Hydroxyzine for Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most common conditions people live with today. This condition can affect people of all ages i.e., older folks to children. Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine drug approved by the US-based food and drug administration; it is used for treating itchiness, spells of sleeplessness, nausea, etc. But can you use hydroxyzine for anxiety? It is of use to have more details.

Anxieties are natural reactions to stressful conditions. These show-up when your system is apprehensive or afraid of what is in store. You may feel nervous while attending an interview or addressing a large gathering. Being anxious during such times are normal. However, if you are living with anxieties for many months, and if everyday life stands adversely impacted, it can be medical condition.

Anxieties may show up as panic attacks, phobias, social anxieties, obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), etc. Of these, phobias arise when you are afraid of situations, things or events. If you live in persistent fears of what others are thinking of you, it is a case of social anxiety. OCD indicates nursing of irrational ideas which may force you to perform a few actions repeatedly.

What is hydroxyzine?

This med is an antihistamine. Key chemicals of hydroxyzine moderate the effects of histamines. Your body makes the latter to fight allergens; histamines are responsible for formation of hives, itchiness of skin or sneezing.

Active ingredients are also known to slow-down your nervous system; owing to this, it has an extended use to treat tension as well as anxieties. These properties make it qualify as a sedative. At times, it is administered along with anesthetic drugs.

Studies are done to evaluate the efficacy of hydroxyzine to treat people living with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD); the outcomes are encouraging. But hydroxyzine is only used as a short-term measure to manage anxieties. In other words, this med is unlikely to offer a permanent cure for tension or other bodily responses to stressful conditions.

Hydroxyzine is used for anxieties as it is known to relax brain function. Medical science is yet to fully figure out how hydroxyzine works to treat anxiety; instead, what is known is this med can boost your serotonin levels!

Normal hydroxyzine dose for anxiety

Depending on the type, minimum doses range from 50 to 100 mg – offered thrice each day. In most cases, 50 mg is the minimum dose – and is considered as normal. Normal dosage may vary depending on your age, onset of other conditions – if any. In case of younger patients and teens, dosage level is based on weight.

Hydroxyzine max dose for anxiety

Maximum dosage of hydroxyzine is 100 mg – offered three to four times within 24 hours. As doses are equally divided, there is no greater harm this drug can cause to your system. However, this med is never administered for very old people. For example, people aged above 60 years may report slowdown of activities and other adverse outcomes like dizziness and giddiness.

Such maximum dosage level must not be offered for the long term. In fact, only short-term studies – spanning 2 to 4 months – have been conducted thus far. Your caregiving team may also reassess the dosage levels, frequency of dosing and progress made on a periodic basis.

You can buy pills of hydroxyzine in multiple strengths namely, 10 mg, 25 mg as well as 50 mg. The upper limit of dosing per day must never exceed 400 mg. People who took an overdose may report of confusion, tremors / involuntary shaking of body, acute levels of sedation, longer QT cycles as well as torsades de pointes (TdP) i.e., twisting of points. TdP refers to a condition wherein your heart’s lower chambers – called ventricles – beat out of sync with atria – heart’s upper chambers.

For a better understanding of using hydroxyzine for anxiety, it is a safe thing to talk to a certified caregiver or a pharmacist.

Drug Interactions of Hydroxyzine with Xanax

Hydroxyzine and Xanax are both used to manage anxiety, but they work differently. Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine that calms the nervous system and is often prescribed for short-term relief of panic or anxiety. Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine mainly used for itching and allergies, but it also helps reduce anxiety and restlessness.

While doctors may sometimes prescribe both medications together in low doses, combining them can increase the risk of side effects. These may include extreme drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, and poor coordination. Older adults may be especially sensitive to these effects. Taking these drugs together can also increase the risk of developing a dependence, especially with long-term use. That’s why it’s important to only take them as directed by your doctor and stop when advised. Misuse or overuse of either drug can lead to addiction and other serious health problems.

Disclaimer

Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.