Atarax
(hydroxyzine)
Relieves anxiety and itching.
Our bottom line
Atarax (hydroxyzine) effectively relieves itching caused by an allergic reaction. It can also help alleviate anxiety, but isn't a first choice medicine and can make you very sleepy.
- Drug class: Dermatologic
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (hydroxyzine)
Upsides
- Atarax (hydroxyzine) helps relieve itching and/or anxiety while helping you to sleep.
- Atarax (hydroxyzine) can be given in the muscles for faster relief at a doctor's office.
- Children younger than 6 years of age can use Atarax (hydroxyzine), but no more than 50 mg total in a day.
- Atarax (hydroxyzine) is available as a liquid or as a pill.
What to expect from Atarax, on one page
Downsides
- Elderly people can have increased side effects.
- Some generic pills contain lactose. If you have allergy to milk products, talk to your pharmacist to see if your pill contains lactose.
- Not recommended if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
What to expect from Atarax, on one page
Atarax (hydroxyzine) is an antihistamine. It treats itching and anxiety by stopping the effects of histamine and serotonin in the body and brain.
- Drug class: Dermatologic
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (hydroxyzine)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Suspension
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Pay as low as$8.50Retail priceRetail priceLearn more
- Get free coupon$11.36
- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$11.36
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$12.36
What to expect when you take Atarax (hydroxyzine) for Itching and anxiety
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Hallucination
- Itching
- Rash
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Atarax (hydroxyzine)
Manufacturers don’t say how common these side effects are when taking Atarax for itching and anxiety
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Tremor
- Allergic reaction
- Headache
- Hallucination
- Itching
- Rash
- Hives
Risks and Warnings for Atarax (hydroxyzine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Taking with alcohol
- › Taking other medicines that make you less alert
Atarax (hydroxyzine) can lower your ability to focus, think, and react. Avoid activities that require you to be alert, such as driving a car or operating machinery, until you know how this medication affects you. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Atarax (hydroxyzine) if you are taking tranquilizers or sedatives.
Common concerns from people taking Atarax (hydroxyzine)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Worth itSome hassleReviewed Ataraxon 2/14/2017Taken for anxiety but I found the 50mg to be heavily sedating. I was down for the count after taking one. They take awhile to take effect so use for chronic and short panic attacks doesn't work great. I found that by the time I felt the sedation my attack was long gone. Would recommend for sleeping problems but not fast acting enough for anxiety.26ManAnxiety
- Can be taken with or without food.
- Atarax (hydroxyzine) often causes extreme drowsiness or dizziness. Don't mix with other medicines that cause drowsiness like other antihistamines, pain or sleep medications, or alcohol.
- Not worth itLow hassleReviewed Ataraxon 3/22/2017It's slow acting, and makes you drowsy a couple hours after taken.18ManA month or soAnxiety
- Worth itBig hassleReviewed AtaraxEases the itching but always makes me feel continually drowsy.46ManTwo years or more
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Ataraxon 7/13/2016Great for sleep issues and anxiety induced panic attacks that are relentless.23ManAnxiety