So exhausted

[Ratana21]

My dr prescribed cetirizine for my rash and itchiness.  Now I feel so exhausted.  Not one ounce of energy.  Idk what's worse, this feeling or the rash.

[ftjftj63]

Hi Ratana, I had the same problem I take Zyrtec or Polaramin for rash, Polaramin makes me tired so I take Them just before I go to bed but find they do have the best effect. The chemest told me ceterezin and Zyrtec are exactly the same just cheaper. I do not believe this AS I dont Get AS tired AS I did when taking ceterezin. Hope this helps you. All the best😃

[PMRpro]

Do you take any other medications for your lupus (or anything else) that have sleepiness as a side effect? If so, cetirizine probably wasn't a good choice of antihistamine and there are others which are classified as "non-drowsy" or others which may not make you as sleepy. Do tell your doctor and ask if there is something else you can try.

As ftjftj says the active substances may be the same in generic and branded medications but the "fillers" used by different manufacturers to make up the tablets may be different and change the side effects a bit so even buying one pack of brand name to see if it makes a difference could be worth it.

[johare]

I agree with the other posts. Both myself and my daughter who has extreme allergies and anaphylaxis have been on various antihistamines most of which are the same but the cheaper option at the time. Although the main ingredient is the same other added substances can cause problems. Go back there are options.