What Is Hydroxyzine Used For?

Hydroxyzine is prescribed for a variety of different purposes. For example, uses of hydroxyzine can include relieving itching caused by allergic reactions, treating nausea and vomiting, and causing sedation. Healthcare providers may also occasionally recommend this drug for off-label uses, such as treating insomnia, opioid withdrawal, and alcohol withdrawal.

An Overview of Hydroxyzine Uses

Hydroxyzine (Atarax^®, Vistaril^®) is a prescription medication used for several different conditions. For example, hydroxyzine is used for:

Relieving itching associated with the following problems:

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

Causing sedation, relieving nausea and vomiting, and allowing a reduced dosage of opioids in the following situations:

Before and after general anesthesia
Before and after childbirth

Treating anxiety, tension, and agitation associated with psychiatric disorders
Relieving anxiety before dental procedures.

It should be noted that there are a few different forms of hydroxyzine (tablets, capsules, syrup, oral suspension, and injections), and not all forms are approved for all uses.

This medicine is particularly useful when combined with opioid pain relievers, such as morphine. Not only does hydroxyzine help the opioid to work better (allowing a lower opioid dosage to be used), but it helps relieve the itching that opioids can cause.

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