Does Atarax Really Help with Anxiety

Atarax is prescribed to treat itching symptoms caused by allergies and anxiety. A doctor can prescribe this medicine alone or in combination with other medicines. Atarax is a drug called Hydroxyzine (an antihistamine that works by blocking certain natural substances the body produces during allergic reactions). Atarax can be used as an alternative to treat anxiety or help you feel relaxed or sleepy before or after surgery.

Atarax comes in both brand and generic forms and is considered one of the affordable drugs. Studies have found that in the United States, about 40 million people are affected by anxiety disorders.

Effectiveness of Atarax for Anxiety

Researchers have yet to find if Atarax/Hydroxyzine works to treat anxiety in the human body. Still, healthcare professionals admit that it reacts to 2 chemicals in our body: histamine and serotonin. Atarax blocks the effect of histamine in the body that makes a patient sleepy, and the serotonin chemical affects your mood. This drug can be used for treating different types of anxiety disorders, especially insomnia.

Common Treatment Uses of Atarax

• Anxiety
• Skin
  Condition with inflammation and itching

This prescription drug can be taken with or without food. Take the prescribed dosage for a recommended period to get the best from it. Your doctor may adjust the dose after monitoring if your body shows improvement from the treatment. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but if the next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and do not take a double dose to make up for it. Also, never break or crush the tablet. The dosage of Atarax 25mg varies according to age, medical condition, and response to treatment. The dosage for children is usually based on their weight. Do not change or alter the dose without consulting a doctor.

When not to use Atarax

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to levocetirizine or cetirizine or have any other allergies. Also, state your medical history and current medications or supplements you are taking. Children, older adults, pregnant women, breastfeeding moms, and all these patients should specifically mention their health condition to their doctor.

Side Effects Associated with Atarax

Like any other medication, Atarax has common and rare side effects, including dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, or drowsiness. These common symptoms usually resolve on their own within a few days of starting treatment, but if any persist for longer, call your doctor immediately for a consultation. To combat dry mouth, you can drink lots of water or chew hard candy. The serious side effects of Atarax 25 include mood changes, difficulty urinating, shaking (tremor), unstable or confusion. Many people using this medication have not reported any serious/severe side effects. 

Remember that if your doctor has prescribed Atarax to you, he might have judged the greater benefits than the common side effects. If you experience seizures, fainting, or irregular heartbeat, then get immediate medical help. This is not a complete list of the side effects. It varies from patient to patient; therefore, it is best to consult your doctor/pharmacist in detail before taking this medicine.