Does Lexapro Interact With Zyrtec? (+3 Interaction)

By Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)

Page last updated: 02/01/2024 | Next review date: 02/01/2026

Author bio

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:

Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.

Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)

Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.

Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil

Professional Experience:

2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.

2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.

She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.

2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department

She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.

2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.

Education:

2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo

2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo

2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo

2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes

The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:

Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.

Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.

Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.

Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.

Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.

Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.

Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.

Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.

Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.

You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.

Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii

Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital

Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital

CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists

Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)

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This article will answer the question, Does Lexapro interact with Zyrtec? We will also talk about potential interactions and the best ways to complete treatment.

Does Lexapro interact with Zyrtec?

Yes, Lexapro and Zyrtec can have a moderate interaction. When Lexapro and Zyrtec are combined, certain side effects such as drowsiness, sedation, dry mouth, and fatigue may be amplified.

Lexapro (Escitalopram) is a well-known SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor). It is prescribed to treat depression and anxiety disorders. (1)

Zyrtec (Cetirizine) is an antihistamine of the second generation. It is used to treat runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and allergic reactions. (2)

What are the potential side effects of taking Lexapro with Zyrtec?

If you’re dealing with seasonal allergies and currently taking Lexapro, your concern about using Zyrtec with it is valid. Here are some potential side effects of using Lexapro and Zyrtec together:

Sedation and drowsiness

Both of these medications are associated with the tendency to induce drowsiness and fatigue.

Lexapro has been shown to improve the quality of nighttime sleep while occasionally leading to daytime sleepiness. This impact on sleep demands careful consideration when combining it with Zyrtec. (3)

In the case of Zyrtec, sedation and drowsiness are well-documented side effects. Although Certizine is a second-generation antihistamine that is known for causing less sedation compared to older antihistamines. Nevertheless, it can still induce sedation in some individuals. (4)

It is advised to exercise caution when using Zyrtec with antidepressants and sedatives in general. (6)

Dry mouth

Dry mouth is a listed side effect of Lexapro. Research suggests that approximately 22% of individuals using SSRIs, like Lexapro, Celexa etc, have reported experiencing dry mouth. This is an important consideration when using this antidepressant. (5)

Similarly, Zyrtec, containing Cetirizine, is widely recognized for its potential to cause dry mouth. Dry mouth results from the antimuscarinic effect and decreased saliva production. (2)

When Lexapro and Zyrtec are taken together, the likelihood of experiencing dry mouth becomes quite probable.

Feeling sick and nauseous

Feeling sick and nauseous, as well as experiencing sensations of dizziness, restlessness, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, and constipation, are shared side effects associated with both Lexapro and Zyrtec. (1,2)

These symptoms can occur in people taking either of these medications and the potential to face these side effects increases with concomitant use of Lexapro and Zyrtec.

Notably gastrointestinal discomfort is more pronounced during the initial phases of Lexapro treatment. This is primarily because the body has not yet fully adjusted to the higher levels of serotonin. As the treatment continues these GI side effects go away.

This indicates that if you have just started Lexapro treatment and have to take Zyrtec for allergy, the chances of facing these side effects are higher.

Joint pain or stiffness

Joint pain is a concern when combining Lexapro and Zyrtec. Clinical trials from FDA reports found that a small number of patients using both drugs reported joint pain, mostly in females. Lexapro itself has been associated with joint stiffness. (7)

Is it safe to take Zyrtec with Lexapro?

As previously stated, taking Zyrtec with Lexapro can result in moderate side effects, but this combination is usually well tolerated by many people. If you’re living with depression and on long-term Lexapro treatment, there might be times when you encounter seasonal allergies or flu.

In such cases, your doctor may recommend Zyrtec because it’s a second-generation antihistamine and is less sedating than the first-generation options. (4)

The specific nature of your condition might necessitate an antihistamine and a second-generation antihistamine like Zyrtec is a favourable choice.

This combination can lead to:

Improved allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes
Reduced sedation compared to older antihistamines

While there may be some moderate side effects, these can usually be managed with a little extra care during your course of Zyrtec.

Trust your doctor’s judgment; they likely made a wise choice in prescribing Zyrtec for your specific needs.

Just ensure that you’ve informed your doctor about your ongoing Lexapro treatment for a well-informed and safe approach to your healthcare.

What is the best way to take Lexapro and Zyrtec?

If your doctor has prescribed both Lexapro and Zyrtec, here are some guidelines to help you take them in the best way possible:

Take Lexapro and Zyrtec at separate times.

To avoid interactions between these two drugs, take them at different times of the day. Lexapro and Zyrtec are both taken once daily. Lexapro can be taken in the morning and Zyrtec at night, or vice versa.

Zyrtec is typically prescribed for a short period, after which you can return to your previous Lexapro regimen. This does not guarantee that you will not experience any side effects, but the severity is likely to be reduced.

Drink plenty of water all day

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to combat dry mouth. Consume fruits and vegetables such as melons, cucumbers, and celery. To increase water intake, temporarily replace coffee and alcohol with water. You can set reminders to remind yourself to stay hydrated.

Monitor your wellbeing

Keep an eye on potential side effects. If they become severe and unbearable, seek immediate medical attention. Don’t wait for conditions to worsen or persist for a long time. Consult your doctor for symptom management or dose adjustment. Your well-being is a priority.

Conclusion

In my view, if your doctor prescribed Lexapro and Zyrtec, they’ve considered the pros and cons. Side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, and feeling nauseous can be moderate and manageable. However, using Zyrtec for allergies without guidance especially when you are taking Lexapro is not recommended. Trust your healthcare provider for guidance on your health.