My son was on a cocktail of Singulair, Zyrtec, Astellin and Nason...

You're not crazy. I was on Zyrtec for 10 years and was treated for depression, had ugly emotional outbursts, constant fights with family and then started to have memory problems. I thought I was having early signs of Alzheimers (I was 40). I went to a new young doctor who said "Oh yeah, Zyrtec makes you stupid." and put me on Clarinex. I have severe skin allergies to where the slightest touch makes me welt. I had to take the Zyrtec and became addicted to it. Getting off of it was equally as hard. I detoxed off every medication and felt like I was constantly being stung by ants but I endured. After a month, I was much happier, haven't had a meltdown in years and no depression. I take the Clarinex when I really need it but have learned to cope with my condition. It's better than the alternative. Zyrtec is a horrible medication taken long term. No one tells you the risks. Most doctors don't know. They go to a seminar, get kickbacks from the pharmaceutical companies or generally just don't care as long as they treat what you came in for. Find a allergist who offers alternative solutions. Best of luck.

Hi. My 7 yr old son has had the same symptoms on Zyrtec and Singulair. He is on Zyrtec now because I also though his problems were due to the Singulair. He has started having vocal tics like he has Tourette's Syndrome. This is very upsetting and I am afraid his asthma/allergies will be uncontrollable without Zyrtec. I am so glad I read your post and I am going to take him off the Zyrtec and hope that the tics will stop. He is very, very nervous and says his brain is making him do the "sounds" and asking me to please make it stop! This is heartbreaking. Take Care

my son & husband have severe environmental allergies and try to avoid the drugs as well. The most effective safe method we found was to do the saline nasal rinse 2X daily and remove allergens from the home. No carpet, dust mite covers, leather furniture, etc. We also had air ducts cleaned and bought an Austin air purifier and been experimenting with less preservatives, food challenges as well. My son had behavior issues worse with Claritin, but some with Zyrtec. We will do shots when he gets older. I do not want my family drugged up forever! Good luck!

have you found any way to deal with the allergies with any meds that have fewer side effects? please let me know -- I have a 10 year old son with asthma, allergies. his mood has improved now that we have stopped singulair -- I'd like to stop zyrtec, also, but don't know how I'll maintain him.

Also, do you have any info about side effects changing or worsening over time? My son has been taking zyrtec and singulair for about 8 years.