Should I be taking the hydroxyzine with my methadone?

1 Jul 2011

Hey tehwraith,

The following warning accompanies the use of hydroxyzine with methadone:

methadone ↔ hydroxyzine

Applies to: methadone, hydroxyzine

MONITOR: Central nervous system- and/or respiratory-depressant effects may be additively or synergistically increased in patients taking multiple drugs that cause these effects, especially in elderly or debilitated patients.

MANAGEMENT: During concomitant use of these drugs, patients should be monitored for potentially excessive or prolonged CNS and respiratory depression. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.

You really should let each doctor know what you are taking so they can adjust the dosages of each accordingly.

Best wishes,

Laurie

1 Jul 2011

Laurie is right. the hydroxyzine will potentiate the methadone making it feel stronger. Make sure ALL your Docs are informed of ALL the medications you take.