Thanks, FDA!

This week I honestly thought I was losing my mind.  But it turns out I was only taking Zyrtec.

Have you ever ingested this over-the-counter anti-histamine, Dear Reader?  And if so, did it by any chance turn you into a raving lunatic? 

I had no idea what was wrong with me until today, when I googled "Zyrtec side effects" and discovered a host of telling information.  It's making people crazy!

Some of the symptoms patients described include (and I quote): malaise, frustration, rage, aggression, excessive irritability, defiant behavior, severe mood swings, impatience, tearfulness, depression, disproportionate anger, suicidal thoughts, uncontrollable tantrums, erratic sleep patterns, night terrors.  That sounds about right.  One woman said this medicine turned her sweet daughter into a "demon child."  Another told her husband she wanted a divorce.

If I were to write my own personal list of side effects for this medicine, it might be as follows: spontaneous spitefulness, semi-functional despair, the strong urge to wallow in bed and compulsively watch consecutive episodes of As Time Goes By; impatience with hair, especially bangs, to the point of tears; terrible, twisted nightmares... 

Last night I dreamt that several of my co-workers wanted me to saw off their fingers with a steak knife!  And I didn't want to do it.

Yay, Zyrtec! 

My body is still getting used to the ever changing Boston climate.  If I wish to stay sane, however, I guess I'm just going to have to suck it up.  After all, a runny nose and sinus headache seem far more preferable than feeling like a hopeless, crotchety, drugged up zombie.

Comments

[Amy]

Are you sure it's the Zyrtec? I seem to remember many of those symptoms in college, usually accompanied by a King sized Caramello bar or a cheese steak and fries.

[the odd broad]

Yes, but back then we'd be watching 'The Big Comfy Couch'

[Sissy]

But does it stop sneezing and watery eyes?

[Weinerdog]

Speaking of College, why don't you just take some echinacea or golden rod one of those works for that right?

[the odd broad]

The thing about zyrtec is that it works almost immediately. But then it turns you mental. So sad.