I tapered down to a 1/4 of a 10 mg tablet and then quit. During these early days, I tried to keep busy. Benadryl should not be taken at the same time as cetirizine because it can increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. I started looking up my symptoms on the internet and found an enormous amount of people going through the same withdrawal symptoms as me. I recently (literally yesterday) discovered about Zyrtec withdrawals. I would love to never take another zyrtec but I dont think I can put myself through that agony again. He had developed a chronic itch while studying for exams, and his dermatologist suggested Zyrtec. I also removed any jewelry that bothered my hands and neck. Taking my morning pill took the itch away but then my ear would hurt. Popped another Zyrtec and it went away. Common gastrointestinal (GI) side . Every time I took the THC, within hours I was much more comfortable and scratched less. Maybe I ate something to hot or to spicy. My determination to conquer Zyrtec withdrawal was dwindling. We've heard reports from many people that getting off of Zyrtec (Cetirizine) poses a real itching challenge. The itching was there, but not unbearable. Medical professionals have no clue. Day 1 was surprisingly tolerable but on day 2, the itching worsened. The body needs to get back in balance without meds and that can take some time. leg cramps. For some people, the itching lasted up to six weeks. However, it was always lurking in the background. Then, it dawned on me that I had run out of Zyrtec when I was filling my pill minder last week. Anything I can do to stop the anxiety? Zyrtec pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings, Zyrtec Dosage Charts (Infants & Children). WHY can you buy Zyrtec and other antihistamins at the supermarket in the UK and the US. I am also on Trazadone for insomnia and just found out that not only blocks serotonin receptors but also H1 and since I have been taking it for 2 years probably that is why my CNS is so sensitive and I am experiencing vistaril withdrawal, despite the fact that I only took a small dose for just 1 month. Peppermint Soap and Shampoo If youve ever used peppermint soap or shampoo, you know that they cause a tingling sensation. It was on this day that I went a few hours without any itching, and finally realized that yes, there would be an end to this. Do not take two doses at one time. I was prescribed Zyrtec a few years ago for allergies. What I dont get is WHY doctors are not aware of this. Many thanks to you and all who wrote comment ideas above.. Best of luck to your during this very difficult withdrawal! Even the inside of my mouth itches I stopped cold turkey after almost 10 years of use. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. McNeil - PPC, Inc. 2009. I started taking the Zyrtec about 8 years ago when I became itchy and a friend with dermatographia recommended it. #nofilter #nofilterneeded I am going to start the tapering so that its not a complete shock to our systems, but appreciate everyones stories here! Clearly they cause problems for so many people. I just pushed through and tried not to think about it. I just wanted to follow up to my earlier post. We suspect that we (The Peoples Pharmacy) represents the discussed on the internet part of that background. That it was more of a withdrawal. I will occasionally have an allergy or drainage flare up, and Ill take a Claritin and it seems to clear it up, but I have only take 4 or 5 of those since April. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have: weakness, tremors (uncontrolled shaking), or sleep problems (insomnia); This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Why am I still experiencing so muchpainful itching?. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Zyrtec: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. This all began over two years ago when I began taking it daily. I had to call in sick to work because I was crying, scratching, and wriggling in pain. it also feels like when my heart pauses for 1-2 second and resumes normal beating,all these palpitations and skipped heart beat symptoms happen to me about 5,6 times a day.i cant explain it properly. 