Prolonged use of hydroxyzine can lead to hydroxyzine withdrawal symptoms when the dosage is reduced or stopped. As a commonly prescribed medication for anxiety and allergies, It’s important to be aware of the challenges that can arise when stopping hydroxyzine and managing withdrawal symptoms. In ScienceDirect studies, hydroxyzine showed higher withdrawal symptoms who took hydroxyzine late in pregnancy.
It’s difficult to deal with withdrawal symptoms. Michael Alago shares his real-life story of recovering from addiction and fighting drug withdrawal. Growing up in Brooklyn, music was integral to his early life and ignited his passion for the industry. As an A&R executive, Michael made notable discoveries like Metallica and collaborated with stars such as Cindy Lauper. Despite his successful career, he faced challenges with addiction. He openly discusses dealing with withdrawal symptoms and the impact on his mental health during this period.
This article will discuss hydroxyzine withdrawal symptoms, how long they last, and effective ways to manage them. Knowing what to expect during withdrawal can help you achieve lasting success.
Hydroxyzine is a commonly prescribed antihistamine medication used to treat anxiety, allergies, nausea, vomiting, and other conditions It goes by the brand names Atarax and Vistaril Some people taking hydroxyzine long-term may wonder, “Can I stop taking hydroxyzine cold turkey?”
While it may seem like abruptly stopping any medication could work, quitting hydroxyzine cold turkey can actually be risky and lead to serious side effects In this article, we’ll explore hydroxyzine itself, the potential risks of stopping it abruptly, and safer ways to discontinue use under medical supervision.
What is Hydroxyzine and How Does it Work?
Hydroxyzine is classified as an antihistamine. It was initially used to treat allergies by blocking the effects of histamine in the body. Histamine is a chemical released by the immune system during an allergic reaction. Blocking histamine relieves allergy symptoms like itching, sneezing, and rashes.
In addition to allergies, doctors may prescribe hydroxyzine to treat:
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Itching from other conditions
It can also help manage nervousness before surgery and enhance pain relief when combined with certain narcotic pain medications.
Hydroxyzine works by affecting chemicals in the brain and body that are involved in allergic reactions and anxiety symptoms. It blocks the effects of histamine and also interacts with acetylcholine and serotonin.
This blocking action on histamine helps reduce allergy symptoms. The effects on other chemicals result in sedation, relief of nausea, and calming of anxiety. Hydroxyzine starts working within 15-30 minutes of taking it, with effects lasting up to 6-8 hours.
Why Stopping Cold Turkey Can Be Dangerous
When asking yourself “can I stop taking hydroxyzine cold turkey,” it’s crucial to understand the potential risks of this abrupt approach.
Suddenly stopping hydroxyzine can cause withdrawal symptoms as the body tries to adjust to the lower medication levels. Withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Tremors
- Seizures (in severe cases)
The severity of symptoms depends on factors like:
- Dosage – Higher doses often cause more intense withdrawal
- Length of use – Longer usage results in worse symptoms
- Personal physiology – Individual factors affect withdrawal intensity
Stopping hydroxyzine suddenly without medical supervision can be dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms like seizures need emergency medical care.
Abruptly discontinuing hydroxyzine also often leads to a return of the original symptoms it was treating, like severe anxiety or allergies. This can negatively impact daily functioning and quality of life.
Gradual Tapering Off Hydroxyzine
Instead of suddenly stopping, doctors typically recommend gradually tapering off hydroxyzine over weeks or months. This gives the body time to adapt to lower medication levels in a more controlled way.
Tapering steps often involve:
- Slowly decreasing dosage over time
- Adjusting the pace of the taper based on withdrawal symptoms
- Close monitoring by a doctor
- Short-term use of other medications to manage anxiety, insomnia, or nausea during the process
The tapering schedule depends on the starting dosage and the duration hydroxyzine was taken. In general, the higher the dosage and the longer it was taken, the more gradual the taper should be.
Tapering off hydroxyzine requires close work with a doctor to establish the appropriate timing and dosage adjustments. Never attempt to taper hydroxyzine on your own without medical oversight. Doing it safely reduces withdrawal severity and supports long-term success.
Seeking Medical Guidance to Quit Hydroxyzine
Stopping hydroxyzine abruptly can jeopardize your physical health and mental well-being. That’s why getting medical help to discontinue hydroxyzine in a careful, controlled way is so important.
