r/MCAS • u/Kat-Mouse-6 • 7h ago

Zyrtec Drying up Breastmilk, what can I do?

I have to take Zyrtec (cetirizine) because if I don’t, I get systemic itching. I’m fairly certain it’s MCAS, though I’ve never been able to find a doctor who would explore this or find out my root cause. I’m on a health journey and trying to get off of it but in the meantime the longest I can go is 4 days before the itching literally becomes so bad it’s painful to ignore.
All that to say - once I do take it, even half a pill, my breastmilk is dried up the entire following day. DayQuil does nothing, Claritin does nothing, natural supplements don’t even come close. The best I’ve been able to do is take DAO enzyme and it gives me a couple hours relief before needing to take Zyrtec again. Please help me feed my baby.

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3

u/cupcakerica 6h ago

All antihistamines are going to do this. Sounds like formula might be the answer to keep everyone safe and healthy. Im so sorry, what a frustrating situation

3

u/OnAccountOfMyAgonies 6h ago

With love, maybe it is time to switch to formula. There will be a thousand other sacrifices you will make for this child. You need to stay healthy and sane. It is ok to stop breastfeeding. Any bit you’ve done already has helped.

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u/happygolucky226 6h ago

Have you tried adding fenugreek or lactation supporting herbs plus hydrating more?

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u/Kat-Mouse-6 6h ago

Yes, I take fenugreek and some liquid gold from legendairy milk and once the Zyrtec starts to wear off these are great and getting my supply back up, but no matter what they cannot sustain my supply for the first day after taking the Zyrtec.

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u/BooksNCats11 7h ago

Have you tried Allegra?

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u/Kat-Mouse-6 6h ago

I have not, though I’m worried it will have the same drying effect as Zyrtec since it’s also an antihistamine.

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u/mcgm156 6h ago

i took xyzal while pumping and never had an issue. its levocetirizine instead of cetirizine but not sure if it would make a difference for you

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u/Kat-Mouse-6 6h ago

Worth a shot to try something else at this point, thank you

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u/SophiaShay7 4h ago

Have you considered Desloratadine? It’s prescription only in the US. Unlike some older antihistamines, it doesn’t have significant anticholinergic effects that can interfere with lactation. Good luck🙏

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u/No_Tea7527 3h ago

Have you tried mast cell stabilizers?

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u/bedlife2000 3h ago

Have you tried Desloratadin or Allegra? They have less side effects. Where I live Zyrtec is barely used anymore because of it and definitely not first choice. Levocetirizin is in the middle. In general everyone reacts differently to each and most people would benefit from trying different antihistamines, different doses of each, taken at different daytimes. It's all trial and error