{"id":628242,"date":"2024-05-30T09:30:01","date_gmt":"2024-05-30T13:30:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628242"},"modified":"2025-10-22T16:23:52","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T20:23:52","slug":"does-hydroxyzine-cause-weight-gain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/does-hydroxyzine-cause-weight-gain\/","title":{"rendered":"Does hydroxyzine affect your weight?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hydroxyzine is an <\/span>antihistamine<\/span><\/a> that is used to treat allergies, allergic reactions, and <\/span>anxiety disorders<\/span><\/a>. Side effects are a common concern when starting a new medication, especially if it\u2019s one you need every day to avoid allergy symptoms or <\/span>manage your mental health<\/span><\/a>. After all, weight gain is a known possible side effect of <\/span>antihistamines<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>most antidepressants<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re prescribed hydroxyzine, also known by brand names like <\/span>Atarax<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Vistaril<\/span><\/a>, you may be wondering: Will this medication make you gain weight? The short answer is no; it\u2019s <\/span>not a direct side effect<\/span><\/a> of taking hydroxyzine. However, it\u2019s possible this drug can affect your waistline.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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How does hydroxyzine impact your weight?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Hydroxyzine<\/span> works by stopping the effects of histamine in your body\u2014specifically, by blocking the H1 receptor in your central nervous system. This prevents allergy symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and cough. It also reduces anxiety, promoting feelings of calm and relaxation. These two effects\u2014blocking histamine and mild sedation\u2014can impact your appetite and activity level, which could indirectly affect your waistline.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does hydroxyzine cause weight gain?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Antihistamines like hydroxyzine may increase your <\/span>appetite<\/span><\/a>. Additionally, sedation and sleepiness are two of the main <\/span>side effects of hydroxyzine<\/span><\/a>. \u201cEndocrinologically, hydroxyzine could affect weight by influencing neurotransmitter pathways involved in appetite regulation,\u201d says <\/span>Linda Khoshaba<\/span><\/a>, NMD, a naturopathic endocrinologist in Scottsdale, Arizona. Hydroxyzine could alter hormonal signaling related to metabolism or modulate stress hormones like cortisol, which can impact both appetite and metabolic function, says Khoshaba.<\/span><\/p>\n

These combined effects could lead to changes in dietary habits and physical activity levels, indirectly impacting your weight. In other words, if the medication makes you eat more and move less, you may gain a few pounds.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn clinical practice, weight changes in patients taking hydroxyzine have yielded mixed results. Some patients may gain weight as a result of increased appetite or reduced activity levels caused by the medication’s sedative effects,\u201d says Paul Daidone, MD, a healthcare provider based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Medical Director at <\/span>True Self Recovery<\/span><\/a>. However, not all patients taking hydroxyzine experience significant weight gain. There may be individual factors at play, such as mental health, other medical conditions, lifestyle, and concurrent medications\u2014both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription\u2014that are affecting weight rather than the antihistamine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does hydroxyzine cause weight loss?<\/span><\/h3>\n

No, hydroxyzine does not directly cause weight loss. However, its role in managing anxiety disorders could indirectly affect eating patterns, potentially supporting weight management. For example, some people eat more\u2014or eat less healthy food\u2014also known as <\/span>stress eating<\/span><\/a>\u2014when they\u2019re dealing with anxiety. Hydroxyzine may help curb stress-induced unhealthy eating by tempering anxiety. However, hydroxyzine should not be considered a weight-loss medication and should not be prescribed for that purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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Hydroxyzine and weight management<\/span><\/h2>\n

Hydroxyzine’s efficacy for weight management is unknown. Its ability to reduce anxiety may have indirect benefits for weight control, particularly in reducing stress-eating behaviors. \u201cChronic stress and inflammation are associated with changes in appetite, metabolism, and weight regulation. By alleviating these conditions, hydroxyzine may contribute to weight stability or even weight loss in some individuals,\u201d explains Khoshaba. Its antihistamine properties may increase the appetite of those who need to gain weight. However, while hydroxyzine has a potential role in weight management, conclusive clinical evidence is required in order to support its use.<\/span><\/p>\n

In other words, hydroxyzine should not be considered a primary tool for achieving weight gain or loss. If you are taking this prescription drug for allergies or anxiety and notice you are gaining or losing a few pounds, seek medical advice about this side effect from your prescribing healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n

Patients taking hydroxyzine on a routine basis should be monitored for significant weight changes or any signs that hydroxyzine use may be causing behavioral changes that could lead to weight gain or loss. \u201cThis includes regular weigh-ins and discussions about diet, exercise, and overall health,\u201d says Daidone. \u201cPaying attention to patients’ reports of increased appetite or changes in physical activity levels can be early indicators of potential weight impact.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Potential side effects of hydroxyzine for weight loss<\/span><\/h2>\n

The side effects of hydroxyzine may impact weight management efforts. No matter the reason you\u2019re prescribed this medication, <\/span>common side effects of hydroxyzine<\/span><\/a> include:<\/span><\/p>\n