Hydroxyzine
Hydroxyzine (brand name Vistaril or Atarax) is a safe, non-habit forming, fast-acting medication that can be used to treat anxiety in children, adolescents and adults.
Researchers don’t know exactly how hydroxyzine works in the human body and mind to treat anxiety, but most healthcare providers agree that it affects 2 chemicals in our bodies: histamine and serotonin.
As an antihistamine, hydroxyzine blocks the effects of histamine in your body, which makes you calm and relaxed (and depending on dosage, sleepy). Serotonin is a chemical that affects your mood. Hydroxyzine’s unique effect on serotonin is likely why it’s the one of the most effective antihistamines used for anxiety.
While hydroxyzine can be used to treat many different types of anxiety disorders, it is used most often for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or panic attacks, especially when it is associated with insomnia. There are some anxiety medications that need to be taken regularly to be effective, and others — like hydroxyzine — that can be taken as needed.
Hydroxyzine starts working very quickly. Most people will start to feel it kick in within 30 minutes and will feel its maximum effect at around 2 hours. The most common side effects for hydroxyzine are drowsiness and dry mouth.
The typical dosing for this medication to treat anxiety symptoms ranges from 10mg to 100mg, one to four times per day.
Please click here for information about side effects and potential medication interactions.
