If you take Zyrtec or Xyzal regularly for seasonal allergies, here’s something you’ll want to know. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a new warning about a rare but potentially severe side effect: intense, widespread itching, called pruritus, that may occur after stopping these medications.
Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Xyzal (levocetirizine) are common antihistamines, available both over-the-counter and by prescription, used to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing and itchy eyes. But according to the FDA, a small number of long-term users reported developing extreme itching within days of discontinuing the drugs.
Between 2017 and 2023, the FDA identified 209 cases globally in which individuals experienced this reaction after stopping the medication. Most had been taking the antihistamines daily for more than three months, although a few saw symptoms after just a few weeks.
What makes this reaction tricky is that it’s not a typical allergy rebound—it’s a separate condition that can be severe enough to require medical care. Fortunately, in most cases, restarting the medication and gradually tapering the dose helped relieve the itching.
The FDA is adding a warning to the labels of Zyrtec and Xyzal to alert consumers and healthcare providers. If you’ve been using either medication long-term, don’t panic—but do check in with your doctor before making any changes.
This doesn’t mean everyone will experience this side effect, but it serves as an important reminder that even familiar medications can have unexpected risks. As always, it’s best to manage your health in partnership with a trusted healthcare provider, especially when it comes to medications you take daily.
