Hydroxyzine
Hydroxyzine (hye DROX i zeen) is a generic medication prescribed for anxiety, itching, and to cause sleepiness for surgery or procedures. Hydroxyzine belongs to a group of drugs called antihistamines.
Hydroxyzine (hye DROX i zeen) is a generic medication prescribed for anxiety, itching, and to cause sleepiness for surgery or procedures. Hydroxyzine belongs to a group of drugs called antihistamines.
- Generic
- • Tablet
- • 25mg
- • 30 Tablets
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Introduction
Written by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA
Medically reviewed by Rosanna Sutherby, PharmD on May 22, 2023
These approved uses differ based on the form of hydroxyzine your doctor prescribes.
This article describes hydroxyzine’s uses, side effects, and more. Below you’ll find some coupon options for hydroxyzine.
This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of hydroxyzine. To find coupons for hydroxyzine pamoate, see this article.
Side effects of hydroxyzine
Hydroxyzine may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of hydroxyzine and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about hydroxyzine’s side effects, see this article or ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information* for hydroxyzine.
* To view hydroxyzine’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with some forms of hydroxyzine are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of hydroxyzine you take.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about hydroxyzine’s side effects based on the form, see the prescribing information* for hydroxyzine.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Hydroxyzine oral tablet’s mild side effects include:
- dry mouth
- sleepiness
- tremor (uncontrollable shaking of a part of your body)
- headache
- mild allergic reaction†
Hydroxyzine liquid solution for injection’s mild side effects include:
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- confusion
- mild allergic reaction†
* To view hydroxyzine’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for hydroxyzine” section below.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of hydroxyzine are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of hydroxyzine you use.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about hydroxyzine’s side effects based on the form, see the prescribing information* for hydroxyzine.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, hydroxyzine’s serious side effects include:
- abnormal heart rhythm, including long QT syndrome and torsade de pointes
- a serious skin reaction called acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP)
- severe allergic reaction†
For hydroxyzine liquid solution for injection, the following serious side effects may also occur:
- serious injection site reactions, including skin and tissue damage
* To view hydroxyzine’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for hydroxyzine” section below.
Uses of hydroxyzine
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as hydroxyzine for certain conditions. Approved uses for hydroxyzine are described below. These uses differ based on the form of hydroxyzine prescribed.
Use for anxiety
Doctors may prescribe hydroxyzine oral capsule, oral tablet, oral solution, and liquid solution for injection for treating anxiety. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children of any age. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.
Anxiety is a feeling of worry or intense fear about everyday situations. Symptoms can be caused by life circumstances as well as by anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Symptoms of anxiety include:
- tension, restlessness, or nervousness
- rapid heart rate
- rapid breathing
- weakness and lack of energy
Hydroxyzine liquid solution for injection may also be used to treat anxiety symptoms caused by alcohol withdrawal.
Use to induce sleepiness
Doctors may prescribe hydroxyzine oral capsule, oral tablet, oral solution, and liquid solution for injection to cause a state of sleepiness. This use is referred to as sedation. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children of any age. It’s prescribed as a short-term treatment used for surgery and procedures.
Use for itching
Doctors may prescribe hydroxyzine oral capsule, oral tablet, oral solution, and liquid solution for injection for treating itching. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children of any age. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.
Itching or itchy skin is an uncontrollable, irritating sensation on the skin that’s usually relieved by scratching. Severe itching can disturb your ability to complete your day-to-day activities, including work and sleep.
Interactions and warnings for hydroxyzine
Below, you’ll find information about hydroxyzine’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of hydroxyzine
For some medications, certain things may affect how the drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you use hydroxyzine, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription medications
- over-the-counter medications
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for hydroxyzine” section just below.
Warnings for hydroxyzine
Hydroxyzine should not be taken or should be taken cautiously by certain people.
Hydroxyzine could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether hydroxyzine is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of hydroxyzine you take or receive.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for hydroxyzine, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Hydroxyzine can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to hydroxyzine or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe hydroxyzine. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to hydroxyzine, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and hydroxyzine
Information about hydroxyzine and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Hydroxyzine and pregnancy
Hydroxyzine should not be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with hydroxyzine.
Hydroxyzine and breastfeeding
Hydroxyzine should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with hydroxyzine.
Common questions about hydroxyzine
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about hydroxyzine.
Is hydroxyzine similar to Benadryl or Xanax?
Somewhat. Hydroxyzine has some similarities to diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and alprazolam (Xanax). But these drugs also have some differences.
Hydroxyzine and Benadryl both belong to a group of drugs called antihistamines. This means they have similar side effects but a few different ones as well.
Unlike hydroxyzine and Benadryl, Xanax is not an antihistamine. It belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. It can cause different side effects than hydroxyzine. However, hydroxyzine and Xanax may be used for short-term treatment of anxiety symptoms.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about how hydroxyzine compares to other medications.
Does hydroxyzine cause weight loss?
No, hydroxyzine isn’t known to cause weight loss. This side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.