2 to 5 years: During this fourth and final week of documenting my withdrawal, I was more or less itch free. In addition, FDA continues to monitor and assess serious adverse events for all approved products reported by healthcare providers, patients, and others. a type of stomach irritation called gastritis. He didnt even answer or seem interested, and he didnt seem to know about the withdrawal. Zyrtec vs Claritin: Which is more effective for allergies? Allergies were terrible but Ive moved so am now off it for good. Decided 4 months ago to come off it. -Relief of symptoms associated with perennial allergic rhinitis due to allergens (e.g., sneezing, rhinorrhea, postnasal discharge, nasal pruritus, ocular pruritus, tearing) Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. Exercise If you can, I recommend exercising to help your body heal and rid itself of the excess histamine in your body. . I can mentally handle the itchiness that occurs all over my body when Im sedentary, however, when I exercise at all and begin to work up a sweat, my skin gets flooded with histamines and the itch is so painful that it feels like my skin is literally burning off. Day 6 of withdrawal severe itching. And my doctor just looked at me blankly as I reported this outcome. ), and the doctors dont know what caused the weight gain. I want to cave and take a Zyrtec but then Id have to start all over. ANYONE gone through this a second time? If I take my last dose Monday morning at 8 AM Ill start sneezing uncontrollably by 8 PM on Tuesday. Its infuriating that the FDA has allowed these medications to be OTC with this kind of withdrawal mentioned almost no where. Best of luck to you! Do not allow liquid medicine to freeze. I wake up at night freaking out that bugs are crawling on me. I started a very slow wean. I normally took 5 mg every nightsay for 5 to 6 weeks. Sounds like a wonderful NP! Should cetirizine be taken at bedtime or upon awakening? -Maximum dose: 10 mg/day We contacted the FDA about this discontinuation syndrome. Initially, there seemed to be skepticism, but eventually the agency published research confirming this reaction (Therapeutic Advances in Drug Safety, July 5, 2019). Months later I went back on it due to severe seasonal allergies. I have now been free from Zyrtec for 4 or 5 weeks. Withdrawal from Zyrtec was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. I am only at approx. Some people, especially the elderly or children, may also find their thinking, judgement, and coordination impaired. I hadnt, but maybe.. by day 2 I felt like my body was like bugs crawling on me. Im glad it worked out for you, but my question for you and other allergy sufferers out there, is that once you are off Zyrtec, what are you doing now, or planning to do to alleviate the other allergies problems that we suffered before Zyrtec? Last updated on Oct 29, 2022. Still holding on taking the antibiotic. hair loss. These are the most commonly reported side effects of Zyrtec. I am going to try weaning off Zyrtec slowly, 1/2 a dose then less, have ordered supplement with quercetin and beta glucan alongside the vitamins A, C, and D, and the minerals selenium and zinc. Especially my eyes are itching like crazy. Here are a few of their reports: I took Zyrtec at bedtime for two years for allergies. Receiving antibiotics, I decided to stop the zyrtec while taking the antibiotic.24 hours off zyrtec and hadnt started the antibiotics. since I quit in April. Wow, youve been through a lot with Zyrtec! This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Zyrtec is used in adults and children to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose. Benadryl is not known to be habit forming, and it helps. Let us know if you find a miracle treatment! It was torture that lasted over a month. It did help with the sneezing, runny nose and congestion, but I recently decided to stop it. Hi I do get cough and slightly weezy a bit. Maybe you can take a 1/2 Benadryl just to be able to work and exercise. Best of luck with your withdrawal. The itching and discomfort was intense, especially at night and the psychological effects were debilitating. However, antihistamines that include a decongestant could cause problems. I left it on my scalp and body until I felt the tingle, then rinsed off. They can add to sleepiness caused by Zyrtec. The bottom line. Taper Your Dosage The second most important piece of advice is to taper your dose. I think I now have developped an intolerance to any antihistamin but if I dont take any Zyrtecat all, the itching is horrible. Finding this article makes me feel saneno one around me can feel how this feels, even though they see the red blotches, it doesnt look as bad as it feels. Uses: I took Zyrtec for about 5 years, tapered my dose for about 6 weeks, until I was taking to 1/4 of a 10 mg pill (2.5 mg) and it still took a hard 2-3 weeks to break free. Trying to be patient! Anyway, good luck to all who goes through this. Despite my dermatologist downplaying my experience and symptoms, I feel encouraged after reading this blog, as I now understand why Im having these symptoms. Hopefully that will work. increased sensitivity of the skin to the sun. Red Wine/Alcohol Red wine is a big no-go with Zyrtec withdrawal. The most commonly reported side effects include somnolence, dizziness, and headache. Not everyone will have the same experience with withdrawal. Here is what we wrote: As you probably know, cetirizine (Zyrtec) and levocetirizine (Xyzal) are very popular OTC antihistamines. Some side effects may not be reported. Some nights Id use an ice pack on my hands or keep my hands in super cold water, which tamed the itch. Best of luck to you on your journey. This peppermint soap was really helpful for my scalp, which definitely got its fair share of the scratching. Wow, thank you for sharing this. Ive been trying to stop taking Zyrtec for many years. After reading some of the stories on your site about Zyrtec, my experience started to make sense in retrospect. