{"id":628961,"date":"2024-07-23T09:30:50","date_gmt":"2024-07-23T13:30:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628961"},"modified":"2025-07-31T11:51:56","modified_gmt":"2025-07-31T15:51:56","slug":"how-long-does-hydroxyzine-last","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-long-does-hydroxyzine-last\/","title":{"rendered":"How long does hydroxyzine last?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hydroxyzine is a first-generation <\/span>antihistamine<\/span><\/a> that can be used to treat a number of different conditions, including anxiety, insomnia, and allergic reactions like hives. This medication comes in tablet, capsule, and syrup form and is sold under the brand names <\/span>Vistaril<\/span><\/a> and Atarax. If you\u2019re prescribed hydroxyzine, you might be wondering how long each dose lasts, how long it takes to kick in, and what side effects to expect. You\u2019ve come to the right place!<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\tHydroxyzine 25 mg (30 Tablet)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\"Walmart\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t$4.95\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t$4.95\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee Hydroxyzine prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n

How long does hydroxyzine last?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A dose of hydroxyzine usually lasts for four to six hours. Hydroxyzine works by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical released by the body\u2019s immune system in response to an allergen. However, it\u2019s often used to treat anxiety and insomnia because it <\/span>suppresses activity in certain parts of the subcortical area of the central nervous system<\/span><\/a>, making you feel relaxed or sleepy.<\/span><\/p>\n

This sedative effect may linger even longer than six hours, according to <\/span>Marlene Peng, MD<\/span><\/a>, an allergist with Swedish Allergy and Immunology in Seattle, Washington. In fact, because hydroxyzine has a long half-life, it can remain in your system and affect your body for up to 24 hours, especially when taken regularly. It lasts longer than over-the-counter first-generation antihistamines like <\/span>Benadryl<\/span><\/a> (diphenhydramine<\/span>). This means that the side effects\u2014like grogginess\u2014may last longer, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

How long does hydroxyzine take to work?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Hydroxyzine usually starts to take effect within 30 minutes, says Dr. Peng. You could feel symptoms of anxiety or insomnia start to improve \u201c<\/span>within hours of the first dose<\/span><\/a>,\u201d according to The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).<\/span><\/p>\n

Most people take hydroxyzine <\/span>three to four times daily<\/span><\/a>, but the dose varies depending on the reason it’s prescribed. For example, an adult might take <\/span>50 mg to 100 mg<\/span><\/a> four times per day for anxiety, while the dosage for allergic symptoms is <\/span>25 mg<\/span><\/a> three to four times per day. For <\/span>insomnia<\/span><\/a>, you might take a one-time dose of 50 mg to 100 mg an hour before bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hydroxyzine side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n

Like most medications, hydroxyzine has potential side effects. The most well-known is drowsiness, which is part of why it\u2019s so effective for insomnia. Hydroxyzine crosses the blood-brain barrier and has a sedating effect, so you might start feeling sleepy and sluggish after a dose. Because of this, \u201cyou don\u2019t want to drive a car or ride a bike on hydroxyzine,\u201d says Dr. Peng.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other common side effects can include:<\/span><\/p>\n