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supervisord t1_iyry3ql wrote

So Zyrtec, for example is cetirizine and can be taken daily without all of those nasty side-effects? Nice.

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hiv_mind t1_iys33w1 wrote

Sort of. It's a "lesser-sedating" antihistamine, compared with first generation. But it's one of the most sedating of its generation. Loratadine is better, and fexofenadine better still (ref: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1118461/).

With "lesser-sedating" antihistamines, it's just a less favourable concentration gradient to get it through the BBB - so higher doses absolutely can get central effect.

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[deleted] t1_iys0kp2 wrote

[removed]

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Much_Elephant t1_iysgbbc wrote

> but I wouldn’t take long term anything (daily for many months to years) unless medically necessary.

Nobody is taking daily allergy medication when it's not medically necessary.

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JackMasterOfAll t1_iyshcf5 wrote

Contrary to your belief, many people take medications for things like ultra mild rhinitis when it’s not medically necessary.

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redskea t1_iys5ruh wrote

Zyrtec makes me really drowsy but Loratadine is fine. I’ve got lots of weird drug allergies and reactions though.

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AaronfromKY t1_iys9aye wrote

Xyzal puts me out super quick, so I can't even take it during the day. Definitely helps me get sleep most nights.

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Much_Elephant t1_iysgm6v wrote

Xyzal is just the better half of Zyrtec so that makes sense. Zyrtec contains both levo and dextroceterizine and dextroceterizine isn't useful. Xyzal is the levoceterizine portion alone.

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