Atarax (Hydroxyzine)

atarax

Atarax is an anti-histamine compound used to relieve the symptoms of allergic skin reactions. Other conditions treated with Atarax include vomiting and nausea, tension and anxiety associated with emotional trauma, insomnia, and for the relief of post-operative pain.

Uses

Atarax, or hydroxyzine, is a medication with various uses to treat the following conditions:

  • Anxiety: Atarax can help manage anxiety and tension. It is often used as a short-term treatment for anxiety disorders or to ease anxiety before medical procedures.
  • Itching and Allergic Reactions: Medicine is effective in reducing itching caused by allergic reactions, such as hives or contact dermatitis.
  • Sedation: Due to its calming effects, remedy is sometimes used as a sedative to promote relaxation and induce sleep.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: In certain cases, Atarax may be prescribed to alleviate nausea and vomiting.
  • Alcohol Withdrawal: drug can assist in managing symptoms during alcohol withdrawal.

How should I take this medicine?

Atarax capsules or tablets are to be taken orally. Ensure that the instructions on the package insert are carefully followed. If this medication causes stomach irritations, take further doses with a glass of milk or some food. Doses should be taken as scheduled. Do not increase the dosage.

Atarax Pills

Dosage

The dosage of Atarax (hydroxyzine) can vary depending on the condition being treated, the severity of symptoms, and individual patient factors such as age, weight, and medical history. It is crucial to follow your doctor's prescribed dosage and not to adjust the dose without their guidance.

Below are some general dosage guidelines for Atarax:

Anxiety:

  • Adults: Typically, the starting dose is 50-100 mg divided into multiple doses throughout the day.
  • Children (ages 6 to 12): The starting dose is usually 50 mg per day divided into multiple doses.
  • Children (ages 2 to 6): The starting dose is usually 50 mg per day divided into multiple doses.

Itching and Allergic Reactions:

  • Adults and Children (over 12 years): The typical starting dose is 25 mg to 100 mg per day, divided into multiple doses as needed.

Sedation:

  • Adults: The typical dose for sedation is 50-100 mg taken at bedtime.
  • Children: The dose for sedation in children may vary based on age and weight. It is best to consult a pediatrician for appropriate dosing.

Nausea and Vomiting:

  • The typical dose for nausea and vomiting is 25 mg to 100 mg per day, divided into multiple doses as needed.

Alcohol Withdrawal:

  • The typical dose for managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms is 50-100 mg taken four times a day.

Overdose

An overdose of Atarax (hydroxyzine) can be dangerous and may require immediate medical attention. Taking more than the prescribed dose or using the medication inappropriately can lead to severe side effects and complications. If you suspect an overdose or someone else is showing signs of an overdose, seek emergency medical help right away.

Symptoms of an medicine overdose may include:

  • Severe drowsiness or sedation
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Hallucinations
  • Uncontrolled shaking or tremors
  • Blurred vision
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Loss of consciousness or fainting
  • Seizures

Overdosing on Atarax can be especially dangerous when combined with alcohol or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, as it may intensify the sedative effects and lead to respiratory depression.

If you or someone else has taken more Atarax than prescribed or exhibits signs of an overdose, call emergency services immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. Be sure to provide as much information as possible about the amount of medication ingested and any other substances taken.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, it may be taken when you remember. However, do not take the missed dose near the time of the next scheduled dose. In this case, ignore the missed dose. Never double-up on a dose.

Precautions

When taking Atarax, it is essential to be aware of certain precautions to ensure safe and effective use. Here are some important precautions to consider:

  • Driving and Operating Machinery: Atarax may cause drowsiness and impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid activities that require mental alertness until you know how the medication affects you.
  • Alcohol and Other CNS Depressants: Avoid consuming alcohol or using other central nervous system (CNS) depressants while taking Atarax, as this combination can increase drowsiness and may be dangerous.
  • Interactions with Other Medications: Atarax may interact with certain drugs and lead to adverse effects.
  • Elderly: Older adults may be more sensitive to the sedative effects of Atarax. Caution and dosage adjustments may be necessary.
  • Children: Medicine should be used with caution in children, especially younger ones, as they may be more susceptible to side effects.
  • Overdose: Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect an overdose of Atarax. Symptoms of overdose may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or difficulty breathing.
  • Discontinuation: Do not stop taking Atarax suddenly, as this may lead to withdrawal symptoms or a return of the condition being treated.

Side Effects

Like all medications, Atarax can cause side effects in some individuals. Not everyone will experience these side effects, and their severity can vary. Some common side effects include:

  • Drowsiness or sedation
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Headache
  • Blurred vision
  • Constipation
  • Upset stomach or nausea
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Confusion (especially in elderly individuals)
  • Skin rash or itching

These side effects are generally mild and may improve as your body adjusts to the medication.

In rare cases, Atarax may cause more serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These can include:

  • Allergic reactions (e.g., hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)
  • Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
  • Uncontrolled shaking or tremors
  • Severe dizziness or fainting
  • Hallucinations or mental/mood changes
  • Seizures
  • Difficulty passing urine
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

If you experience any of these severe side effects, seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services.

Storage

An overdose of Atarax can be dangerous and may require immediate medical attention. Taking more than the prescribed dose or using the medication inappropriately can lead to severe side effects and complications. If you suspect an overdose or someone else is showing signs of an overdose, seek emergency medical help right away.

Symptoms of an Atarax overdose may include:

  1. Severe drowsiness or sedation
  2. Confusion or disorientation
  3. Hallucinations
  4. Uncontrolled shaking or tremors
  5. Blurred vision
  6. Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  7. Difficulty breathing
  8. Loss of consciousness or fainting
  9. Seizures

Overdosing on Atarax can be especially dangerous when combined with alcohol or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, as it may intensify the sedative effects and lead to respiratory depression.

If you or someone else has taken more remedy than prescribed or exhibits signs of an overdose, call emergency services immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. Be sure to provide as much information as possible about the amount of medication ingested and any other substances taken.