Published on 28 June 2023

Hydroxyzine For Anxiety: Is It Really Effective?

Medication blogs Hydroxyzine-For-Anxiety
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Anxiety is now the most common condition worldwide. Almost most people would experience this condition atleast once in their lifetime. Whenever a person experiences anxiety, they tend to feel uneasiness, fear, or dread, which causes them to sweat, faster heartbeat, or restlessness.

People tend to prefer natural remedies to treat anxiety, which is ok, but Natural remedies do not work every time, and the treatment would depend on different individuals. So the other remaining option is consulting a doctor.

A doctor will recommend medicines according to the condition. It would be beneficial if you tend to consult a doctor once you feel the anxiety symptoms. From different medicines, Hydroxyzine medicine is also one of them for the treatment of anxiety. Know more in detail. 

What Is Hydroxyzine?

Generally, if you try to find any medicine for treating anxiety condition, you should have a compulsory prescription. But when it comes to Hydroxyzine, it is nearly related to the drugs that you can get over the counter, like Benedryl and Zyrtec. You should first consult a doctor for the proper dose of any medicine. 

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine drug used for conditions such as anxiety, skin rashes, allergies, itching, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty sleeping. There might be other off-label conditions that can be treated, but the doctor should consult them.

How Does Hydroxyzine Work?

The actual working of Hydroxyzine on anxiety is unknown, but still, the researchers have stated that it works similarly to SSRIs that help to treat anxiety. As Hydroxyzine is also termed a serotonin antagonist, even being antihistamine. 

After the consumption, serotonin is released into your brain. It works by blocking serotonin from getting reabsorbed into the brain's neurons; hydroxyzine acts as a serotonin antagonist to raise serotonin levels. The neurotransmitter serotonin contributes to changing mood. It also impacts your general sense of well-being and your levels of happiness, optimism, and contentment.

Hydroxyzine For Anxiety

Hydroxyzine is approved for treating anxiety, but it should be used for a short duration. You should not consume the medicine for long. The first medicine that should be used to treat anxiety is antidepressants. When these medicines do not show the relevant results, then Hydroxyzine is prescribed. 

Hydroxyzine is a drug mostly used to relieve GAD (Generalized anxiety disorder). It should be used till the time other treatment starts to work or are prescribed. People also suffer from Insomnia, but once the anxiety gets lowered, you will see the changes in your sleep patterns. 

How Long Does Hydroxyzine Take To Work On Anxiety?

Any medication you take takes a stipulated time to work on your body. The working of the medicine on your body will depend on various factors. These aspects could be age, weight, severity, and other things.

Hydroxyzine takes a certain time to work on anxiety. The working of Hydroxyzine on the body starts within 15 to 20 minutes after you consume the dose. It might differ from person to person. If you do not see changes within a certain amount of time, talk to your doctor about the same and get things cleared. 

Possible Side Effects

Any person who consumes a medicine has to deal with the side effects. Some might suffer a common side effect which can be haled through time, and severe effects should be consulted with a doctor. 

Common Side Effects

Severe Side Effects

Rashes

Seizures

Dry mouth

Dizziness

Mild headache  

Chest pain

Difficulty breathing 

Headache 

Drowsiness

Faster heartbeats 

These are not the full list of Hydroxyzine side effects. Do inform your doctor if you suffer from any other side effects besides the given effects above.

Dosage Of Hydroxyzine

Whenever you are about to consume medicine to get out of the condition, get the perfect dose and get a prescription for a better cause. Do not consume more or less than prescribed. If you do so, then there won't be any accurate results.

  • Initial Dose: 25mg- 50mg
  • Continuation Dose: 25mg- 50mg (Only if needed)
  • Maximum Dose: 100mg on a single dose per day 400mg

Things you should keep in mind while consuming the medicine:

  • You take medicine with or without food depending on your body
  • Better take the medicine during bedtime; it will help make you sleepy or drowsy effect.
  • High doses can have a severe effect on your health. 

Inform your doctor about the other medicines you have been consuming. This will help you from getting the right medicine for the condition.

Is Hydroxyzine Safe For Older People?

Many drugs are not meant to be used by older people due to the capacity they hold in working on the medicine. Their body gets weaker and does not hold the capacity as compared to adults. Mostly Hydroxyzine is not meant to be used by people who are older than 65. 

If a person above 65 takes Hydroxyzine medicine, side effects can be seen like constipation, Urinary retention, confusion and dry mouth. Some people might also experience the side effect of severe drowsiness. Elderly people should use any other medicine to treat insomnia or anxiety.

Warnings And Precautions

The core reason for knowing precautions and warnings about the medicine is to keep self-aware and safe. When you are being prescribed Hydroxyzine medicine, you should know the precautionary measure so that you can be safe. Precautionary measures can help you through not falling into any side effects.

  • You should not drink alcohol while on Hydroxyzine medicine
  • You should not drive or use heavy machinery while on this medicine
  • Do not take the medicine if you are pregnant
  • Do not breastfeed the baby if you are on the medicine
  • If you are facing any condition, it should be first informed to your doctor.

These are a few of the precautionary measures. Take the complete guide on precautions and keep yourself safe from any unwanted effects.

Hydroxyzine Drug Interactions

Drug interactions can happen to any person if they are consuming medicines that might not work well in their stomach. This might create an effect wherein you might face severe side effects.

Do not consume the following medicines with Hydroxyzine

These are the following medicine types you should not consume. If you do so, side effects can hit your body. 

Also, Read

Bottom Line From Practical Anxiety Solutions

Hydroxyzine medicine treats anxiety conditions. It can be used in adults or children. It is an approved medicine for the treatment of anxiety. Not only Anxiety, but Hydroxyzine can also treat various issues a person might suffer. You should take medicine after the doctor's recommendation.

Side effects can also affect the person, but to be on the safer side, you should take the precautionary measures that have been given above. Be safe with the consumption of medicines.

Hydroxyzine takes a certain time to work on anxiety. The working of Hydroxyzine on the body starts within 15 to 20 minutes after you consume the dose. It might differ from person to person. If you do not see changes within a certain amount of time, talk to your doctor about the same and get things cleared. 

Frequently asked questions

Before you take Hydroxyzine medicine, inform your doctor about blood pressure issues because after consuming the medicine, your blood pressure will decrease.
Yes, hydroxyzine might affect your kidney if you already face kidney problems.
Once the medicine starts to work in your body, your brain can affect the calming effect.