Hydroxyzine Atarax, Vistaril, and others: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

More Info on this Drug

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of hydroxyzine in children. Do not take more hydroxyzine than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects. For this use, the total maximum dose of hydroxyzine in 24 hours is 400 mg. We anticipate reposting the images once we are able identify and filter out images that do not match the information provided in the drug labels.

It works by blocking histamine, a substance released by the body during an allergic reaction. It belongs to a group of medications called antihistamines. Hydroxyzine is in a class of medications called antihistamines.It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. It also works by decreasing activity in the brain.

Hydroxyzine oral tablet is a generic prescription drug used for anxiety or itching in adults and children. It’s also used to cause sedation (sleepiness and relaxation) before or after surgery. Hydroxyzine hydroxyzine hcl oral uses is usually taken one to four times per day.

Hydroxyzine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Hydroxyzine can cause a severe skin reaction called acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). These uses may vary, depending on the specific hydroxyzine product prescribed.

Symptoms of overdose

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive. Hydroxyzine may cause a rare, dangerous heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Tell your health care provider right away if you faint or have changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast or skipping heartbeat.

Hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril, and others) – Uses, Side Effects, and More

Tell your health care provider right away if you have pain or burning near where the medicine is injected. It works by blocking the effect of a substance in your body called histamine. It also works in parts of the brain to create a calming effect.

  • During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.
  • 7 However, people who misuse substances may abuse hydroxyzine because of its anxiolytic and sedative effects or to enhance the effects of other substances.
  • Instead, it provides a calming effect by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
  • It can also be used to help control anxiety and produce sleep before surgery.
  • If a hydroxyzine overdose is suspected, contact a medical professional or 911 immediately.
  • This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment.

International Patients

If you have a history of heart problems, talk to your doctor before taking hydroxyzine. The medication may increase the risk of heart rhythm issues in some people. Treatment can be altered if needed, such as adjusting the dose or changing to a different medication.

  • Hydroxyzine is used for the short-term treatment of nervousness and tension that may occur with certain mental/mood disorders (e.g., anxiety, dementia).
  • Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress.
  • Hydroxyzine belongs to a group of drugs called antihistamines.
  • Liquid products may contain sugar and/or alcohol.
  • Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

It helps people feel calmer by slowing down activity in the brain. Unlike some anxiety medications, hydroxyzine is not addictive and does not cause withdrawal symptoms. Doctors may prescribe it for short-term anxiety relief or before medical procedures to help patients relax. Hydroxyzine blocks histamine, a chemical in the body that causes allergy symptoms like itching, swelling, and rashes.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using this medicine. Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco. The following table highlights the basics of hydroxyzine oral tablet’s dosages for adults. Before taking hydroxyzine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to cetirizine; or to levocetirizine; or if you have any other allergies.

Drug Interactions

7 However, people who misuse substances may abuse hydroxyzine because of its anxiolytic and sedative effects or to enhance the effects of other substances. The most common side effects of hydroxyzine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you. Hydroxyzine is used to help control anxiety and tension caused by nervous and emotional conditions. It can also be used to help control anxiety and produce sleep before surgery.

Tell your health care provider if you have any heart problems, including heart disease, a prior heart attack, heart failure, or heart rhythm problems. Also tell your health care provider if you have a family history of heart rhythm problems. Hydroxyzine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious.