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Hydroxyzine, Anxiety & You

Published by Courtney Hall

The Good, bad and ugly of taking Hydroxyzine for anxiety disorders. What every person needs to know when taking Hydroxyzine for anxiety.

The Good

There are many other aspects of taking this drug, but its main use is to treat anxiety. What is hydroxyzine? Here is a list of different aspects this drug is capable of. This first generation of this antihistamine drug helps people deal with allergic reactions. Hydroxyzine HCL can be prescribed to patients to help them sleep, and prevent nausea and vomiting. Hydroxyzine can also be prescribed to help people cope with anxiety. There is two different kinds of Hydroxyzine Vistaril & Atarax or (PAM & HCL). Vistaril (hydroxyzine pamoate) is used for anxiety and nausea where as Atarax is used for allergies and itching. Both Atarax(hydroxyzine hcl) and Vistaril(pam) do the same thing, but it depends on how your body reacts to it; one may work better than the other. This medication comes in different forms such as tablets, capsules, liquids, suppositories, or injections. It can also be taken with or without food. Patients who suffer from anxiety, hives, nausea, mood disorders, skin rashes, itching, and also allergic reactions can be prescribed hydroxyzine. This medication can be prescribed to Children ages 4+ and also adults. Hydroxyzine can only be obtained by prescription only; cannot be purchased OTC. Now of course there are going to be side effects when taking prescription medications.

The Bad

Just about every drug has some side effects and Hydroxyzine is no different. Here are some of the common side effects: drowsiness, dry mouth, skin rash, headaches, and blurred vision. Hydroxyzine can also cause serious side effects such as Seizures, fainting, tremor, hallucinations, fast heart rate, chest pains, restless muscle movements, and severe dizziness.

The Ugly

Hydroxyzine when combined with certain opioids can cause a “hydroxyzine high”. Doing this can lead to serious side effects including respiratory distress, coma, overdose and death!

Here is a link to a list of drugs to NEVER combine with Hydroxyzine. | psychiatric medications cheat sheet | Hydroxyzine Pamoate; Complete Self-Assessment Guide

Hydroxyzine can cause serious health issues when used with other drugs.” Hydroxyzine can cause a serious heart problem, especially if you use certain medicines at the same time, including antibiotics, antidepressants, heart rhythm medicine, antipsychotic medicines, and medicines to treat cancer, malaria, HIV or AIDS”(1). Hydroxyzine is not addictive and has no withdrawal symptoms(2).

1. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/d00907a1
2. https://www.northpointwashington.com/blog/hydroxyzine-high-atarax-appealing-seeking/


 

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