Hydroxyzine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 4, 2023.

Applies to hydroxyzine: oral capsule, oral syrup, oral tablet.

Other dosage forms:

• intramuscular solution

Common side effects of hydroxyzine

Some side effects of hydroxyzine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Rare

• shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

Incidence not known

• dry mouth
• headache
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

Serious side effects of hydroxyzine

Along with its needed effects, hydroxyzine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking hydroxyzine:

Incidence not known

• chest pain, discomfort, or tightness
• cough
• difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness
• fainting
• fast heartbeat
• hives, itching, or skin rash
• irregular or slow heart rate
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• trouble breathing
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking hydroxyzine:

Symptoms of overdose

• decreased awareness or responsiveness
• drowsiness
• nausea
• seizures
• severe sleepiness
• vomiting

For healthcare professionals

Applies to hydroxyzine: compounding powder, intramuscular solution, oral capsule, oral suspension, oral syrup, oral tablet.

General

The most commonly reported side effects included sleepiness, headache, and tiredness.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Sleepiness (up to 13.74%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Headache
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Convulsion, tremor
• Frequency not reported: Anticholinergic activity, central nervous system (CNS) depression, drowsiness, incoordination, involuntary motor activity, psychomotor impairment, stimulation
• Postmarketing reports: Dizziness, dyskinesia, dystonia, paresthesia, sedation, seizures, syncope^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Tiredness
• Frequency not reported: Antimuscarinic effects, lassitude
• Postmarketing reports: Asthenia, malaise, pyrexia, sudden death^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Dry mouth
• Postmarketing reports: Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: QT prolongation, Torsade de Pointes
• Postmarketing reports: Cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, edema, hypotension, ventricular arrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity reaction
• Postmarketing reports: Allergic reaction, anaphylactic shock, angioedema, hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Respiratory depression
• Postmarketing reports: Bronchospasm^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Postmarketing reports: Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), bullous condition (pemphigoids, toxic epidermal necrolysis), dermatitis, erythema, erythema multiforme, fixed drug eruptions, increased sweating, maculopapular rash, pruritus, rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, urticaria^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Postmarketing reports: Aggression, agitation, confusion, depression, disorientation, hallucination, insomnia, tics^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Postmarketing reports: Dysuria, enuresis, urinary retention^[Ref]

Ocular

• Postmarketing reports: Accommodation disorder, blurred vision, oculogyric crisis^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Postmarketing reports: Hepatitis, liver function tests abnormal^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Postmarketing reports: Thrombocytopenia^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Postmarketing reports: Weight gain^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Can you take hydroxyzine for anxiety and sleep?
• Does Benadryl help with or cause anxiety?
• Can hydroxyzine be taken long-term?
• When can I start drinking if I’m no longer taking hydroxyzine?
• Can dogs take hydroxyzine?
• Can you take antihistamines when pregnant?

Further information

Hydroxyzine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer