Atarax
Atarax (Generic name: Hydroxyzine) is an antihistamine with anticholinergic (drying) and sedative properties that is used to treat allergic reactions. The body releases histamine during several types of allergic reactions and–to a lesser extent–during some viral infections, such as the common cold. When histamine binds to its receptors on cells, it causes the cells to release chemical messengers that lead to sneezing, itching, and increased mucus production. Antihistamines, like histamine, binds to the histamine receptors, but when they bind to the receptors they do not stimulate the cells to release chemical messengers. In addition, they prevent histamine from binding and stimulating the cells. Hydroxyzine itself has no activity. After ingestion, it is converted to its active form. The active form of hydroxyzine is a drug called cetirizine (Zyrtec). Although, both hydroxyzine and cetirizine act as antihistamines, hydroxyzine causes more sedation than cetirizine. The FDA approved hydroxyzine in 1956.
Atarax (Hydroxyzine) adds to (exaggerates) the sedating effects of alcohol and other drugs that can cause sedation such as the benzodiazepine class of anti-anxiety drugs [for example, diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), alprazolam (Xanax)], the narcotic class of pain medications and its derivatives [for example, oxycodone and acetaminophen (Percocet), hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Vicodin), guaifenesin (Dilaudid), Codeine, propoxyphene (Darvon)], the tricyclic class of antidepressants [for example, amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), desipramine (Norpramin)], and certain antihypertensive medications [for example, clonidine (Catapres), propranolol (Inderal)]. Hydroxyzine can also intensify the drying effects of other medications with anticholinergic properties [for example, dicyclomine (Bentyl), bethanechol (Urecholine), Probanthine, amitriptyline (Elavil), chlorpromazine (Thorazine)]. When using these drugs, the dose of hydroxyzine may require reduction, therefore.
Atarax side effects
Atarax (Hydroxyzine) can commonly cause sedation, tiredness, sleepiness, dizziness, disturbed coordination, drying and thickening of oral and other respiratory secretions, and stomach distress. Hydroxyzine may also cause confusion, nervousness, irritability, blurred vision, double vision, tremor, loss or appetite, or nausea. Hydroxyzine should be used with caution (if at all) in persons with narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate gland), hyperthyroidism, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and asthma.