Hydroxyzine may be prescribed to treat anxiety symptoms. Appetite changes can be a symptom of anxiety, which can lead to weight loss if you consume fewer calories due to this symptom.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your weight, including whether any of your medications could affect it.
Is hydroxyzine an antihistamine?
Yes, hydroxyzine is an antihistamine. An antihistamine is a drug that blocks the chemical histamine in the body.
Your immune system releases histamine in response to an allergen. It causes many symptoms of an allergic reaction, including itchy skin. Blocking histamine in this way can help relieve symptoms such as itching.
Histamine is also found in your nervous system, including your brain. Blocking histamine in the central nervous system (CNS) causes drowsiness and a state of sleepiness. (The CNS consists of your brain and spinal cord.) This can also help ease anxiety symptoms.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have more questions about hydroxyzine, including how it works for your condition.
How does hydroxyzine work? And how long does it take to start working?
Hydroxyzine is a type of antihistamine drug. It works by blocking the chemical histamine in the body. To learn more, see the answer directly above.
Hydroxyzine has a half-life of about 12 hours. This is the time it takes your body to get rid of half a dose.
Hydroxyzine’s effects are usually noticed about 15–30 minutes after you take a dose by mouth. When a dose is injected, hydroxyzine’s effects typically happen after a few minutes.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have more questions about hydroxyzine, including how it works for your condition.
If I stop taking hydroxyzine, will I experience withdrawal symptoms?
No, withdrawal symptoms are not expected. Withdrawal symptoms weren’t reported in the drug’s studies.
Withdrawal symptoms happen when you stop taking a drug your body is dependent on. With dependence, your body needs the drug in order to function like usual.
Hydroxyzine is typically used as a short-term treatment. But in some cases, the drug may be used long term.
Talk with your doctor if you’re interested in stopping treatment with hydroxyzine. They can discuss other possible treatments for your condition, if needed.
Can I take hydroxyzine with Lexapro?
Maybe. Your doctor may prescribe hydroxyzine and Lexapro together in certain circumstances. Lexapro is used to treat depression and anxiety. Hydroxyzine also treats anxiety. Your doctor may prescribe these drugs together to treat this condition.
Hydroxyzine and Lexapro can interact with each other. Taking hydroxyzine and Lexapro together may increase your risk for certain side effects both drugs may cause. Examples include abnormal heart rhythm and long QT syndrome.
Your doctor can help determine whether the benefits of taking these drugs together outweigh the risks.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about whether a certain medication may be safely used with hydroxyzine.
Dosage of hydroxyzine
The dosage of hydroxyzine your doctor prescribes may vary based on your condition and certain other factors. Talk with your doctor about the dosage you should take.
Taking and injecting hydroxyzine
Hydroxyzine oral tablet, oral capsule, and oral solution are taken by mouth, with or without food.
Hydroxyzine liquid solution for injection is injected into the muscle. It can be given whether or not you’ve eaten food. (This form of hydroxyzine is used to cause sleepiness for surgery or a procedure. Follow your doctor’s instructions about when to stop eating beforehand.)
Your doctor will talk with you about how to take hydroxyzine oral forms. They’ll explain how much to take and how often. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation.
With hydroxyzine liquid solution for injection, your doctor will explain how hydroxyzine will be given to you and where you’ll receive it. They’ll also tell you how much you’ll receive and how often.
Overdose of hydroxyzine
You should not use or take more hydroxyzine than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to serious side effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much hydroxyzine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Hydroxyzine coupon
You may be able to save money on your prescription for hydroxyzine by using our Perks discount coupons. They can be found at the end of this article.
If you have questions about how to pay for hydroxyzine, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also learn more about the cost of hydroxyzine in this article.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes hydroxyzine’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about hydroxyzine or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Is there a specific form of hydroxyzine that may work better for my symptoms?
- Does my health history increase my risk of side effects from taking hydroxyzine?
- Should I use hydroxyzine with other treatments for anxiety?
- Will hydroxyzine make me feel drowsy after my surgery?
- Are there any alternative medications that I can take for my condition?
Article resources
- Atarax. (2019). https://gskpro.com/content/dam/global/hcpportal/en_SG/products/PDF/atarax/pdf/atarax_pi_ncds06si_approved_17sep19.pdf
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Hydroxyzine- hydroxyzine injection, solution. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/9c6ec419-5d3b-4053-9970-42a30458b92a/spl-doc
- Hydroxyzine hydrochloride- hydroxyzine hydrochloride solution. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/a2fbc502-6ca3-4304-9069-b7249c9d9489/spl-doc
- Hydroxyzine hydrochloride- hydroxyzine hydrochloride tablet, film coated. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/157fbedc-b65d-455f-adb5-e7554282e033/spl-doc
- Hydroxyzine pamoate- hydroxyzine pamoate capsule. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/de594020-e114-4550-a27a-5cdf132d2a82/spl-doc
- Lexapro (escitalopram) tablets, for oral use; Lexapro (escitalopram) oral solution. (2021). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/021365s038,021323s053lbl.pdf
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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