{"id":628917,"date":"2024-07-10T13:31:30","date_gmt":"2024-07-10T17:31:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628917"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:51:23","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:51:23","slug":"is-hydroxyzine-addictive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/is-hydroxyzine-addictive\/","title":{"rendered":"Is hydroxyzine addictive?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hydroxyzine<\/span><\/a>, the generic version of the brand name Vistaril, is a prescription drug and first-generation antihistamine. Hydroxyzine relieves various conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorder and nausea, and the symptoms of allergic skin reactions, such as itchiness and hives. It has also been used to decrease the severity of <\/span>opioid withdrawal<\/span><\/a>. Hydroxyzine can treat acute anxiety symptoms, similar to Xanax, Ativan, and Klonopin, but unlike those benzodiazepines, it is not a controlled substance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hydroxyzine is commonly prescribed for short-term use since it has risks (such as a fast heart rate and skin conditions) and common side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and constipation. While hydroxyzine is not addictive, it can be used for the wrong reasons.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you get addicted to hydroxyzine?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Experts quell a big fear people might have. “Hydroxyzine is not considered addictive or habit-forming,” says <\/span>Dr. Jason Kellogg, MD<\/span><\/a>, a psychiatrist and the medical director at Hotel California By The Sea’s California facilities. “It does not carry the same risk of dependence or abuse as other medications often used for these conditions.”<\/span><\/p>\n

But that’s not the whole story. Patients need to be careful when taking or considering taking <\/span>hydroxyzine<\/span><\/a>. “In high doses, it does have the potential for abuse,” he continues. “While hydroxyzine itself is not addictive, psychological dependence might develop in some individuals if they come to rely on the <\/span>calming effects<\/span><\/a> it provides.”<\/span><\/p>\n

The use and misuse of hydroxyzine can be compared to other allergy medications. “Benadryl, or diphenhydramine, is a good comparison, as it is a similar, first-generation <\/span>antihistamine<\/span><\/a> with central nervous system (CNS) effects that is used for multiple indications besides just as an antihistamine, and can also be misused without being considered truly ‘addictive,’” says <\/span>Dr. Ryan Marino, MD<\/span><\/a>, a medical toxicologist, emergency physician, and addiction medicine specialist, as well as an assistant professor in the departments of emergency medicine and psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Patients may abuse or become psychologically dependent on the medication to help them feel calm and induce sleepiness. Certain factors can contribute, such as underlying anxiety disorders and chronic insomnia, according to Dr. Kellogg. <\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Marino adds that people with mental health conditions aren’t the only ones at risk. “Hydroxyzine dependence can develop in anyone who is taking hydroxyzine for more than short periods of time,” he says. Hydroxyzine can reduce acute anxiety symptoms, but it’s not for long-term use, he says. “Taking it long-term for this purpose could lead to tolerance, dependence, and worsening symptoms when hydroxyzine wears off or is stopped.”<\/span><\/p>\n

In other words, patients shouldn’t take hydroxyzine every day. Dr. Marino says doing so isn’t necessarily “bad,” but not the best or most effective option. “If you find yourself needing it every day or almost every day, then it is worth talking to your healthcare provider about other options,” he adds.<\/span><\/p>\n

As with any medication or health condition, talking to a medical professional is best. Dr. Kellogg encourages this step, especially for patients who take hydroxyzine daily, since long-term use can lead to negative side effects. He lists drowsiness, dry mouth, and potential cognitive effects as a few examples. “A healthcare provider can monitor for adverse effects and ensure that the benefits outweigh any potential risks,” he says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Signs of hydroxyzine abuse<\/span><\/h2>\n

Since misusing this antihistamine medication can cause problems, it’s important to be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms of hydroxyzine abuse. Dr. Kellogg and Dr. Marino share the following examples: <\/span><\/p>\n