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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Friday, July 30, 2010
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Friday, July 30, 2010
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Pharmacy and Medications |
Concerta and Zyrtec03/12/2010 |
My son takes 36mg of concerta and has been also given zyrtec now for his severe allergies. I have purchased a generic brand. I am wondering if I should be looking for any mood problems, irratability, depression or anything else? Is there another allergy medication that is better to pair with concerta if I have a problem with this one? Thank-you
Thank you for contacting NetWellness.
Zyrtec® (Cetirizine) is an antihistamine medication used to treat allergy symptoms. The brand and generic version each contain the same active ingredient, and both brand and generic should be equally effective in treating allergies.
Some possible side effects of Zyrtec® include drowsiness, decreased alertness, headache, and insomnia. Zyrtec® is one of the lesser-sedating allergy medications, but be aware that drowsiness is still possible with this medication. Zyrtec® can be taken with or without food at the same time each day. If you are using a liquid form of the medication, make sure you are using an accurate measuring device to measure out the dose. A dosing cup or oral syringe should be used. Avoid household teaspoons or tablespoons when giving liquid medications.
Concerta® is a stimulant medication used to treat ADHD. Possible side effects of Concerta® include: headache, insomnia, decreased appetite, nausea, and mood changes. Concerta® should be taken in the morning and can be taken with or without food. It should be taken with water, milk, or juice.
There are no known drug interactions between Zyrtec® and Concerta®. If your son has been doing well on Concerta®, there is little reason to worry that adding on the Zyrtec® will result in significant mood or behavior changes.
As far as other allergy medications are concerned, there are other antihistamines available for allergy treatment should the Zyrtec® not adequately help your son, such as Claritin®, Clarinex®, Allegra®, and Benadryl®. The activity of any of these antihistamine medications should not be influenced by Concerta®, so there is no combination that is considered better or worse. Only a physician familiar with your son's history and allergy symptoms can determine which allergy medication is best for your son.
Should any noticeable changes occur in your son with the addition of Zyrtec®, they should be discussed with your son's prescribing physician.
Submitted by Renae Linder, PharmD Candidate, The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy
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Sarah Hudson-DiSalle, PharmD, RPh Specialty Practice Pharmacist Department of Pharmacy The Ohio State University Medical Center The Ohio State University |
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