Guide To Hydroxyzine

Potential Side Effects

Hydroxyzine has a variety of potential side effects. If patients experience an allergic reaction to this medication, they need emergency medical attention. Patients will rarely have a serious skin reaction to this medication. However, if this occurs, they should stop taking it and talk to their doctor immediately. Other potentially serious side effects include seizures, dizziness, fainting, headaches, chest pain, and fast or irregular heartbeats. All of these side effects mean that patients should stop taking this medication and call their doctor.

Common side effects like confusion and drowsiness are more likely in older individuals. Other common side effects are headaches without chest pain, dry mouth, or a mild skin rash. If patients become dehydrated, they may need to drink more water. They might experience itching throughout their body as well. Severe fatigue and vomiting may be signs of an accidental overdose, which requires emergency medical help. Most non-serious side effects go away after a few doses of hydroxyzine. This is when the patient's body has adjusted to the new medication.

Discover the precautions linked to this medication next.

Precautions To Remember

Before taking hydroxyzine, patients need to tell their doctor about any allergies they have, particularly if any of them are connected to antihistamines. It is essential for patients to inform their doctor if they have a history of breathing issues like asthma, high eye pressure, kidney issues, liver issues, stomach issues, high blood pressure, or an overactive thyroid. They should also let their doctor know if they have trouble urinating or have ever had seizures.

Hydroxyzine sometimes causes QT prolongation, which is a condition affecting the rhythm of an individual's heart. QT prolongation patients may, in rare cases, experience fainting spells or rapid heartbeats that require emergency medical attention. Some individuals are at a higher risk of developing QT prolongation than others, including those with heart failure or a family history of heart issues. Combining this medication with cannabis or alcohol can increase its drowsy effects. Finally, patients should not drive until they know how hydroxyzine affects them.

Learn about the potential medication interactions with hydroxyzine next.