Am I actually addicted to Claritin D? Is this even possible?!? Help!

[Pinkdragonfly5]

Hi. I've been taking Claritin D for aprox. 2 years. I want to wean myself off, because the one time I decided to quit cold turkey, I failed miserably. I began taking the med because of chronic congestion and swollen nasal passages. It was a miracle. I could breathe with my mouth closed and I actually got my sense of smell back. The constant sinus headaches were gone. I kept taking it because there were so many good effects. Then, my blood pressure began to get higher and I noticed some skipping heart beats that were "fast" & took my breath away briefly. When I tried to stop the med, by the end of the day, I was exhausted, runny nose, chills, sneezing and the sinus headaches were back. I was so miserable, I went ahead and took another Claritin D and I was "all better". I am scared to be on this stuff. I want to be off of it. I need to know how I can wean myself off or taper off slowly, so the "withdrawal symptoms" do not happen. Is there a way to do this? I need a plan to follow. (By the way, I'm taking the 12 hour version=one tablet every 12 hours). Please help, if there's any advice out there, I'd be eternally grateful :)

[allmymarbles]

Clariton D contains a form of speed.  So quitting Clariton D is the same as quitting speed. Speak to your doctor about this.

[evewisewoman]

Hi Pinkdragonfly,

I just finished reading your post. My suggestion would be to make an appointment with your family doctor. Does you doctor know you've been
taking Claritin D for 2 years ? That's a long time. Anyway, I would make
an appointment with your family doctor and let your doctor help you wean
yourself off Claritin D. I've also heard Claritin D is also not good for your
liver long term. Don't know if this is true. After 2 years, your body would
be used to this medication. You will your doctor's help to wean yourself
off it especially as you have taken this medication for 2 years already.