Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine and anti-anxiety medication. Apart from being an effective treatment for allergy-induced itching, it is also a temporary solution to anxiety-like issues that arise from alcohol withdrawal. However, it is a short-term treatment for either of the conditions. Adverse side effects of hydroxyzine for alcohol withdrawal include:
- Tremors
- Allergic reaction
- Heart issues
- Hallucinations
Hydroxyzine is not the first line of treatment for alcohol withdrawal. There are other more effective options available. Contact 844.445.2565 or fill out this form to undergo a safe, rapid alcohol detox for withdrawal at our drug and alcohol rehab in New Jersey.
Table of Contents
Major Side Effects of Hydroxyzine for Alcohol Withdrawal
Hydroxyzine is a prescription medication. So, if your physician has prescribed it, they likely must have weighed the medication’s side effects and advantages. However, you should still be mindful of the side effects that you should not ignore.
1. Tremors
Though rare, hydroxyzine may cause tremors in the body. This is usually coupled with confusion and restlessness. Those in alcohol withdrawal are already in a sensitive state with the risk of delirium tremens and other issues. A medication with these side effects can worsen the condition, which is one of the reasons why hydroxyzine is not used as a primary drug.
2. Allergic Reaction
The body must often adjust to hydroxyzine, and side effects may occur during this period. However, if you see a rash on your body, itching, or swelling in the throat, these can be signs of an allergic reaction.
Though a severe allergic reaction to this medication is difficult, it still runs the risk. Therefore, it is important to get help right away. Some other symptoms of an allergic reaction to hydroxyzine involve:
- Face, lips, or tongue swelling
- Body itching
- Hives
3. Heart Issues
Some individuals may experience heart-related problems, with common issues reported such as:
- Heart arrhythmia
- Difficulty in breathing
- Lightheadedness
- Feeling like you are about to faint
- Dizziness
- Feeling chest pangs
You should not ignore these symptoms if you are taking hydroxyzine for alcohol withdrawal.
4. Hallucinations
One issue is that both alcohol withdrawal and hydroxyzine can cause hallucinations. It means that since alcohol and hydroxyzine share common side effects, the possibility of hallucinations cannot be ruled out. If you are seeing or hearing things that are not there, contact your doctor immediately. While it is rare, one should be mindful of its side effects.
Who Should Not Use Hydroxyzine For Alcohol Withdrawal?
Giving proper medical history to your physician is very important. If you have been prescribed hydroxyzine, be mindful that it is not safe for the following people:
- Pregnant women
- People with an allergic reaction to it
- Individuals with cardiovascular issues
- Those with long QT syndrome
While it is unlikely for your physician to prescribe hydroxyzine for alcohol withdrawal, knowing who is more prone to adverse effects is important.
Did you know that unsupervised alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) can lead to death? Call 844.445.2565 for appropriate medical advice and treatment.
Timeline of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Treating Alcohol Withdrawal With Hydroxyzine
Hydroxyzine works by blocking histamine activity in the brain and increasing serotonin levels, thereby causing drowsiness. The anti-anxiety and sedative properties of hydroxyzine may be beneficial for people who experience anxiety-like symptoms during alcohol withdrawal. However, your physician is unlikely to recommend it with other available options.
Usually, alcohol withdrawal is treated with the help of benzodiazepines, mainly chlordiazepoxide (Librium®). However, their use is temporary. Once alcohol is flushed out of your system, other interventions may be necessary. Below is a temporary comparison of the different medications used to treat alcohol withdrawal.
Medication |
Use |
Timeline |
|
Hydroxyzine (Vistaril®) |
Sedation, lowering aggression, agitation | It is not the first or second line of treatment because it does not cater to all AWS symptoms. It may be used temporarily in rare cases. |
|
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium®®) |
Effective for acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome, especially delirium tremens and hallucinations. | Used in the initial stages of alcohol withdrawal. It may be prescribed for a few days to a week. |
|
Lorazepam (Atvian®) |
Best for elder patients and those with a compromised liver state. Treats alcohol withdrawal syndrome. | Used shortly for AWS. It has a short half-life, so it is a safe treatment. |
Long-Term Solution for AUD
With all being said, both hydroxyzine and benzodiazepines are only recommended for short-term use. So, after you have completed alcohol detox, how can you sustain recovery and avoid withdrawal and cravings?
| Medication | Form of administration | Uses | Does it Ease Withdrawal and cravings |
| Naltrexone | Comes as a long-acting injection or oral pills | Makes alcohol a less pleasurable activity, supports abstinence, and prevents relapse Note: Please read first what to avoid when taking naltrexone. |
Yes, naltrexone eases withdrawal |
| Disulfiram | Oral tablets | Used as a deterrent to alcohol by enhancing sensitivity and side effects of alcohol | No, disulfiram is only used to discourage drinking. It is also not an anti-craving medication |
| Acamprosate | Oral tablets | Used to recover the brain from damages occurring from large amounts of alcohol use | No, but acamprosate actively reduces alcohol cravings. |
Please note that this assessment is an initial self-screening and is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.
