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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Hydroxyzine is a sedating antihistamine that can be used short-term to treat anxiety and trouble sleeping, but is not meant for long-term use. Medicines typically used first-line for the treatment of anxiety are the antidepressants like the SSRIs or SNRIs (for example: paroxetine, sertraline, escitalopram).Hydroxyzine can provide relief from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and insomnia until your other treatment starts to work. In many people, sleep will improve once the anxiety lessens and symptoms improve.What are the FDA approved uses for hydroxyzine?Hydroxyzine is a prescription antihistamine classified as an histamine H1 antagonist with sedating properties. It is similar to diphenhydramine (Benadryl), a common over-the-counter antihistamine. It is used:to treat anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder or GAD)to treat chronic itching due to allergies (hives, contact dermatitis)to help with sleep (as a sedative) before surgeryIn some cases, it may also be used as an antiemetic to treat an upset stomach or vomiting, but it is not specifically approved by the FDA for this use.Hydroxyzine comes as two different formulations: hydroxyzine hydrochloride (Atarax) and hydroxyzine pamoate (Vistaril). The brand name product Atarax is no longer marketed but you can get hydroxyzine hydrochloride as a generic medicine.How does hydroxyzine work for anxiety?Researchers are not exactly sure how hydroxyzine works for anxiety, but it does increase serotonin levels in your brain in addition to blocking histamine activity in the body. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a part in keeping your mood balanced, and the antihistamine effect causes drowsiness.Hydroxyzine has activity at the serotonergic (5HT2) receptors in the brain which may contribute to its anti-anxiety effect.Antihistamines which work at the H1 receptor, like hydroxyzine, can cause drowsiness, which may be helpful if you experience insomnia with your anxiety.How quickly does it work?Hydroxyzine starts to work quickly, usually within the first 15 to 30 minutes after you take a dose.Side effects like drowsiness, dry eyes, blurred vision, or a dry mouth, may occur quickly too. Sometimes, people can feel nauseous or have stomach upset when they take this medicine. Take the medicine with food to see if that helps.Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you. Avoid drinking alcohol and taking other medicines that may also make you drowsy.Over time, these side effects usually subside as you get used to the medicine.How much should you take?The usual starting oral dose of hydroxyzine for anxiety in adults is 25 to 50
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