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I Suffer From A Heart Condition Ventricular Tachy Cardia And
Question: I suffer from a heart condition Ventricular Tachy Cardia and also have severe environmental and some chemical allergies. I currently take 10 mg daily of Cetirizine Hydrochloride tablet for my allergies. They can make me feel very drowsy. I have heard that a very similar tablet called Cetirizine Dihydrochloride does not have the same affects of drowsiness as the Hydrochloride form. Do you think changing the table to dihydrochloride would be better for me or do you think I should stick with the former?
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome back on -Ask a Doctor- service!
I passed carefully through your concern and would explain that when comparing Cetirizine Hydrochloride with Dihydrochloride there is not an big difference regarding the mentioned side effect.
It is a fact that almost all antihistamines used for allergy treatment exert drowsiness and some degree of sedation. Though Cetirizine is considered to have a better profile in this regard it produces somnolence as well.
A reasonable strategy to follow in such case would be to take the Cetirizine table in the evening before sleep.
There are other antihistamines like Loratadine that may lead to much less somnolence and sedation.
Nevertheless, I recommend discussing with your prescribing doctor before deciding to change any treatment component.
Hope to have been helpful to you!
In case of any further questions, feel free to ask me again.
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome back on -Ask a Doctor- service!
I passed carefully through your concern and would explain that when comparing Cetirizine Hydrochloride with Dihydrochloride there is not an big difference regarding the mentioned side effect.
It is a fact that almost all antihistamines used for allergy treatment exert drowsiness and some degree of sedation. Though Cetirizine is considered to have a better profile in this regard it produces somnolence as well.
A reasonable strategy to follow in such case would be to take the Cetirizine table in the evening before sleep.
There are other antihistamines like Loratadine that may lead to much less somnolence and sedation.
Nevertheless, I recommend discussing with your prescribing doctor before deciding to change any treatment component.
Hope to have been helpful to you!
In case of any further questions, feel free to ask me again.
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you Doctor.
I did try to reduce Cetirizine several years ago under my Doctor's advice but my allergies were still very bad. I have also tried Loratadine but it wasn't effective. Cetirizine is very effective but has some bad side effects.
What do you think of Levocetrizine Dihydrochloride?
Thanks.
I did try to reduce Cetirizine several years ago under my Doctor's advice but my allergies were still very bad. I have also tried Loratadine but it wasn't effective. Cetirizine is very effective but has some bad side effects.
What do you think of Levocetrizine Dihydrochloride?
Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hi again!
Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride seems to have less such adverse effects when compared to Cetirizine.
Butt, it still may produce some degree of sedation ranging from mild drowsiness to deep sleep. Their frequency is difficult to predict.
Almost all the drugs of this class have some degree of sedation and it is necessary to carefully consider them when planning to use any of them.
The strategy to take them before sleep appears more safe. No driving of heavy machines use should be programmed immediately after their use.
Wishing you good health,
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
Opinion as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hi again!
Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride seems to have less such adverse effects when compared to Cetirizine.
Butt, it still may produce some degree of sedation ranging from mild drowsiness to deep sleep. Their frequency is difficult to predict.
Almost all the drugs of this class have some degree of sedation and it is necessary to carefully consider them when planning to use any of them.
The strategy to take them before sleep appears more safe. No driving of heavy machines use should be programmed immediately after their use.
Wishing you good health,
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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