamine succinate (Unisom SleepTabs). Doxylamine is also a sedating antihistamine.