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Zyrtec Withdrawal Symptoms Prompt FDA Warning Reevaluation

2/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A reader reports withdrawal symptoms from Zyrtec, including severe itching within 48 hours of stopping the medication.
The FDA added warnings about 'rebound pruritus' to the prescribing information for Zyrtec and Xyzal in 2017.
Over-the-counter Zyrtec packaging lacks this warning.
The column by Joe and Teresa Graedon addresses reader inquiries and emphasizes awareness of potential antihistamine side effects.

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Story summary

A reader reports withdrawal symptoms from Zyrtec, including severe itching within 48 hours of stopping the medication.
The FDA added warnings about 'rebound pruritus' to the prescribing information for Zyrtec and Xyzal in 2017.
Over-the-counter Zyrtec packaging lacks this warning.
The column by Joe and Teresa Graedon addresses reader inquiries and emphasizes awareness of potential antihistamine side effects.