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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
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Anxiety, tension, and agitation associated with psychiatric disorders or before dental procedures
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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.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD