The dangers of Hydroxyzine

The exact side effects of hydroxyzine vary from one person to another, depending on their age, sex, dosage and duration of using the drug, and more. However, most people are likely to get hit by the following consequences:

Sedation

One of the most common hydroxyzine side effects for sleep includes excessive sedation to the point that it starts interfering with daily tasks. Hydroxyzine may make users feel drowsier than usual, and this sedation is reported to be more severe than that induced by other medications indicated for anxiety. Many people also report having trouble with focus.

Nausea

People who have just started using hydroxyzine report feeling a little queasy now and then.

Dry Mouth and Eyes

Dryness in the mouth and eyes and blurry vision are other commonly reported hydroxyzine side effects in elderly and younger individuals. Using eye drops and maintaining adequate hydration are usually advised to keep them under control.

Heart Problems

Hydroxyzine is very much capable of causing abnormal heart rhythms, and its regular intake can also mess with the blood pressure, sometimes lowering it to a dangerous extent. The risk of acquiring these side effects is exceptionally high in people with heart issues.

Allergic Reaction

Some people are allergic to hydroxyzine without realizing it. Consumption of this medication by such individuals leads to a potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction characterized by swollen lips, face, and airway, difficulty breathing, and skin rash. If medical help is not sought in time, death may occur within minutes of ingestion.

Fetal Abnormalities

One of the most significant side effects of hydroxyzine in women includes its tendency to induce congenital disabilities in developing babies. For this reason, it is highly advised not to use hydroxyzine if you are pregnant or planning to conceive soon. The drug can also enter the breast milk and transfer to the baby’s body during lactation to induce side effects.

Overdose

While most people consider hydroxyzine a reasonably safe drug compared to similar alternatives, there is always a risk of an overdose. This particular side effect occurs when people try to recover on their own and use hydroxyzine without the advice of a medical professional. The symptoms of a hydroxyzine overdose include:

• Shortness of breath
• Flushing of skin
• Problems with urination
• Seizures
• Problems with coordination
• Enlarged pupils
• Blurry vision
• Low blood pressure
• Delirium or hallucinations
• A fast heartbeat
• Extreme anxiety

If you or someone around you who uses hydroxyzine is exhibiting the symptoms mentioned above, seek medical help immediately before it proves fatal.

Abuse and Addiction

The recent increase in the number of prescriptions for hydroxyzine indicates its increasing demand. Doctors and patients view it as a medication with lower risks compared to other alternatives like benzodiazepines. Moreover, it is also chosen more frequently because it is physically non-habit forming. However, most are unaware of its tendency to trigger psychological addiction. Additionally, many of them tend to linger on to its use even when they no longer require it just to keep enjoying the euphoria it brings.

There are multiple ways in which people using hydroxyzine may consume it to get high. They may:

• Keep taking hydroxyzine in higher and higher doses
• Chew the pills instead of swallowing them with water
• Crush the tablets and snort its powder
• Combine hydroxyzine with alcohol or other drugs
• Dissolve the hydroxyzine pills in water or another solution and inject them into their veins

The high associated with hydroxyzine is euphoric and can quickly eradicate anxiety, the reason behind its high popularity. However, these benefits are commonly abused by many people who use them to uplift their mood or sedate the brain to satisfy their addiction. In the long run, such addiction can destroy lives, relationships, and careers and take a toll on physical health.