What is Hydroxyzine?
Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed if you don’t know what hydroxyzine is. Hydroxyzine is not a commonly understood drug. But the only way to prevent a hydroxyzine overdose is to understand exactly what Hydroxyzine is. And, more importantly, how it can be abused.
Hydroxyzine is a prescription drug, better known by its other names: Atarax and Visaril. Under any name, medical providers prescribe hydroxyzine as an antihistamine. Antihistamines, like Benadryl, are a class of medications that are commonly used to relieve or prevent the symptoms of allergies and allergic reactions. They work by blocking the effects of histamine, a natural substance in the body that plays a key role in the body’s allergic response. When the body encounters an allergen such as pollen, pet dander, or certain foods, it releases histamines. Antihistamines counteract the effects of histamine by binding to histamine receptors in the body, which prevents or reduces the allergic symptoms.
What conditions is Hydroxyzine used to treat?
Hydroxyzine is most commonly used to treat or alleviate four separate conditions. These are:
Allergic reactions: Hydroxyzine can be prescribed to relieve itching and other symptoms associated with allergic reactions. Such as hives, itching, and rashes. Because of its other side-effects, Hydroxyzine is rarely the first drug prescribed. But, it can be extremely effective.
Anxiety: Hydroxyzine is sometimes used as a short-term treatment for anxiety symptoms. It has a sedative effect and can help with relaxation.
Sedation before surgery or medical procedures: Hydroxyzine may be used to induce sedation or reduce anxiety in patients before surgical procedures or certain medical tests.
Nausea and Vomiting: In some cases, hydroxyzine can be used to help control nausea and vomiting. Particularly in combination with other medications.
Why is Hydroxyzine a controlled substance?
Antihistamine medications like Benadryl are available OTC. But Hydroxyzine is a controlled substance. And it cannot be acquired without a prescription from a licensed medical professional. This is because of the significant risk of a Hydroxyzine overdose and of Hydroxyzine abuse. The FDA takes it very seriously
Because Hydroxyzine counteracts the symptoms of anxiety within the body, it can be abused for its anti-anxiety properties. The same is true for its properties as a sleep aid. It’s important to always note that no drug should be taken in any way except for how they are prescribed by a physician. Especially when combined with other medications or intoxicants like alcohol, Hydroxyzine can be extremely dangerous and leave the imbiber in danger of a Hydroxyzine overdose.
What is a Hydroxyzine Overdose
Before we discuss a Hydroxyzine overdose, let’s acknowledge what an overdose is. Simply put, an overdose occurs when a person consumes a larger amount of a substance (such as drugs, alcohol or a combination of the both) than the body can safely handle. In this sense, the difference between a drug and a
This can lead to harmful or potentially life-threatening effects, depending on the substance involved, its dose, and the individual’s tolerance and overall health. Overdoses can happen with various types of substances, including medications, recreational drugs, alcohol, and toxic chemicals. In this sense, the quantity of the drugs consumed is the difference between healing medication, and an overdose by poisoning.
A Hydroxyzine overdose can have a variety of symptoms. While rarely fatal, Hydroxyzine overdoses can have lethal complications. Either way, Hydroxyzine overdoses are extremely serious. These include tachycardia, altered mental state, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure and others. With the seriousness of these symptoms (and the probability of other symptoms when combined with other drugs.
How do you prevent a Hydroxyzine Overdose? By getting help now!
Hydroxyzine can be a habit forming prescription drug. And the best way to avoid Hydroxyzine overdoses is to treat Hydroxyzine abuse. And the best way to treat Hydroxyzine abuse is to get help in a drug rehab clinic. If you or a loved one is struggling with Hydroxyzine abuse, it’s time to reach out now and get the help that you need. At a treatment facility, you or your loved one can get the compassionate, patient health care that you need. And, more importantly, the care that you deserve.
If you need to make a change, we want to help you. It might be hard to believe that a different life is within your reach – one without drugs and alcohol. At Transformations Care, we’ve helped enough people get clean and sober to know that this decision can give you the life that you deserve. Everyone deserves this chance and, at Transformation Care, we’re here to make it happen.
If you’ve been thinking about getting clean and sober, or if you want to work on and strengthen the recovery you already have, it’s never been easier to do it through telehealth. Give us a call at (424) 339-0965, or head over to our contact us page on our website and fill out our 100% confidential information form and a compassionate member of our team will reach out to you.