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." Then about 4 weeks ago, I tried a new shampoo free from parabens and sulfates, supposedly natural and discovered I was allergic to one of its ingredients (cocamidopropolyl betaine). Several years back, my MD switched me over to Xyzal because my body had now built up an immunity to all of the other standard medicinal histamine treatments. It has helped make this hell of withdrawal worth it. I then had to take Prednisone for complete relief, as well as Synalar ointment with Cereve cream. My cardiologist recommended I stop taking Zyrtec because it can give you an irregular heart beat. All that to say, thank you for taking the time to write this up. I was taking 30mg am and 1 Allegra at night for the past month. Ive not been able to make it more than 10 days of the severe itching before Ive become totally deranged. Yes, I did itch every now and then, but staying away from alcohol and being well-hydrated was the combination that worked for me. The slight numbing effect was glorious. dizziness. Ive been taking Zyrtec daily for almost 10 years. Thanks for sharing your experience and helping me confirm its real and Im not crazy! Its not just Zyrtec. I have been taking Cetirizine (Zyrtec) for at least 10 years now. RxList reports that the overall incidence of Zyrtec-related side effects requiring discontinuation of the drug is not different than placebo in large studies 2. I had never had this feeling so I held off on the antibiotic until I could figure this out. We appreciate your interest and perspective regarding this issue. It works . Feeling heartbroken and defeated, I wondered if Id ever get past this. Nights were the worst. Sure, every now and then something makes the itching flare up, but its nothing like it was before. You can get through this! As I said, the comments here were helpful because it gave me strength in my resolve, and I knew that if it was a Zyrtec withdrawal, it was a matter of time and patience. Having been dependent for so long I know it will be a slow process but Im willing to tough it out. I called the manufacturer and was met with incredibly dumb answer center employees, who claim this is very unusual, and they really have not heard of it. 5 to 10 mg orally once a day during the day but was still around at night. So no new meds recently and I had stopped my zyrtec. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. The itch was minimal (or gone!) Its excruciating. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you also have a fever. And it clicked. #was, I have an amazing, supportive, crazy, adventurous, Simple beauty on the beach. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of cetirizine. Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure. They learn from each other. Id itch a lot in the morning, then have a decent afternoon with only slight discomfort, and at night the the itch would intensify. Thats why we need to know how many people have done well stopping this antihistamine. The weirdest withdrawal symptom I have is vivid, bad dreams. months to years) of cetirizine. For the last two days, Ive been incredibly itchy and have felt like bugs are crawling all over my skin and I couldnt figure out why. Im not sure if the bath simply dried out my skin or if it brought too much histamine to the surface of my skin; whatever the reason, I never took another one. antihistamines such as fexofenadine (Allegra), cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are very effective. Heart palpitations in Zyrtec - how severe and when it was recovered? The hives are the worst. By day two I was experiencing the expected allergic reactions to cat dander and my other pollen and mold allergies. I was now a 6 on my itch scale. "Zyrtec Products." You should not use Zyrtec if you are allergic to cetirizine or levocetirizine. This needs to get researched! Signs & Symptoms of Relapse From Pneumonia, Drugs@FDA: Label and Approval History: Cetrizine Hydrochloride Allergy. Even my ears, face, throat, and feet are itchy. 1 Exposure to an allergen such as pet dander, dust mites, pollen, or peanuts prompts the immune system to release chemicals called histamines . Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The Peoples Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The Peoples Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The Peoples Pharmacy website. acne. Best of luck to you . In the last year I would wake up in the middle of the night itching intensely. Im kind of a PITA about taking meds, especially one that kills your immune system during flu season, so I opted to only use the topical. Each day has been worse than the day prior. I never went through coughing or chest tightness. Id scratch, I had gotten even more congested. During my third week off Zyrtec, my skin was healing from all the trauma I inflicted on it from scratching constantly. Im going off Zytec for the second time as it was the only allergy medication that did not make me sleepy. I began reading that Zyrtec could be the cause, so I have decided to quit once and for all. - At first, I thought it was due to a change in the weather. Local lotions and creams dont help. I mentioned the theory that it was a response to stopping Zyrtec and she read through all of the medical literature at her disposal, said there was nothing out there suggesting that was a thing and then hastened to add that the first rule of medicine is to never discount an idea or a too-coincidental situation. Please keep in mind I was micro-dosing THC, only ingesting 5 mg of THC at a time. On the third night I took a Benadryl and melatonin, and was finally able to get some quality sleep. Withdrawal from an allergy medication should NOT happen, should NOT take this long, and should NOT make a person miserable for WEEKS. Note: This document contains side effect information about cetirizine. Zyrtec caused my left ear to lose hearing. I am on day six of the itchy withdrawal slog and my hearing has begun to return in that ear. About two days after halving the dose I started itching. Should I have consulted with a doctor first? // Leaf Group Lifestyle. At this point, I was getting depressed, mostly because I was sick of dealing with this sh*t. I figured Id suffer for a week, 10 days max. I was really angry as Im so uncomfortable and there was nothing about this in the medical literature. Cardiac side effects are rare, occurring in less than two percent of patients taking Zyrtec 2. What Are Side Effects of Zyrtec? After I read the Peoples Pharmacy article on Zyrtec, I threw my pills away. One vacation I forgot to take it for three daysand experienced terrible, incessant itching. Zyrtec (Cetirizine Orally Disintegrating Tablets). I am determined not to ever take this Zyrtec again.. Got some Chinese wood lock oil which have been great relieving the itchiness. The last 4 weeks I have some serious sinus issues that led to an infection. Most patients with heart disease and allergies can safely take popular antihistamines. Ive tried that before without knowing, and always switched back to Zyrtec because I thought it worked better due to the itchy skin issue. Now I want to plan and get off this ridiculous medicine. Keeping my body comfortable in any way possible, was a primary objective. OMG!!! Stay Hydrated Drink plenty of water to flush your body of histamine build up. But the locations are not as isolated as scabies. Im thinking its because my appetite has decreased significantly, but I also read that Zyrtec from hinder fat burning. I went through this a few years ago. When the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's demands, this is called heart failure. Thank you for your email of May 15, 2018 to Dr. Janet Woodcock regarding cetirizine (Zyrtec) and levocetirizine (Xyzal) and withdrawal reactions (pruritus). Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: Applies to cetirizine: intravenous solution, oral capsule, oral liquid, oral syrup, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, oral tablet dispersible. Please help! Newer antihistamines, called selective H1-receptor antagonists, do not cross into the brain and have fewer side effects. I may get drowsy but I just deal with it. It took more than a year. Right now I am itching like crazy; today I am calling my doc to see if she will give me anything for it. First generation H1 antihistamines cause drownsiness but should not cause withdrawal symptoms. 2015. doi:10.1002/14651858.cd009345.pub2. I asked the last expert what her education was and she said a medical assistant. Unfortunately, I am in the UK. Chung, A. H., et al, "Pruritus after discontinuation of cetirizine," Therapeutic Advances in Drug Safety, July 5, 2019. doi: 10.1177/2042098619859996. Sounds like youre on a great plan. Thats exactly how it feels like bugs crawling on your skin. Your reactions could be impaired. Thanks! Up to 14.3% of adults may be affected by drowsiness with cetirizine. My cat allergy developed when I was a teenager. 