Can You Take Hydroxyzine for Hangover? Knowing Drug interactions
Hangovers often present with anxiety for some people, especially those with anxiety disorders. However, taking hydroxyzine or benzodiazepines for hangovers is not recommended. Taking it for a hangover is almost synonymous with mixing it with alcohol because alcohol stays in the system. Effects of mixing hydroxyzine with alcohol include:
- Worsening of side effects
- Enhanced sedation
- Drowsiness
- Seizures
- Coordination problems
- Dizziness
Consult a specialist before you combine any medication with alcohol. Below is the list of drugs that should not be taken with alcohol (interactions are not just limited to this list).
- Gabapentin and Alcohol Mixture
- Risks of Mixing Lorazepam and Alcohol
- Dangerous Adderall and Alcohol combo
- Klonopin and Alcohol Mix
- Hydrocodone and Alcohol Effects
- Tramadol and Alcohol
- Diflucan and Alcohol
- Xanax and Alcohol Abuse
- Mixing Benzodiazepines and Alcohol Risks
- Melatonin and Alcohol Abuse
Note: You MUST consult your doctor before taking alcohol with any medication. If you have a drinking problem, call 844.445.2565 or schedule a callback.
Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment at New Jersey Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center
You can get all the services at ChoicePoint, including detox, therapy, and medication management. We are an NJ-based treatment center offering all sorts of levels of care for people with SUDs.
- Inpatient care (for severe AWS and AUD)
- Outpatient care (for mild to moderate AWS and AUD)
- Partial care
- Alcohol Counseling
For an online prescription for alcohol use disorder medications in NJ. Call 844.445.2565 to get new prescriptions and refills for the following medications:
- Naltrexone
- Acamprosate Refill
- Disulfiram
- Benzodiazepines (if the doctor deems it necessary)
We offer Medicaid and Medicare-covered alcohol rehab in NJ and accept most public and private insurance. You do not need fancy insurance to get treated. Verify your insurance today and get started with ChoicePoint.
We Accept Most Insurance Programs
Question/Answer Section
Other related queries will be answered in the next section.
Can I Take Hydroxyzine 5 Hours After Drinking?
You should wait at least 2 to 3 days after taking hydroxyzine before you consume any amount of alcohol. Drugs have a time before they are metabolized out of the system. Therefore, do not take alcohol unless the effects of hydroxyzine have subsided.
Do Hydroxyzine Side Effects Go Away After Use?
When the body adjusts to hydroxyzine, the side effects may surface initially. However, these are mild and usually go away after a few days. Consult your medical adviser if the side effects do not go away after a few doses, as some people can be allergic to this.
What Would Happen if I Took 50mg of Hydroxyzine?
You should not medicate hydroxyzine on your own. It may cause an allergic reaction and is not safe for people with heart diseases. This is why it is a prescription medication, and self-medication is not advised.
How Long Does Hydroxyzine Take To Wear Off?
Hydroxyzine takes about 5 days to leave your system completely. The medication’s effects last 5 to 6 hours after a dose.
Can You Get High off Hydroxyzine?
It is unlikely to get high on hydroxyzine. Since it does not belong to the class of benzo or other habit-forming substances, it does not have addiction potential. While it is not supposed to give withdrawals, some people end up experiencing them after abruptly stopping hydroxyzine. Ask your healthcare provider or an addiction specialist if you experience this.
Can You Take Hydroxyzine for Anxiety After Drinking?
No. Mixing alcohol and hydroxyzine can exacerbate the side effects of both drugs. The two medications should not be taken together.
How to Deal with Anxiety After Alcohol Withdrawal?
Many medications, including Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), and other benzodiazepines, are prescribed to treat alcohol withdrawal. Once withdrawal becomes better, different treatments for AUD can be implemented, like naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram.
Sources
- Bird, R. D., & Makela, E. H. (1994). Alcohol Withdrawal: What is the Benzodiazepine of Choice? Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 28(1), 67–71. https://doi.org/10.1177/106002809402800114
- Schlit, A.-F., Delaunois, A., Colomar, A., Claudio, B., Cariolato, L., Boev, R., Valentin, J.-P., Peters, C., Sloan, V. S., & Bentz, J. W. G. (2017). Risk of QT prolongation and torsade de pointes associated with exposure to hydroxyzine: re-evaluation of an established drug. Pharmacology Research & Perspectives, 5(3), e00309. https://doi.org/10.1002/prp2.309
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.
Get the Support You Need Right Away!
Get the Support You Need Right Away!