Your doctor can help by:
- Creating a customized tapering schedule for your situation
- Prescribing medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms
- Monitoring your progress and adjusting the taper as needed
- Providing emotional support and strategies for coping
For some, medical detox in a facility may be recommended for the initial withdrawal period. This provides 24/7 medical supervision in an inpatient setting.
Seeking counseling can also help address any underlying mental health issues, like anxiety disorders, that led to starting hydroxyzine. Developing healthy coping strategies reduces the risk of relapse after discontinuing hydroxyzine.
Quitting hydroxyzine requires a comprehensive approach involving medical, psychological, and emotional support. Relying on a team of professionals ensures the highest chance of success.
In most cases, abruptly stopping your medication is not advisable. So if you’re wondering “can I stop taking hydroxyzine cold turkey?” – the answer is to speak to your prescribing doctor first.
Quitting hydroxyzine suddenly often causes distressing withdrawal symptoms and a return of the original symptoms being treated. Tapering slowly under medical supervision can minimize risks. Your doctor can create a customized plan and provide guidance.
Discontinuing any psychiatric medication should involve help from medical and mental health professionals. They can monitor your progress, adjust the tapering schedule, and provide emotional support. With professional help, you can successfully stop hydroxyzine in a controlled manner, avoiding the dangers of cold turkey withdrawal.
Understanding Hydroxyzine and its uses
Hydroxyzine, also known by its brand names Atarax and Vistaril, is an antihistamine medication commonly prescribed to treat a range of conditions, including anxiety disorders, allergic reactions, and itching.
Hydroxyzine reduces allergic reactions and calms the central nervous system by blocking histamine receptors in the body.
If you have anxiety, allergies, or a planned surgery, your doctor may prescribe hydroxyzine oral tablets for you. It’s used in adults and some children to:
- Treat anxiety
- Treat itching related to dermatitis or other allergic conditions
- Help induce sedation (a state of sleepiness and relaxation) before or after anesthesia for surgery
Hydroxyzine is also used for the short-term treatment of nervousness and tension that may occur with certain mental/mood disorders, such as anxiety and dementia. Additionally, it helps manage withdrawal symptoms (e.g., anxiety and agitation) in alcoholics.
Other uses include decreasing anxiety and nausea before/after surgery or during childbirth. It can also enhance the effectiveness of certain narcotic pain relievers, such as meperidine.
Seeking Support for Hydroxyzine Withdrawal Symptoms & Impact
Managing hydroxyzine withdrawal symptoms should be done with the guidance of a healthcare professional. In some cases, medical detoxification might be recommended. This involves 24/7 medical supervision and support, either in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Medical detox provides a safe environment for withdrawal, reducing the risk of complications.
A healthcare provider can monitor your progress, adjust the tapering schedule if needed, and provide necessary support. Working with a healthcare provider ensures a personalized tapering plan and support for a smoother, safer withdrawal experience.
It’s crucial not to attempt withdrawal from hydroxyzine or any medication without proper medical guidance to manage potential risks effectively.
5 Substances You Can’t Quit Cold Turkey
FAQ
Can hydroxyzine be stopped abruptly?
How long does it take to get hydroxyzine out of your system?
What happens if you take hydroxyzine every night?
What happens if you skip hydroxyzine?
What happens if you stop hydroxyzine?
Abruptly stopping hydroxyzine without proper tapering or medical guidance can lead to more severe withdrawal symptoms. Suddenly discontinuing the medication may cause a range of symptoms, including hallucinations or seizures .
Can hydroxyzine cause withdrawal symptoms?
This dependency can lead to withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using it. Withdrawal symptoms from hydroxyzine can include anxiety, agitation, insomnia, dizziness, headache, and nausea. It is essential to note that stopping hydroxyzine abruptly can be dangerous and should always be done under the guidance of a medical professional.
How can hydroxyzine be reduced?
To prevent such complications, it is advisable to gradually reduce the dose of hydroxyzine under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Tapering off the medication allows the body to adjust to lower levels of the drug and minimizes the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.
Is it safe to quit a drug Cold Turkey?
Maybe it’s causing unwanted side effects, you don’t think it’s working, you feel that you’ve healed and no longer need it, or you can’t afford it. That doesn’t mean it’s safe to quit a drug cold turkey. Abruptly stopping a medication can be risky and even life-threatening.