Do you know someone that has an anxiety disorder? Do you have an anxiety disorder? Anxiety disorders are a common mental illness here in the US, and it affects millions of adults that are 18 and older. Regardless of the numbers, if you’re out and about looking for medication for the illness, you might find a ton of options, leaving you quite overwhelmed.
Today, we want to talk about hydroxyzine to help you thoroughly understand what you need to know about it:
Hydroxyzine for Anxiety
Hydroxyzine is a first-generation antihistamine. It works on our central nervous system, as well as on our gastrointestinal tract. Hydroxyzine is not an allergy medication (though as an antihistamine, it can be used to treat allergies). In other words, the medication relieves anxiety symptoms because of its effect on our central nervous system.
The FDA classifies hydroxyzine as “safe and effective.” This means that as long as you are taking the medication as directed and for the right reason, it is a safe and effective choice for your health needs. Hydroxyzine should not be used for conditions that do not require medication.
Hydroxyzine is beneficial for a variety of bodily issues. It is used to calm the body, and it’s a sedative that slows down the rate at which our organs and systems work. By slowing down how quickly we process information, hydroxyzine helps us relax, and therefore it’s often used for anxiety disorders, as it helps people feel less anxious. It’s also been used to treat restless leg syndrome, which is a condition that makes you feel uncomfortable when you’re sleeping at night.
What is Hydroxyzine, What is it Used For?
Hydroxyzine is a medication used to treat a variety of mental illnesses, including anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and Parkinson’s disease. It is also used for the treatment of allergies and itching, as well as for the treatment of motion sickness and nausea. Hydroxyzine is taken by mouth, by injection, in pill form, or as a suppository. Some of the names you might hear for hydroxyzine include Atarax, Vistaril, Vistaril, Vetason, and Sistaril.
Another way that hydroxyzine has been used is for the treatment of various allergy-related conditions. It not only helps to reduce inflammation, but it also helps to reduce itching. For this reason, it can be used for the treatment of eczema, hives, and other skin irritations, but it can actually help with aching joints, muscle pain, and other conditions as well.
Hydroxyzine is also used for the treatment of nausea and vomiting, which can be induced by chemotherapy, migraines, and other conditions. Depending on the type of nausea or vomiting you’re experiencing, your doctor or pharmacist can help you decide on the dosage of hydroxyzine that you need.
Hydroxyzine Dosage
Hydroxyzine must be taken as directed by your doctor. It is essential to take this medication at the same time each day to maintain its effectiveness. For chronic conditions, the medication is taken for long periods. For acute conditions, the medication is usually taken for short periods of time. If you are taking a suppository, you should know that you should not use it for more than seven days unless your doctor has specifically told you to do so.
The dosage of hydroxyzine is based on the severity of your disorder. The dose may also vary based on your age and the type of medication you are taking. Keep in mind that the medication comes in a variety of forms, such as tablets or liquid. You will need to know the dosage of your specific medication so you can take it correctly.
What Are the Side Effects?
It is common to have side effects, especially if you take it for a long period of time. Some of these side effects include drowsiness, blurred vision, constipation, or nausea. You also might experience drowsiness, headache, dizziness, or weakness. Rare side effects that you might experience include rashes. Regardless, you should notify your doctor if any of these side effects worsen.
You should not take this medication if you are pregnant, have certain medical conditions, if you are breastfeeding, or if you are currently taking similar medications.
What Should You Do If You Miss a Dose?
You can take hydroxyzine as needed at the same time each day. If you miss a dose, you must only take it when you remember about it. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not try and make up for the missed dose by taking a double dose. This can lead to more harm than good.
Are There Any Interactions to Avoid?
Hydroxyzine may interact with other medications. For example, you should avoid taking hydroxyzine with diphenhydramine. You should also avoid taking hydroxyzine with MAOIs or SSRIs. In addition, you should not drink alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol can nullify the drug’s effectiveness, and it can also make symptoms worse.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
It may start working as early as 30 minutes after you take the medication. However, the numbers can differ quite drastically from one person to the next. For instance, one person may have the medication kick in after just a few hours, while some people may only feel the full effect the next day.
Addiction and Overdose
Hydroxyzine is not a controlled substance so it does have a low risk of dependence and addiction. However, increasing dosage to achieve relaxation can lead to misuse and abuse. In addition, if you suddenly stop taking hydroxyzine after using it for a while, you might get withdrawal symptoms, which means that you are not able to give up the medication without suffering the consequences.
Overdosing on hydroxyzine is possible. It’s also possible to overdose on any medication, but you need to know what you’re doing before you attempt to overdose just for fun. Some signs of a hydroxyzine overdose can include vision problems, seizures, slow breathing, and confusion.
Conclusion
This is a medication that is used to treat several different conditions. It can be used to treat asthma and allergies, as well as restless leg syndrome, nausea, and vomiting. It can be used to relieve anxiety, and it can even be used to relieve pain. While the medication is typically considered safe, it is always a good idea to speak to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. That said, if you do know a friend that has developed a reliance on the drug or you yourself have developed a dependence on it, you can consider seeking help for it. Withdrawing from hydroxyzine isn’t easy, and it takes an expert to help you slowly stop using hydroxyzine when you no longer need it. This ensures that you withdraw safely and effectively, lowering the risk of going back into the drug and hurting your efforts.
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