Zyrtec and pharmaceutical companies

My son was on a cocktail of Singulair, Zyrtec, Astellin and Nasonex. Like a miracle, his severe allergies cleared up almost immediately. Months later, behavioral changes started to surface. Extreme irritability, major meltdowns over nothing, problems in school and pulling out his facial hair including eyelashes and eyebrows. We stopped the medication in April and he improved. By mid summer, the hair pulling stopped. When his allergies started up again about 10 days ago, I put him back on the Zyrtec, because I was certain the Singulair was causing most of the problems. Within 3-4 days, the emotional outbursts started, panic attacks that never happened before - he said he couldn't breathe. Now the hair pulling is back. Everyone thinks I want to blame medication for his problems, but I am certain that Zyrtec has something to do with these problems in addition to Singulair. We have taken him off Zyrtec 2 days ago. We have a dr. appointment in 2 days and we will discuss all of this with him. In the meantime, his allergies are back and he is miserable. I would rather him be physically sick than mentally at this point.

i have taken Zyrtec for years during the fall during ragweed season - works great for me without any side effects. My husband can only take it every other day as it makes him feel flu -ish. 18 yr old takes as needed and it works great. 16- yr old has allergy asthma and has taken Zyrtec for years and now with Singulair. She now is experiencing all noted problems of sleeplessness, headache, anxiety, and grumpy. We are quitting the Singulair to monitor improvement and will do the same with Zyrtec if needed.

NOTE: Each person most be monitored with every drug for allergies and side effects. If you or your child cannot tolerate a drug, STOP taking it. You are your best daily diagnostician! Your DR. may not agree or understand, but pursue another course. REMEMBER though, that drug may be a lifesaver for millions of others that react favorably! Penicillin is a miracle drug unless you are allergic! Doctors should encourage close monitoring whenever your kids take a new drug - but when they don't - that's our job!

I began taking Zyrtec for seasonal allergies. I had taken OTC benadryl but it makes me very drowsy so dr. recommended Zyrtec. Took it every day for a week and noticed shortly (within an hour) after taking, I developed a pronounced rash on my hands and feet. Red circular bumps that itched. I did not immediately associate the rash with taking Zyrtec. I had recently purchased new hand soap so I attributed this change to the rash. I stopped taking the Zyrtec and eliminated using the soap at the same. 3 days of no bumpy rash. This morning, took a Zyrtec after a particular rough sneezy morning. Within an hour, the rash is back! The Zyrtec is the ONLY THING that can be causing this reaction as it is the only variable present at the same time the rash is!

I started doing research online and am shocked at the reactions people have to Zyrtec. I have never been one to take medicines as I don't trust the pharmaceutical companies and this justifies my position!