Zyrtec Stopped Working After Months on 4 Doses a Day – How to Get Hives Relief When Tolerance Hits?
Quick Answer When Zyrtec (cetirizine) stops working after high-dose, long-term use, the most effective strategy is to consult a doctor for a structured treatment plan . This typically involves switching to a different second-generation antihistamine like loratadine or fexofenadine to overcome reduced response. Your doctor may also discuss increasing the dose of the new medication under supervision or adding other therapies, such as H2-blockers or biologics, for chronic urticaria. It is crucial to seek medical guidance rather than continuing to increase the dose on your own, as taking four times the standard daily dose (40 mg) significantly increases the risk of serious nervous system and cardiac side effects. Key Takeaways Developing a reduced response to an antihistamine like cetirizine is a known issue in chronic hives management, and switching to a different drug in the same class is a standard medical solution. Taking high doses of cetirizine (like 40 mg/day) without medical su...