What side effects should I be expecting from taking hydroxyzine?

Signs of hydroxyzine allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives (rash on your body), swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat—If you experience any of these symptoms, please call 911 or seek emergency medical care at the nearest emergency room (ER). 

Hydroxyzine can cause severe dizziness and confusion; these adverse effects are likely to be more profound in older patients and those with renal or hepatic impairment (kidney or liver disease).

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following signs:

• Severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or you feel like you may faint
• Headache with chest pain
• Fast or pounding heartbeats
• Seizures

Common side effects of hydroxyzine:

• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Skin rash
• Dry mouth

Hydroxyzine Overdose: Go to the nearest emergency room or call the Poison Control Center helpline at 1-800-222-1222. You can find more information at your local poison control center or www.poisonhelp.org/help.

Symptoms of hydroxyzine overdose: severe dizziness, nausea, vomiting, uncontrolled muscle movements, or seizure. 

Symptomatic and supportive care with frequent vital signs monitoring in hospital settings is indicated. Hypotension (low blood pressure) may be controlled by intravenous fluids, pressors, caffeine. Sodium benzoate injection can be used to counteract any observed CNS depressant effects. 

The above list on this site may not include all the possible side effects of hydroxyzine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist at your local pharmacy if you have persistent side effects or any side effects that are not listed above. You can also report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Source: FDA