I have been given Atarax 25mg today for anxiety and sleep, is this primarily for sleep?

Hello, I was prescribed to take 25-50mgs up to 4 times a day. If I take one 25mg tablet, it really zonks me out. My doctor told me after continuing to take it, the sedation side effect would lessen, but I now only take it occasionally for seasonal allergies. It was prescribed for anxiety, but it works great for me drying my runny nose and watery eyes during spring allergy season. I do not know that I could take 200 mgs in a day after seeing what one 25mg tablet does to me, puts me right to sleep. Serious advice now, do not take it before you have to drive anywhere, that warning is real on this drug. I hope this helps, good luck to you!

same issue here,sorry its a response to older listing.
911 orp and delivery driver so need a med that will not cause problems during the day for work etc.
mostly issue with depression and anxiety and to include sleep issue

Hi jlc,
Ararax (Vistaril) is a really interesting old drug. It's the first generation of antihistamines.
It affects certain brain receptors which makes it a strong anti-oxylate meaning relaxation, a mild drug for OCD and anti-psychotic.
It's also shown to potentials the effects of opioids plus helps with the side effects of nausea and itching. 30 years ago it was used in Pre-op with Demerol. We would combine Demerol and Vistaril. Demerol was for pain and Vistaril to help with side effects.
It's been used to help in withdrawing from opioids.
With newer drugs now available for pain,OCD and anti-psychotics it is still frequently used but mostly for itching and anxiety. It's also good for minor sleep problems without the tolerance of Restoril or Ambien.

I only use it as a sleep aid, per as needed. It makes me too sleepy to take it during the day. Some people are prescribed it several times during the day for anxiety. I find buspar more effective for anxiety, without having the drowsiness as a side effect. That is why atarax (hydroxyzine) is so effective to help me sleep on those anticipated "restless" nights. It works wonderfully well for that purpose. "G"

I was recently given atarax 50mg for anxiety. It relaxes you, and yes I can function on it. I only need it a couple times a day though. I'm also on bp meds.

The doctor gave me that because of my dermatitis.

"Atarax reduces activity in the central nervous system. It also acts as an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body.
Atarax is used as a sedative to treat anxiety and tension. It is also used together with other medications given for anesthesia.
Hydroxyzine may also be used to control nausea and vomiting.
Atarax is also used to treat allergic skin reactions such as hives or contact dermatitis".
It is a medication that causes drowsiness, and considering you have high blood pressure you should take it only as your doctor has prescribed. 2 tablets before bed shouldn't cause a problem with drowsiness during the day.
For more information click on this link: https://www.drugs.com/atarax.html

Ararax is a antihistamine but can be a sedating type, it may cause daytime drowsiness . You mention a high tolerance so it may not bother u. The good news is it is non habit forming and rarely interacts with other meds.

It can make you pretty sleepy (atarax or hydroxyzine). I would take it at bedtime. Sleeping well will help with your stress levels. If you want to see how it will do, taking it in the daytime, do it on a day when you dont have to do anything or drive anywhere in case it does knock you out because it can cause quite a bit of sedation in some people.

It is an anti histamine. For daytime I'd just take one to start with and see how you react. It helps calm people but it does make some people sleepy at first.