What Does Hydroxyzine Treat?

Hydroxyzine (Atarax^®, Vistaril^®) is a prescription antihistamine used to treat several conditions, such as:

Itching associated with the following problems:

Allergic conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis
Nonallergic histamine reactions, such as often occur with opioid pain medications

Anxiety, tension, and agitation associated with psychiatric disorders or before dental procedures
General nausea and vomiting.

This medication can also be used to cause sedation, relieve nausea and vomiting, and allow for a reduced dosage of opioids in the following situations:

Before and after general anesthesia
Before and after childbirth.

The following medical conditions can be treated with hydroxyzine in an off-label fashion:

Nausea and vomiting
Insomnia
Alcohol withdrawal
Opioid withdrawal.

(Click What Is Hydroxyzine Used For? for a more in-depth look at how this medicine is used, including possible off-label purposes and whether it is approved for children.)