{"id":630436,"date":"2024-11-14T09:13:23","date_gmt":"2024-11-14T14:13:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630436"},"modified":"2026-01-28T14:00:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T19:00:11","slug":"hydroxyzine-and-melatonin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/hydroxyzine-and-melatonin\/","title":{"rendered":"Can you take hydroxyzine and melatonin together?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hydroxyzine<\/span><\/a>, sold under the brand name Vistaril, is a prescription antihistamine drug that healthcare providers prescribe to treat anxiety disorders, nausea, and itching.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Melatonin is a hormone naturally made in the body. It is not a type of medication but a <\/span>dietary supplement<\/span><\/a> that may help regulate sleep-wake cycles, insomnia, and circadian rhythm sleep disorders.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While some healthcare providers say it\u2019s safe to take them together, others heavily advise against this combination. If your healthcare provider approves taking melatonin and hydroxyzine together, it\u2019s important to understand the side effects, potential drug interactions, and dosing schedule of this combination of medications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you take hydroxyzine and melatonin together?<\/span><\/h2>\n

According to <\/span>Francis Shih, MD<\/span><\/a>, a psychiatrist and medical director of <\/span>Neuro Wellness Spa<\/span><\/a> in Brea, California, it is safe to take the prescription drug hydroxyzine and melatonin together, but you should consult with your healthcare provider before starting treatment. \u201cHydroxyzine and melatonin both cause drowsiness,\u201d he says. \u201cWhen taken together, they may cause excess sleepiness or dizziness, so dosing should be under the supervision of a physician.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Claudia Cometa, PharmD<\/span><\/a>, a pharmacist and the CEO and executive health consultant of Peace Advocacy Group of Clearwater, Florida, believes this combination should be avoided entirely. \u201cWhile many people do take multiple medications to treat a single condition, such as insomnia, this practice is not widely recommended or supported by medical literature,\u201d she says. \u201cThe additive effects of medications that affect the central nervous system, such as hydroxyzine and melatonin, can result in drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

There are also instances where certain people within a certain age group or who are living with certain medical conditions should avoid mixing the antihistamine medication hydroxyzine and the supplement melatonin entirely.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Older adults<\/span><\/h3>\n

While Dr. Cometa advises against the use of the combination of this drug and supplement, she says it\u2019s especially unsafe for older adults. \u201cCombinations like this should be especially avoided in the elderly population due to the high risk of falls as well as patients with glaucoma and urinary retention,\u201d she says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Certain health conditions<\/span><\/h3>\n

It may also be unsafe for people with certain medical conditions to use melatonin and hydroxyzine together.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPeople with lung, liver, and kidney disease should seek consultation from a physician or health care professional before taking hydroxyzine and melatonin together,\u201d Dr. Shih says. \u201cBreathing problems, dizziness, confusion, and falling can occur with at-risk individuals.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Dosage<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re taking this drug and supplement combination, your healthcare provider can guide you on a safe dosing schedule. If hydroxyzine and melatonin can be safely taken together, Dr. Shih says that they should be started at the lowest dosages under the supervision of a healthcare provider. \u201c<\/span>Hydroxyzine<\/span><\/a> starts at 10 milligrams (mg) in tablet form and lower in liquid form,\u201d he says. \u201cMelatonin dosages typically start at 1-2 mg.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ultimately, your healthcare provider can determine whether or not this drug combination is safe for you, so it\u2019s best to consult them for any questions regarding the dosages of hydroxyzine and melatonin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Are there benefits of taking hydroxyzine and melatonin at the same time?<\/span><\/h2>\n

If your healthcare provider deems it safe to take hydroxyzine and melatonin together, this medication and supplement combination could improve your sleep quality. \u201cIf an individual does not respond to either hydroxyzine or melatonin alone at a safe maximum dose, taking them together can be a safe alternative to stronger prescription medication for sleep,\u201d Dr. Shih says. \u201cNeither medication is considered addictive or habit forming.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

However, Dr. Cometa says that someone taking melatonin for sleep troubles may benefit more from taking this dietary supplement with a different antihistamine to avoid unwanted side effects. \u201cI would recommend a second-generation antihistamine, such as cetirizine or loratadine, rather than hydroxyzine,\u201d she says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hydroxyzine and melatonin interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n

With the mixed opinions on the safety and efficacy of mixing hydroxyzine and melatonin, it\u2019s important to discuss their potential risks, including interactions and side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c[Hydroxyzine and melatonin] interactions include all sedating medications, such as <\/span>opioids<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>anti-anxiety medications<\/span><\/a>, and additional <\/span>antihistamines <\/span><\/a>and <\/span>insomnia <\/span><\/a>medications,\u201d says Dr. Cometa. \u201cHydroxyzine should not be used in patients with cardiac conditions or elderly patients. In addition, poor kidney function could affect an individual’s ability to excrete, or get rid of, the medication and prolong its effects.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In regards to melatonin interactions, Dr. Shih says the dietary supplements can interact with alcohol, sedatives, opioids, antihistamines, antihistamines, anticoagulants, contraceptives, and psychiatric medications. \u201cMelatonin should also be avoided during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or if you have epilepsy or liver disease,\u201d he says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to their possible interactions, hydroxyzine and melatonin have their own individual side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Dr. Shih, potential side effects of hydroxyzine include:<\/span><\/p>\n