Warnings
What are the risks of taking hydroxyzine?
Hydroxyzine can cause serious health issues that are even higher risk for certain groups. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options if you have any worries or concern. Birth defects:
Risk factors:Personal or family history of long QT syndrome; pre-existing heart disease; electrolyte imbalances; concurrent use of other drugs that can cause irregular heart rhythm.
Increased risk of CNS (central nervous system) depression:
Increased risk of over-sedation and confusion:
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What should I tell my doctor before starting hydroxyzine?
You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant, as hydroxyzine may cause birth defects. It is unknown if hydroxyzine passes into breast milk; discuss with your doctor before breastfeeding while using hydroxyzine.
Let your healthcare professional know if you are allergic to hydroxyzine or if:
- You are allergic to certirizine (Zyrtec) or levocetirizine (Xyzal)
- You have a personal or family history of long QT syndrome
- You recently had a heart attack
To ensure the most safety, inform your doctor if you have any of the following problems:
- Glaucoma
- Stomach or intestinal blockage
- Urinary problems or bladder obstruction
- Heart disease
- Personal or family history of long QT syndrome
- Electrolyte imbalances such as abnormal blood levels of potassium or sodium
What proper medical care should I take while on hydroxyzine?
- Do not drive, operate hazardous machinery, or perform activities requiring mental alertness as hydroxyzine can impair your thinking and reactions.
- Avoid taking other CNS depressants or drinking alcohol while on hydroxyzine.
- If you use hydroxyzine for anxiety, let your doctor knows if your anxiety does not improve or worsen after a few months. There is no data regarding hydroxyzine’s efficacy and safety for the treatment of anxiety for longer than 4 months.
- If you are 65 years or older, your family members or caregivers should be familiarized with the symptoms of oversedation as you are more prone to this adverse effect and confusion.
- If you are getting skin tests for allergies, tell your doctor and laboratory personnel that you are taking hydroxyzine.
- Hydroxyzine is for IM (intramuscular) injection only; do not inject hydroxyzine intravenously. Intravenous formulations are unavailable due to the risk of hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells).
What drugs can interact with hydroxyzine?
- Drugs that make you drowsy or sleepy - taking hydroxyzine with other drugs that make you drowsy or sleepy can worsen this effect. Let your doctor know if you take narcotic pain medications, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, or medicines to treat seizures, anxiety, or depression.
- Drugs that can cause abnormal heart rhythm - antibiotics, antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs, and medicines to treat cancer, HIV/AIDS, malaria.
This is not a complete list. Other drugs, including prescriptions, over-the-counter products, herbal supplements, and vitamins, may interact with hydroxyzine. Not all potential drug interactions are listed in this guide. It is highly recommended to keep a list of all the drug products you are using (prescriptions, over-the-counter products, herbal supplements, natural products, and vitamins) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
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