Generic Atarax

Atarax, which is generically prescribed as hydroxyzine, is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, provide relief from intense short term stress, and can be used to treat allergies, especially those which affect the skin.

Atarax is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough medical history should be assessed prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history which includes heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease may not be able to take Atarax or may require careful monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with this medication, depending on the condition and the severity of the condition.

The American Food and Drug Administration has not yet rated this medication in any pregnancy risk category. It has yet to be determined whether or not Atarax will cause harm or birth defects in unborn babies. It has yet to be determined whether or not this medication passes through the mother’s breast milk and affects a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should avoid prescribing this medication to women who are pregnant, nursing, or who have a high likelihood of becoming pregnant.

There is a risk of side effects associated with Atarax, some of which are severe. If a patient is experiencing a serious side effect or an allergic reaction, they should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An allergic reaction will present with symptoms which include facial swelling, such as swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, hives, and difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects which require emergency medical attention include symptoms such as severe vision problems.

Other less serious side effects typically do not require emergency medical treatment but should be reported to the prescribing physician. Patients should be encouraged to report all side effects. Less serious side effects include symptoms such as blurry vision, dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, sleepiness, confusion, nausea, and vomiting. Less serious side effects can often be reduced to a tolerable level by reducing the dosage of Atarax.

Atarax should be taken exactly as it has been prescribed by the physician. If the patient misses a dose, the dose should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid the potential for an overdose. The patient should never take a double dose of this medication. If an overdose is suspected, the patient should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An overdose will present with symptoms which may include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, decreased breathing, seizures, and hallucinations.

There is a risk of negative drug interactions associated with Atarax. A thorough medical history should be understood prior to prescribing this medication. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications, including over the counter medications and herbal remedies. Medications with known drug interactions with Atarax include narcotic painkillers, antihistamines, sedatives, phenothiazines such as Thorazine and Prolixin, and antidepressants.

Alcoholic beverages should not be mixed with Atarax. Doing so may increase the likelihood for serious side effects or severe drowsiness or lethargy. Atarax has been associated with sudden onset dizziness or sleepiness. Patients should be urged to use extreme care when operating machinery or driving a vehicle. Patients over the age of 60 years old are more likely to be adversely affected by Atarax. Atarax is not recommended for children under the age of 12 years old.