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What is Hydroxyzine
 Hydroxyzine
depresses activity in the central nervous system (brain and
spinal cord), which causes relaxation and relief from anxiety.
Therefore, Hydroxyzine is used to treat anxiety disorders
and tension in stressful situations--before surgery, for example.
Hydroxyzine
may also increase the effects of other medicines, such as
pain relievers and sedatives, so it is useful after surgery
also.
Hydroxyzine
is also an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally
occurring chemical histamine in your body. This makes Hydroxyzine
useful for treating allergic conditions, especially those
that involve the skin, such as hives, itching, and rashes.
Hydroxyzine
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Hydroxyzine
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Hydroxyzine may cause
dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or
drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously.
Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you
are taking Hydroxyzine.
Who should not take Hydroxyzine
Before taking Hydroxyzine, tell your doctor if you
have any other medical conditions, especially heart, liver,
or kidney disease. You may require a lower dose or special
monitoring during Hydroxyzine therapy if you have any other
medical conditions.
It is not known whether Hydroxyzine
will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Hydroxyzine without
first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is also not known whether Hydroxyzine passes into breast
milk. Do not take Hydroxyzine without first talking to your
doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you are
over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience
side effects from Hydroxyzine. You may require a lower dose
of this medication.
How should take Hydroxyzine Take Hydroxyzine exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass of water.
To ensure that you
get a correct dose, measure the syrup form of Hydroxyzine
with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular
tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device,
ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
Store
Hydroxyzine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed
dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do
not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise
directed by your doctor.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a Hydroxyzine overdose include extreme drowsiness, nausea,
vomiting, seizures, hallucinations, and decreased breathing.
Avoid while taking Hydroxyzine Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Hydroxyzine may cause
dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or
drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously.
Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you
are taking Hydroxyzine.
Possible side effects of Hydroxyzine Stop taking Hydroxyzine and seek emergency medical
attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty
breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips,
tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side
effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Hydroxyzine
and talk to your doctor if you experience
- dizziness,
drowsiness, sleepiness, or confusion;
- blurred vision
or a dry mouth; or
- nausea or vomiting.
Side
effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk
to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual
or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Hydroxyzine Many drugs may increase the effects of Hydroxyzine
and lead to heavy sedation. Before taking this medication,
tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following
drugs:
- other antihistamines, such as brompheniramine
(Dimetane, Bromphen, others), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton,
Teldrin, others), azatadine (Optimine), clemastine (Tavist),
and many others;
- narcotics (pain killers) such
as meperidine (Demerol), morphine (MS Contin, MSIR, others),
propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet), hydrocodone (Lorcet, Vicodin),
oxycodone (Percocet, Percodan), fentanyl (Duragesic), and
codeine (Fiorinal, Fioricet, Tylenol #3, others);
-
sedatives such as phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal), amobarbital
(Amytal), and secobarbital (Seconal);
- phenothiazines
such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin),
mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine
(Compazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), and trifluoperazine
(Stelazine); or
- antidepressants such as amitriptyline
(Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline
(Pamelor), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline
(Zoloft), phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate).
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Hydroxyzine.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines. |
