Dcmdnc asked
I take Zyrtec (certirizine) for allergies at bedtime and now I am taking Trazodone for sleep issues and anxiety .Can I take both of these together at bedtime . Certirizine makes me drowsy , that’s why I take at bedtime
Answer
There are no drug interactions between trazodone (Desyrel) and cetirizine (Zyrtec). One thing that could be of theoretical concern is drowsiness. Both trazodone and cetirizine may cause drowsiness and this could be worsened when taking both at the same time. When taking these medications, especially trazodone, it is not recommended to combine with alcohol or other CNS depressants.
Information About Trazodone
Trazodone is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is commonly used for depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Trazodone could cause fainting or low blood pressure upon standing.
Rarely, trazodone can cause serotonin syndrome and QT prolongation, especially combined with other medications that can increase this risk. Due to the increased risk of drowsiness and sedation, caution is recommended while driving or operating machinery.
Trazodone was first approved by the FDA in 1981. Although, the FDA has only approved the medication for depression, much of its current usage is related to sleep disorders and anxiety.
Information About Zyrtec
Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine and is thought to cause drowsiness in some patients and relatively more drowsiness than other second-generation antihistamines including Claritin (loratadine) and Allegra (fexofenadine).
First-generation antihistamines including Benadryl (diphenhydramine) cross the blood-brain barrier and cause significantly more drowsiness than the second-generation antihistamines.
Summary
Although there are no drug interactions between trazodone and cetirizine, caution may be needed due to an increased risk for drowsiness. Trazodone should not be taken with alcohol or other CNS depressants.
