Many people who take hydroxyzine wonder how long each dose lasts.
This article will answer that question and provide other information about this medication.
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How Long Does Hydroxyzine Last?
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A medication’s half-life is when it takes about half of the medication to leave the body.
However, the effects of a dose may only last up to about six hours.
The prescribing information also notes that hydroxyzine can suppress inflammation anditchingfor up to four days.
What Are Common Dosages of Hydroxyzine?
Hydroxyzine is available in the following forms:
Common dosages include the following:
Some healthcare providers prescribe hydroxyzineoff-label.
However, research shows the medication may help certain conditions.
What Are the Side Effects of Hydroxyzine?
Hydroxyzine is a first-generation antihistamine.
These “older” antihistamines cross theblood-brain barrier.
This causes side effects (such as drowsiness and impaired coordination) even at normal doses.
These side effects can be troublesome in some people, like older adults or those with certain medical conditions.
Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you have a medical emergency.
Call your healthcare provider if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Who Should Not Take Hydroxyzine?
Hydroxyzine is not appropriate for everyone.
In some people, hydroxyzine may beprescribed with cautiononly if the healthcare provider determines it is safe.
Some examples include the following:
What Are Interactions With Hydroxyzine?
While taking hydroxyzine, do not start any new medications without approval from your healthcare provider.
Drug Interactions
This is not a full list of drug interactions.
Other drug interactions may occur with hydroxyzine.
Consult your healthcare provider for more information about drug interactions and how they may affect you.
Hydroxyzine Alternatives
Sometimes, hydroxyzine is not a first-choice or appropriate drug in some people.
For example, as a first-generation antihistamine, it causes many side effects.
And these newer antihistamines cause fewer side effects in general.
Also, hydroxyzine may cause more side effects and not be appropriate in older adults.
Therefore, for many people, hydroxyzine may not be the best choice of medication.
Another medication may be considered.
Let’s talk more about other options for insomnia and allergies.
What Are the Alternatives for Insomnia?
For example:
What Are the Alternatives for Allergies?
Summary
Hydroxyzine is a medication used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and itching.
A dose of hydroxyzine may start working as quickly as 15 to 60 minutes.
It reaches the maximum effect in about two hours.
Because it causes sedation and many other side effects, hydroxyzine is not always the first choice of drug.
The way it is dosed depends on the person’s age and symptoms.
Hydroxyzine is generally dosed up to four times daily as needed for anxiety.
Your healthcare provider can determine the appropriate dosing.
Hydroxyzine is not a controlled substance.
It does not have a risk for abuse and dependence.
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