I recently went through an alcohol detox program and was given a prescription for Hydroxyzine Pam., 25 mg, up to 4X a day. Have only been on it for a few days now and so far, have found it to be helpful for the initial anxiety associated with withdrawal. Am only taking it in the evenings and before bed. After reading the other reviews, it appears this drug has been mainly prescribed for general & social anxiety and sleep disorders. I would be interested in knowing if this a common treatment for recovering alcoholics and what others have experienced with long term use for this purpose.
Hydroxyzine - Is anyone taking this medication for alcohol addiction recovery?
Question posted by Hanko on 15 Feb 2013
Last updated on 22 August 2022 by TGPatterson
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4 Answers
TGPatterson
22 Aug 2022
Anxiety is huge in recovery, especially in the first month. True anxiety (non-narcotic) meds are few. most will cause drowsiness. But this is the way.
I would suggest Lions Mane mushroom, Magnesium L-Threonate or Mag. Glycinate, and GABA. for anxiety. Melatonin for sleep. And fresh lemon in water for morning energy.
And you'll get constipated. Eat whole fruit.
You can get through the fog. Plan your days in advance.
Elciro88
21 Aug 2020
I have had to drink 3 to 5 drinks (boxed sangria mixes with a like vodka) almost every night to sleep. I'm done with drinking and don't want to depend on it to sleep. I told my doctor and he prescribed me one 25mg of hydroxyzine to help me sleep and melatonin. I'm going to try it tonight. Do you think it'll work? I'm scared to take that and the melatonin together
Inactive
16 Aug 2013
I went through alcohol detox and was also prescribed hydroxizine. I could take 50-100mg. This helped some with the initial withdrawal symptoms of anxiety, which lasts for a bit... but gets better with time. That was 6 mo ago. I still take for anxiety at times, but only at bedtime as it does make u feel tired & not very motivated. I was also given Clonidine
prncs_mccoy
19 Feb 2013
I have been sober 6+ years, I have taken hydroxyzine but not lately. If it helps you in the early stages of your recovery process that's great. From what I remember it is not a narcotic and doesn't produce a buzz. Keep on reaching out, that's what it takes. And sobriety is wonderful!!!
Hanko
19 Feb 2013
Thank you, that was helpful! Your memory is correct, no fuzziness/buzz or other strong side-effects. I did notice that when I take it just before going to bed at night that I wake up feeling a little sluggish in the a.m. Nothing that a few strong cups of coffee can't remedy, though. What has impressed me even more is Campral. I started taking it 3 days after my discharge from detox and have felt almost no desire to drink since. I was used to drinking about a fifth of vodka almost every evening for several years, but have gone almost 2 weeks straight now without touching a drop or even wanting any. As one other post noted about it, this drug 'could put AA out of business.' And yes, sobriety IS wonderful. Thanks for the feedback & encouragement.
KellyK42
1 Oct 2016
Where did you go for detox? I recently had shot of Vistra and still can't stop drinking. I throw up all the time and completely tired and exhausted. I need to detox badly
Related topics
hydroxyzine, addiction, alcohol, detox, prescription, medication, recovery
Further information
- Hydroxyzine uses and safety info
- Hydroxyzine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Hydroxyzine (detailed)
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