What happens when you stop taking Zyrtec?

October 14, 2025 •

2 min read

In May 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety warning for patients discontinuing the oral allergy medicines cetirizine (Zyrtec) or levocetirizine (Xyzal) after long-term use. It revealed that, while rare, stopping the medication can lead to severe itching, a withdrawal phenomenon not related to addiction, but rather the body's physiological adjustment.

Quick Summary

Discontinuing Zyrtec, especially after prolonged daily use, can cause a rare but intense rebound itching known as pruritus, along with other minor symptoms like headaches, as the body's histamine regulation system readjusts.

Key Points

Rebound Itching is a Potential Withdrawal Symptom: Stopping Zyrtec after long-term, daily use can trigger rebound pruritus, a rare but sometimes severe and widespread itching.
Long-Term Use Increases Risk: The risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms is higher for those who have taken the medication daily for months or years.
Not an Addiction: The phenomenon is a physiological rebound effect, not a sign of dependency or addiction.
Gradual Tapering is Key: To minimize the risk of rebound itching, doctors and pharmacists recommend slowly reducing the dose over a period of time, rather than stopping abruptly.
Symptoms Have a Timeline: Itching and other symptoms typically appear within 1-5 days, peak around day 3-5, and resolve within a week or two for most people.
Symptom Management is Possible: Home remedies like cool compresses, oatmeal baths, and moisturizers can provide relief, and medical intervention is available for severe cases.
Consult a Doctor Before Stopping: Always talk to a healthcare professional before changing or stopping a medication, especially if you have been taking it long-term.

How Zyrtec Works

Zyrtec, or cetirizine, is a second-generation antihistamine that treats allergy symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, and hives. It blocks histamine, a chemical involved in allergic reactions, from binding to H1-receptors. While effective for symptom relief, continuous histamine suppression can lead to a physiological response when the medication is stopped, particularly after long-term daily use.

The Cause of Rebound Pruritus

Rebound itching, or pruritus, is believed to result from the body's adaptation to suppressed histamine levels. Upon discontinuation, a temporary surge in histamine activity may occur as the body's system re-regulates. This can cause intense, widespread itching, distinct from the original allergy symptoms and not a sign of addiction.

Symptoms Upon Discontinuation

The most common symptom is intense itching, but other symptoms have been reported. These are more likely after extended daily use.

Commonly Reported Symptoms:

Severe Pruritus: Intense, widespread itching, potentially interfering with sleep and daily life.
Hives: Some individuals may develop hives.
Headaches: Headaches have also been reported.
Vivid Dreams: Anecdotal reports suggest vivid dreams.
Return of Allergy Symptoms: Original allergy symptoms will eventually return.

Timeline for Zyrtec Withdrawal

The withdrawal experience varies based on factors like duration of use and individual body chemistry.

Phase 1 (Days 1-3): Initial symptoms, such as itching, may start.
Phase 2 (Days 3-5): Symptoms often peak during this period.
Phase 3 (Day 7+): Symptoms generally subside within a week or two, though this can vary.

Managing Discontinuation and Relieving Symptoms

Abruptly stopping Zyrtec after long-term use is not advised. A gradual tapering approach is recommended. For comprehensive advice on managing discontinuation, including tapering methods and symptom relief, refer to {Link: SingleCare blog https://www.singlecare.com/blog/zyrtec-withdrawal/}.

Comparison of Common Antihistamines

When considering alternatives to Zyrtec for long-term use, compare options. The potential for rebound itching is mainly associated with cetirizine (Zyrtec) and levocetirizine (Xyzal).


Feature	Zyrtec (Cetirizine)	Claritin (Loratadine)	Allegra (Fexofenadine)
Classification	Second-generation antihistamine	Second-generation antihistamine	Second-generation antihistamine
Onset of Action	Fast-acting	Slower acting	Fast-acting
Risk of Drowsiness	Possible for some individuals	Generally considered non-drowsy	Generally considered non-drowsy
Risk of Rebound Itching	Higher, especially with long-term use	Lower, not typically reported	Lower, not typically reported
Best for Itching	Considered very effective for itching and hives	Effective for general allergy symptoms	Effective for general allergy symptoms

Conclusion

Stopping Zyrtec after prolonged daily use can potentially lead to rebound pruritus, or severe itching. This is a physiological reaction, not addiction. Gradual tapering is the most effective way to minimize this risk and should be discussed with a healthcare provider. For severe withdrawal symptoms, medical consultation is crucial, and alternatives or temporary corticosteroids may be needed. Awareness of this rare side effect facilitates a safer transition off the medication.

For additional medical information, consult resources such as Drugs.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Zyrtec withdrawal itching, also called rebound pruritus, is a rare but intense, widespread itching that can occur after stopping the medication, especially following long-term, daily use.

The duration can vary, but symptoms generally begin within a few days of stopping, peak around days three to five, and resolve within approximately one to two weeks.

If you have been taking Zyrtec for a prolonged period, stopping abruptly is not recommended due to the increased risk of severe rebound itching. A gradual tapering approach is safer.

Alternatives include other non-drowsy antihistamines like Allegra (fexofenadine) or Claritin (loratadine). Nasal sprays may also be an option for allergy management.

No, Zyrtec is not considered an addictive drug. The withdrawal symptoms, such as rebound itching, are a physiological response to the body's histamine regulation system readapting, not a sign of dependency.

If itching is unbearable, you should contact a healthcare professional. They may suggest restarting the medication and tapering more slowly, or in severe cases, prescribing a short course of corticosteroids.

Yes, home remedies such as moisturizing the skin, taking cool colloidal oatmeal baths, and applying cool compresses can help alleviate discomfort from itching.