Can Atarax be used as a pain reliever?

11 Nov 2010

Atarax (hydroxyzine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication approved for a variety of widely different uses. This medicine is commonly used to treat itching and to improve the effectiveness of opioid pain relievers.

Atarax belongs to a group of drugs commonly known as first-generation (sedating) antihistamines. It works for itching by blocking histamine receptors. Its anti-anxiety activity is probably due to effects in certain parts of the brain. Atarax also can cause relaxation of skeletal muscles.

In addition, Atarax has anticholinergic activity (which means it blocks acetylcholine receptors), which is probably why it helps to alleviate nausea.

For pain reliving meds maybe your doc/pharmacist would suggest or prescribe another rmed, please do speak to them for more info, hope this helps?