Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine used to treat anxiety, depression, and allergic reactions by blocking histamine effects, promoting sedation, and altering serotonin levels. Dosing varies for adults and children, with effects typically felt within 30 minutes, but side effects may include dizziness and sedation. It should not be taken by individuals with specific allergies or medical conditions, and proper storage and disposal are essential.

1. Hydroxyzine For Anxiety: How It
Works, Dosage, and Side Effects!
We hear about cancer and heart diseases all the time, but ​do you know that
mental illness is as serious as any health problems? According to WHO( World
Health Organization), “ ​One in four people in the world is affected by mental or
neurological disorders at some point in their lives.” ​Currently, about 450 million
people in the world are suffering from mental disorders and related conditions
that are among the leading causes of ill-health and disability.
You’ll be surprised to know that only in the United States, over 40 million adults
age 18 and older are suffering from anxiety disorders! ​And during this pandemic
time, mental illness has become a global issue. So whether you’re facing some
anxiety disorder or someone close to you is suffering from ​mental health
problems​, don’t take it lightly. You have to consult a doctor and take proper
medication.
Globally, Hydroxyzine is used as a sedative to treat anxiety and depression.
Sometimes it is also used together with other medications that are given during
and after general anesthesia. In this article, you’ll find all the basic information of
Hydroxyzine such as how it helped in curing depression and anxiety, dosage,
precautions, and how to store this medication.

2. What is Hydroxyzine?
Source: therecoveryvillage.com
Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine which is similar to the over-the-counter (OTC)
medications like Benadryl and Zyrtec that are widely used to treat allergies and
colds such as the runny nose and watery eyes. Hydroxyzine has some unique
characteristics that make it perfect for the treatment of anxiety. It mainly works by
preventing the effects of a substance called histamine, which is produced by the
body.
This medicine is also used to produce sleep before surgery and relieve the
symptoms of an allergic reaction (e.g., hives, itching skin) caused by chronic
urticaria, and atopic and contact dermatoses).
Hydroxyzine usually comes in two versions: Hydroxyzine hydrochloride (Atarax)
and hydroxyzine pamoate (Vistaril). Both are generally prescribed for the
treatment of anxiety, but it is only available with a doctor’s prescription.

3. This Medicine is available in the three dosage forms:
● Capsule
● Tablet
● Syrup
What Is Hydroxyzine Used For?
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Apart from anxiety, it is also used to treat many ​different types of anxiety
disorders​; it is used most often for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

4. ● Atopic Dermatitis
● Pruritus
● Sedation
● Urticaria
● Nausea/Vomiting
● Allergic Urticaria
● Physical Urticaria
Symptoms of Anxiety:
Source: verywellmind.com

5. Below are some commonly seen symptoms of anxiety:
● Feeling nervous
● Feeling fearful
● Excessive worrying
● Difficulty sleeping
● Difficulty concentrating
● Irritability
How Does Hydroxyzine Work For Anxiety?
Source: goodrx.com
Researchers don’t know the whole process of how hydroxyzine works in our
body, but they do agree on this that it basically changes the effects of 2
chemicals in our bodies: histamine and serotonin.
When hydroxyzine blocks the effects of histamine in our body, then we start
feeling sleepy. A similar thing might happen with you after taking Benadryl or
Nyquil. Whereas Serotonin is a chemical that affects our mood and Hydroxyzine

6. has a unique effect on serotonin, that’s why it’s the only antihistamine used in the
treatment of anxiety.
Dosing of Hydroxyzine
Source: drugs.com
When it comes to the dose of this medication, then it is highly advised to follow
your doctor’s orders or the directions written on the label. The below table
includes only the average doses for adults and children. If your medicine dose is
different, don’t change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The effect of the medicine may be different for each person. It depends on the
number of doses you take each day and the time allowed between doses. Also, it

7. depends on the duration of time for which you’re taking medicine according to
your ​medical problem​.
To help control anxiety and tension:
● Adults—50 to 100 milligrams (mg) 4 times a day.
● Children 6 years of age and older—50 to 100 mg per day, divided in
small doses.
● Children younger than 6 years of age—50 mg per day, divided in small
doses.
To relieve the symptoms of an allergic reaction:
● Adults—50 to 100 milligrams (mg) 4 times a day.
● Children 6 years of age and older—50 to 100 mg per day, divided in
small doses.
● Children younger than 6 years of age—50 mg per day, divided in small
doses.
For controlling anxiety and produce sleep before surgery:
● Adults—50 to 100 milligrams (mg) a day.
● Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by
your doctor. The dose is usually 0.6 milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) of
body weight per day.
NOTE: Always take hydroxyzine as per your doctor’s instructions. The above
doses may differ from person to person.

8. How Long Does it Take for Hydroxyzine to Start
Working?
Source: coretherapyservices.com
Unlike other medicines, Hydroxyzine starts working very quickly. Within 30
minutes, a person can start feeling the effect, and in 2 hours maximum effect can
be seen. Although it is a great thing but also keep in mind that it has some side
effects that can be seen relatively quickly as well.

9. What are the Common Side Effects of Hydroxyzine?
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Now let’s see the shady Side of hydroxyzine. The hydroxyzine side effects are
generally mild that includes:
● Dizziness
● Sedation (more than the other meds used for anxiety)
● Nausea
● Dry mouth

10. The first two side effects are due to the medication affecting histamine levels,
which simply means that they’re unavoidable. So before taking this medicine, you
have to be prepared for these two things.
Whereas in older adults feel side effects such as drowsiness and confusion. It
may also include:
● drowsiness;
● headache;
● dry mouth; or
● skin rash.
Immediately stop using hydroxyzine and call your doctor, if you have:
● fast or pounding heartbeats;
● headache with chest pain;
● severe dizziness, fainting; or
● a seizure (convulsions).
This means you should never drive or operate any heavy machinery after taking
the hydroxyzine. Also, try to avoid anything that makes you dizzy or sleepy such
as alcohol or any other medicine with the same side effects. If you feel any other
side effects, immediately inform your doctor.

11. When Not to Take Hydroxyzine?
Source: namiccns.org
You should never take hydroxyzine if you are allergic to it, or if:
● You have long QT syndrome;
● You are allergic to cetirizine (Zyrtec) or levocetirizine (Xyzal); or
● You are in the first trimester of pregnancy.
When you’re consulting your doctor, tell him if you have:
● blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
● bladder obstruction or other urination problems;
● glaucoma;
● heart disease, slow heartbeats;

12. ● personal or family history of long QT syndrome;
● an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low levels of potassium in
your blood);
● if you have recently had a heart attack.
Also Read: ​Everything You Need To Know About Major Depressive
Disorder
How to Store Hydroxyzine?
Source: bestdrug.org

13. ● Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and
direct light.
● If you’re taking a liquid form of the medicine, do not freeze it.
● Keep all your medications away from children and pets.
● Properly discard outdated medicine. Never pour them in a drain or flush
them unless you’re given instructions to do so. In the state of
confusion, ask your healthcare about how to dispose of your medicines.
The Bottom Line
Source: drugs.com
Hydroxyzine not only reduces activity in the central nervous system, but it also
acts as an antihistamine that reduces the effects of the natural chemical

14. “histamine” in the human body. Sometimes, it is also used to treat allergic skin
reactions such as hives or contact dermatitis.
Symptoms like drowsiness, severe sleepiness, and vomiting can be seen if a
person takes an overdose of this medication. That’s why it is very important to
take this medication as per the directions of your doctor. Contact your doctor if
you’re feeling any of the symptoms, as mentioned earlier.
For more mental health blogs like ​How to Release Anger and Stress, click on the
link and keep coming to ​Healthclubfinder​ for more health guidance.
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