Atarax Side Effects

The Atarax package with a label of 25 mg, with the tablet pills in front of the box.

Serious side effects

difficult breath and muscle weakness, with increased anxiety
tremors, confusion, seizures and restless/uncontrollable movement in the face
hallucinations, lack of balance and upset stomach
low blood pressure, with ringing in ears and gastrointestinal problems

Common side effect

dry mouth with upset stomach and drowsiness
dizziness with minor chest congestion and headache
blurred vision, red skin and deep sleep

Warnings & Recalls for Atarax

Atarax should not be used in patients with narrow angle glaucoma, enlarged prostate glands, those with hyperthyroidism, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and those with asthma. Patient's who are allergic to Atarax or any of its ingredients (hydroxazine, acacia, carnauba wax, dibasic calcium phosphate, gelatin, lactose, magnesium stearate, precipitated calcium carbonate, shellac, sucrose, talc, white wax, sodium hydroxide, starch, titanium dioxide, Yellow 6 Lake, starch, velo dark green, velo yellow, alginic acid, Blue 1, polyethylene glycol, Red 3, alcohol, menthol, peppermint oil, sodium benzoate, spearmint oil, sucrose and water). Patients should tell their doctor if they have ever had asthma or any other breathing problems, kidney disease, stomach ulcers, heart or liver disease or epilepsy/seizures. Older adults (65 years of age and older) should weigh the benefits and risks of taking Atarax as it may be severely dangerous to their health. Patients are advised to not operate heavy machinery under the influence of Atarax as it encourages drowsiness. Alcohol may worsen the side effects of Atarax. Long term consumption of Atarax can lead to tardive dyskinesia (uncontrollable movements of the face). Contraindications: Contraindications for Atarax include cold medications, allergies or hay fever, anti-depressants, other anti-histamines, muscle relaxants, Vitamin A, seizure medication, anti-anxiety medication, alcohol, narcotics and anti-hypertensives. Family Planning: The FDA has classified Atarax as a pregnancy category D, meaning that Atarax has a high risk of harming the fetus. Pregnant patients should discontinue the drug and consult with their doctor. It is unknown wether Atarax will pass through to breast milk therefore nursing mothers are advised to stop breastfeeding or stop taking the drug, but are recommended to not do both concurrently.

Atarax Treatment and Use

Atarax | Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms, particularly itching. Atarax has a wide variety of uses, and may also treat conditions such as nausea caused by motion sickness, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, insomnia, and anxiety.

How does Atarax work?

Histamines are released in the body as allergies or a cold is forming, once they bind to cells through their receptors, symptoms such as sneezing, itching, hives, runny nose and mucus creation start. Antihistamines keep histamines from binding to the cells.

Although it acts as a sedative and hypnotic, Atarax doesn’t have the same risks, such as dependence and toxicity, as other drugs in the same classification.

Atarax alleviates nausea symptoms by blocking other receptors in the same way.

Dosage information for Atarax

Atarax is packaged in 10 mg, 25 mg and 50 mg tablets, 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg capsules and syrup.

Atarax is usually taken 2-4 times a day orally with a full glass of water, with the dosage determined by the patient’s doctor based on medical history.

Other Names for Atarax

Atarax is also known as Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride.