Hydroxyzine Side Effects

Hydroxyzine comes under the category of antihistamines. It has both sedative and anticholinergic properties and therefore, it is used in the treatment of allergic reactions. Hydroxyzine follows a strategy for curing allergic reactions. When histamine attaches to the receptors present on the surface of cells, it stimulates them to release certain chemical messengers that causes sneezing, itching and a rise in mucus production.

Antihistamines resemble histamines in structure. They bind to the histamine receptors on the cell surface and thus prevent the attachment of histamines with the cells. This further prevents the occurrence of allergic reactions in your body. Consumption of hydroxyzine as medicine is generally considered to be safe and does not cause any negative reactions. However, medical professionals do not deny the possibility of certain side effects. This generally occurs in cases of overdose or wrong dosage and also, when the person naturally has allergy against hydroxyzine and any of its constituents.

Common Hydroxyzine Side Effects
Intake of hydroxyzine may give some common side effects that do not need to be taken with caution or alarm as they usually disappear over time or as your body gets used to hydroxyzine dosages. Such common hydroxyzine side effects are dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, hallucinations, vomiting, dry mouth, diarrhea and a noticeable decrease in the rate of breathing. In case such symptoms last for more than 3-4 days, you should seek medical attention.

Serious Side Effects
Although rare, there can be some serious side effects of hydroxyzine. These are tightness or heaviness of chest, itchiness, hives, skin rash, breathing complications and swelling of tongue, lips or face. An even more serious hydroxyzine side effect can be involuntary movement of body parts. These serious side effects of hydroxyzine occur mainly in those people who are naturally allergic to hydroxyzine. In case of their occurrence, immediate medical assistance is required.

Overdose
You should take hydroxyzine in amounts recommended by your doctor. Over dosages generally result in occurrence of symptoms like decreased breathing, abdominal disorders such as diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness and a sudden feeling of weakness and fatigue without a known cause. If you notice such signs in your case, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible to rule out the possibility of any further complications associated with hydroxyzine.

Risk Factors
Hydroxyzine may interact with other medicines and produce some negative effects. Therefore, it is very important for you to inform your doctor about your illnesses and medications if he is giving you a prescription of hydroxyzine. The intake of hydroxyzine is especially not recommended in case of pregnancy and diseases such as epilepsy, asthma, glaucoma, thyroid disorder, enlarged prostate, liver diseases and kidney diseases. In addition to these, you inform your doctor if you are on medications for depression and anxiety or frequently consume alcohol.

When you are under a prescription of hydroxyzine, you need to strictly follow the recommended dosage. In addition to this, be careful of certain things. These include storing it in a dry place, free from moisture and at a temperature of 15-25 degree centigrade. Follow the instructions and advice given by your doctor to avoid all possible side effects of hydroxyzine.