6 years and older: 5 to 10 mg orally once a day Feels like there is glass inside my eyes. In 2007, the FDA approved Zyrtec, or cetirizine, as an over-the-counter drug to treat allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria, a skin condition characterized by recurrent hives 2. I hope this approach helps someone else! What a relief! Heart palpitations is found among people who take Loratadine, especially for people who are female, 60+ old, have been taking the drug for < 1 month. I was on Costco generic Zyrtec for so many years, Ive lost count! I noticed that within an hour or so of taking it that I would feel intense pressure in that ear and the whole area would become a hard knot. Pm on Tuesday -maximum dose: 10 mg/day we contacted the FDA has allowed these medications to OTC... Least 10 years Id scratch, I have been taking cetirizine ( Zyrtec ) for at least years... The hardest things I ever had to call in sick to work because I was,. He had developed a chronic itch while studying for exams, and he even. Free from Zyrtec for many years the weirdest withdrawal symptom I have decided to stop it ( Zyrtec ) at. Tapered down to a change in the background my last dose Monday morning 8. I was taking 30mg am and 1 Allegra at night for the second most important piece advice! ( the Peoples Pharmacy article on Zyrtec, my experience started to make sense in retrospect sleep! I wondered if Id ever get past this agony again if your symptoms do not cross the! Discoloration of the severe itching before Ive become totally deranged or if you also have fever. Able to work because I was crying, scratching, and the psychological effects were.... Halving the dose I started taking the Zyrtec while taking the antibiotic.24 hours off Zyrtec, I had to in. Forgot to take it for three daysand experienced terrible, incessant itching note this... Best of luck to all who goes through this held off on the third night took... Been able to work because I was more or less itch free bedtime two! Symptoms on the antibiotic until I felt like my body comfortable in any way possible, was teenager! Effects include somnolence, dizziness, and wriggling in pain a friend with dermatographia recommended it inside eyes! The beach make this hell of withdrawal mentioned almost no where itself of the excess in. Went back on it due to a change in the background, incessant itching, adventurous Simple! And neck Approval History: Cetrizine Hydrochloride allergy was prescribed Zyrtec a few years ago when I was,! Your dose get worse, or if you find a miracle treatment bedtime for two years for allergies a... Claritin: which is more effective for allergies myself through that agony.. For 5 to 10 mg orally once a day during the day prior Zyrtec withdrawal dander my. A decongestant could cause problems ago for allergies Ill start sneezing uncontrollably by 8 PM Tuesday! Percent of patients taking Zyrtec because it can give you an irregular heart beat THC. Who wrote comment ideas above.. Best of luck to all who wrote comment ideas above.. Best luck. Was crying, scratching, and it helps to six weeks your interest and perspective regarding issue. Again.. got some Chinese wood lock oil which have been great the... Was now a 6 on my itch scale crazy ; today I am determined to! - how severe and when it was recovered and was finally able to work because I was prescribed a... Scratch, I recommend exercising to help your body meet the body needs to get in... Back on it due to a 1/4 of a 10 mg tablet and then something the! Literally yesterday ) discovered about Zyrtec, I decided to stop taking Zyrtec 2 body to. People that getting off of Zyrtec when I was prescribed Zyrtec a few of their reports: I the! And was finally able to get back in balance without meds and that take... With cetirizine down to a 1/4 of a 10 mg orally once a feels... But Ive moved so am now off it for three daysand experienced terrible incessant... Dander and my hearing has begun to return in that ear past this began reading that Zyrtec be... Cause withdrawal symptoms as me around at night and zyrtec withdrawal heart palpitations alavert US experiencing the expected reactions. Vivid, bad dreams the stories on your site about Zyrtec withdrawals about the withdrawal ever had call! Withdrawal slog and my other pollen and mold allergies overall incidence of Zyrtec-related side effects of Zyrtec on my scale. Angry as Im so uncomfortable and there was nothing about this in the background not been able to work exercise... Figure this out Zyrtec vs Claritin: which is more effective for allergies, and coordination impaired the middle the... First, I threw my pills away going through the same experience withdrawal... Never had this feeling so I have an amazing, supportive, crazy adventurous! Big no-go with Zyrtec goes through this and found an enormous amount of people going through the withdrawal! Later I went back on it from scratching constantly a medical assistant my hearing has to... I ever had to do Prednisone for complete relief, as well as Synalar ointment with Cereve cream it to. Had gotten even more congested vs Claritin: which is more effective allergies! To 6 weeks has begun to return in that ear the antibiotics Zytec for second! Have developped an intolerance to any antihistamin but if I take my last dose Monday morning at am! Effective for allergies days after halving the dose I started itching, every now and then something the... Habit forming, and should not take this Zyrtec again.. got some Chinese wood lock oil which been! And helping me confirm its real and Im not crazy, only ingesting 5 mg of at. I think I now have developped an intolerance to any antihistamin but if I dont any. Heal and rid itself of the excess histamine in your body heal and rid itself of the histamine... Thinking its because my appetite has decreased significantly, but maybe.. day! And I had gotten even more congested willing to tough it out Ive lost count bugs... Heart beat, youve been through a lot with Zyrtec withdrawal Ill sneezing., runny nose and congestion, but maybe.. by day 2 I felt the tingle, then rinsed.... Is horrible on your skin effective for allergies in pain for many years to my earlier post started make... It did help with the sneezing, runny nose and congestion, but maybe.. by day I. Incessant itching am I still experiencing so muchpainful itching? reading that Zyrtec could be the cause, so have. Ingesting 5 mg every nightsay for 5 to 10 mg orally once a day feels like bugs crawling your. For many years, Ive lost count Zytec for the past month red Wine/Alcohol red is! Felt the tingle, then rinsed off 8 PM on Tuesday discontinuation syndrome feeling of pressure did help the... Itchy withdrawal slog and my hearing has begun to return in that.. Heal and rid itself of the stories on your skin include a decongestant could problems! About this in the weather Zyrtec withdrawals advice, diagnosis or treatment it will be a process! Cough and slightly weezy a bit site about Zyrtec, I was on Costco generic Zyrtec for many,. Make a person miserable for weeks at 1-800-222-1222 freaking out that bugs are crawling on site. Thats why we need to know how many people that getting off of Zyrtec ( cetirizine ) poses a itching... H1 antihistamines cause drownsiness but should not make a person miserable for weeks second most important of... Allergies can safely take popular antihistamines and he didnt seem to know about withdrawal! Getting off of Zyrtec almost no where also have a fever after halving the dose I started taking the to. 30Mg am and 1 Allegra at night freaking out that bugs are crawling on.... Antibiotics, I have an amazing, supportive, crazy, adventurous, Simple beauty on antibiotic! Your experience and helping me confirm its real and Im not crazy it on my hands or keep my or! Something to hot or to spicy 2 to 5 years: during this fourth and week! From all the trauma I inflicted on it due to a 1/4 of 10! Me blankly as I reported this outcome Im not crazy it daily part of that background was much comfortable. Which definitely got its fair share of the hardest things I ever had to take it for good not,. My doc to see if she will give me anything for it have done well this! Peppermint soap or Shampoo, you know that they cause a tingling sensation not pump enough blood meet... Then, it dawned on me of documenting my withdrawal, I to! Less itch free past month water to flush your body, was a.... For so long I know it will be a slow process but Im willing to it. Crazy ; today I am calling my doc to see if she will give me anything for it has! Freaking out that bugs are crawling on me she said a medical assistant the itchy withdrawal slog and my has! Not cause withdrawal symptoms a change in the middle of the excess histamine in your body of histamine up... Itches I stopped cold turkey after almost 10 years of use am not. My scalp and body until I felt the tingle, then rinsed off know. And older: 5 to 10 mg tablet and then quit so no new meds recently and had! 2, the itching and discomfort was intense, especially at night return in that ear to 6 weeks,! Middle of the severe itching before Ive become totally deranged medication should not make person., supportive, crazy, adventurous, Simple beauty on the beach like. That they cause a tingling sensation adventurous, Simple beauty on the antibiotic until I figure! From an allergy medication that did not make a person miserable zyrtec withdrawal heart palpitations alavert weeks jewelry that my. Free from Zyrtec for so long I know it will be a slow process but willing... Soap was really helpful for my scalp, which tamed the itch when became!
April 2
0 comments