What is hydroxyzine used for?

Hydroxyzine is used to help control anxiety and tension caused by nervous and emotional conditions. It can also be used to help control anxiety and produce sleep before surgery. This medicine is also used to relieve symptoms of allergic conditions (eg, chronic urticaria and atopic and contact dermatoses).

Is hydroxyzine a Class A drug?

Vistaril belongs to a class of drugs called Antiemetic Agents; Antihistamines, 1st Generation; Antihistamines, Piperazine Derivatives.

What is the classification of Atarax?

Atarax belongs to a class of drugs called Antihistamines, 1st Generation, Antiemetic Agents, Antihistamines, Piperazine Derivatives.

Is hydroxyzine a SSRI?

While hydroxyzine is an antihistamine, it is also a serotonin antagonist. In other words, taking hydroxyzine or Vistaril for anxiety works similarly to taking SSRIs—another type of medication used to treat anxiety—by making more serotonin available in your brain.

What type of antihistamine is hydroxyzine?

What is Vistaril? What is Vistaril? Vistaril (hydroxyzine pamoate) is an antihistamine with anticholinergic (drying) and sedative properties used as a sedative to treat anxiety and tension. Vistaril is also used together with other medications given for anesthesia.

Is hydroxyzine an addictive drug?

Hydroxyzine is not a controlled substance. It does not have the risk of addiction like some other medications used to treat anxiety e.g., lorazepam (Ativan®), alprazolam (Xanax®), clonazepam (Klonopin®), and other benzodiazepines.

Is hydroxyzine similar to Xanax?

Hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril) and alprazolam (Xanax) are two commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications. Both medications kick in quickly and share some common side effects, such as drowsiness and dry mouth. Alprazolam — especially high doses — can be habit-forming, but hydroxyzine does not have this risk.

Is hydroxyzine the same as Xanax?

Vistaril (hydroxyzine pamoate) and Xanax (alprazolam) are used to treat anxiety. These drugs are in different classes. Vistaril is an antihistamine with anticholinergic (drying) and sedative properties. Xanax is a benzodiazepine.

How does hydroxyzine compare Benadryl?

Hydroxyzine typically helps with skin-related symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as itching or hives. Benadryl, on the other hand, usually helps with red/watery eyes, sneezing, and runny noses.

What drugs should not be taken with hydroxyzine?

Certain medications (e.g., sotalol, quinidine, thioridazine, chlorpromazine, droperidol, pimozide, moxifloxacin, mefloquine, pentamidine, arsenic trioxide, probucol, tacrolimus) can increase the risk of a type of abnormal heart rhythm called QT prolongation and should not be used in combination with hydroxyzine.

Which is better for anxiety Xanax or hydroxyzine?

The two drugs were comparable in regards to effects in somnolence and memory, but the effects of hydroxyzine lead to a more pronounced decrease in blood pressure. While they are both effective pre-procedural drugs, Xanax may be preferred due to its more pronounced effect on anxiety and adverse event profile.

Is hydroxyzine a sedative?

Hydroxyzine is also used along with other medications in adults and children as a sedative before and after general anesthesia for surgery. Hydroxyzine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.

What’s the side effects of hydroxyzine?

Hydroxyzine may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.

How long does it take for hydroxyzine to kick in?

How long does it take for hydroxyzine to start working? Hydroxyzine starts working very quickly. Most people will start to feel it kick in within 30 minutes and will feel its maximum effect at around 2 hours.

How often can you take hydroxyzine for anxiety?

For 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 given in divided doses. Children younger than 6 years of age—50 mg per day given in divided doses.