Levocetirizine side effects
Common side effects of Levocetirizine include:
- Weakness, lack of energy
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Sleep disorders
Other possible side effects include:
- Abdominal pain
- Aggression
- Agitation
- Swelling of the face, hands or feet
- Increased appetite
- Joint pain
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Breathing difficulties
- Hallucination
- Liver problems
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Heart palpitations
- Seizures
- Abnormal sensations
- Rash
- Fainting
- Increased heart rate
- Altered sense of taste
- Tremor
- Urinary problems
- Vertigo
- Visual changes
- Vomiting
- Weight gain
If you experience severe side effects or any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as breathing difficulties, swelling, or a rash, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Drug interactions
Levocetirizine can interact with the following types of medication:
- Betahistine dihydrochloride
- Isocarboxazid
- Phenelzine
- Tranylcypromine
Drug interactions can be dangerous, therefore it is important that you notify the prescribing doctor of any medications or recreational drugs that you are taking.
Can Levocetirizine make you sleepy?
Levocetirizine is a non-drowsy antihistamine, however, some people may find that they still experience drowsiness when taking Levocetirizine. If you experience drowsiness from Levocetirizine or any other medication, you should avoid driving or operating machinery.
Why does Levocetirizine cause drowsiness?
In the brain, histamine helps to regulate your sleep-wake cycle. In some people, antihistamines, such as Levocetirizine, can cross the blood-brain barrier (the barrier between your circulating blood and the brain). When antihistamines cross the blood-brain barrier, they can disrupt the action of histamines in your brain leading to drowsiness.
Can Levocetirizine cause diarrhea?
Levocetirizine can cause diarrhea. This side effect is more common in children than in adults.
Can Levocetirizine cause erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is not a known side effect of Levocetirizine. If you believe that Levocetirizine has caused your erectile dysfunction, you should speak to your doctor to discuss your options.
Levocetirizine and pregnancy
Levocetirizine can be used in pregnancy if the risks outweigh the benefits. However, antihistamines, such as Levocetirizine, are not usually recommended for use during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
Levocetirizine and alcohol
It is not advisable to take Levocetirizine with alcohol. Both Levocetirizine and alcohol can have neurological effects. Therefore, drinking alcohol with Levoceitirizne may increase side effects such as drowsiness, fatigue, and reduced alertness.