In the 2 years I've been taking hydroxyzine I cant seem to shed any weight. I work out 5-6 times a week and don't eat out on a regular basis and I keep track of all my micro nutrients, but I just cant seem to shed any weight. Any thoughts?
Can hydroxyzine make you gain weight?
Question posted by rb1980 on 10 Dec 2014
Last updated on 30 September 2023 by NorskMD
10 Answers
NorskMD
30 Sep 2023
I experienced the same weight gain issues with Hydroxyzine, leading me to this deep dive.
Histamine is a very essential signaling compound in our bodies ranging from immune system functions like allergy response but also brain functions like signaling wakefulness and appetite.
When we take H1 blocking Antihistamines (Hydroxyzine, Diphenhydramine, Cetirizine, etc) they work by blocking all H1 receptors in various cells of our body producing the desirable effects of anti-allergy relief and, with some of these like Hydroxyzine, Sedaton.
However, they all have the potential to cause undesireable side effects. Research on the Antihistamine effect of certain Mental health medications has shown that they may effect weight gain
through 2 separate mechanisms.
1. With short term use, blocking Histamine seems to increase appetite, causing increased calorie intake.
2. With long term use, H1 blocking antihistamines can affect the H1 receptors in the brain that control fat breakdown (lipolysis) reducing this process while increasing fat creation (lipogenesis).
Additionally H1 blockers can reduce Thermogenesis, which is fat burning for the main purpose of keeping us warm and is accomplished mainly through a type of fat called brown adipose tissue, which are regulated by Histamine receptors in the brain.
This is the study explaining the mechanisms of how blocking H1 receptors may lead to weight gain.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23640535/
“The role of hypothalamic H1 receptor antagonism in antipsychotic-induced weight gain”
I hope this is helpful.
Davinaberger
28 April 2023
I was 120 and now 181 and claiming in weight. I have been tested for everything to see why I am gaining so much weight and why I am so hungry. I believe this medication is the reason. It’s has also cause problems with my Gastroparesis because it slows your stomach down. It helped me sleep but created a lot of other issues! I would not suggest taking this medication on a daily basis but only as needed.
forgetMonday12
12 April 2023
YES!!! I've only been taking it for about 3 weeks. It was prescribed as a sleep aid. Sad thing is that it works very well for me by keeping me asleep for the entire night. I notice that I constantly want to eat during the day- even if I'm not hungry at all. At times, I binge eat as well. I appreciate that it helps me sleep, but I'm packing on the pounds so I won't be taking this any longer!
AndreaLaBuff
4 Dec 2022
I have been researching for 6 months regarding this CRAZY weight gain! I’ve been taking hydroxyzine for 4 months now and have gained 25 pds. Prior to beginning this drug, I weighed 110 and now I weigh 135. What the hell is happening to my body. This has sincerely DEPRESSED me and has caused unhealthy thinking!
Davinaberger
29 April 2023
It has been the same for me for the 7 months. It has felt like a battle I can’t win. Working out 7 days a week. Eating healthy and gaining weight. I feel defeated with all my efforts. Very depressing and discouragingly.
hdlimbrick2001
3 Sep 2022
Absolutely yes. I have been doing CrossFit in the morning, 4-5 days/wk. Oten time performing Rx, which is the top athletic level. I’m addition to brisk family walks of 30 min in the evenings. While it is summer time in Houston Texas. I also eat very well, limiting carbs and sugar to an extremely low amount. Including intermittent fasting. HOWEVER, since I’ve begun hydroxyzine 2 years ago I have gained 90lbs and can not get it off.
Plus, my nephrologist and endocrinologist found nothing despite vigorous testing and lab work.
After reading about these other people having the same experience, it all makes since now. I will be throwing that one in the trash.
SparklingMySmile
1 Aug 2021
I'm not sure. I'm on it & haven't gained any weight. I'm 5'6 & weigh 121 lbs soaking wet. But weight is predominantly based on what you eat. I follow the nutrition advice found in "Cleanse to Heal", by Anthony William. You'll DEFINITELY get to a healthy weight & maintain it without any problem.
Kimmycakes69
11 March 2020
Can u lose weight by taken Hydroxyzine
Davinaberger
29 April 2023
No!
myfeed9
5 March 2020
YES. I started taking hydroxyzine about 4 months ago and I am not sure if it was this med or a combo of it with montelukast, and copious amounts of antihistamines (had chronic hives since August of last year (a/b 7 months), including levocetirizine and others. But yeah, I have gone from 120 lbs to 136 pretty quickly. I eat well, could exercise more, but yes it does make you gain weight I suspect. Because research shows chronic use of antihistamines are also known to pack on the pounds. And this possibly too. (For those who are using hydroxyzine for off-label anti-itch properties).
Rachel1996
7 Aug 2019
YES!!! Within a few months I went from 110 pounds to 178. I have been using restrictive dieting and exercising several days a week, and still cannot lose the weight. I have a visit with my psychiatrist on the 27th of this month, and I plan to speak with him about this. No matter what he says, I will not be taking this medication anymore under any circumstances after I talk to him. This weight gain has destroyed my confidence and self-esteem. I look forward to getting off this medication and dropping all of this weight. So, to answer your question, yes because I am going through the EXACT same thing.
kaismama
10 Dec 2014
It can cause increase in appetite and weight.
Sheila1961
11 Dec 2014
Yes it can I stopped it and lost 20 lbs in 3 weeks it made me like crazy
sphinxnoir
20 July 2017
I was recently put on 25mg and I noticed gaining a lot of weight. I am currently looking up a few other medications that i will be tossing aside. I already dealt with going from 118 to 176 within a 2 1/2 month period and I am not going through it again. With what I have been reading, it looks like I plan to stop a few medications.
alibug337
30 July 2018
sphinxnoir- have you spoken with a doctor about your weight gain?? 58 pounds is a lot of weigh to gain in a 2 1/2 month period. Most people that gain that amount of weight in a short amount of time have problems with their adrenal glands and regulating cortisol. It would be prudent to have your doctor check your cortisol levels to rule out something bigger like a tumor or Cushing's disease before you start changing your medications. Hope this helps. Amy
Related topics
allergies, hydroxyzine, weight
Further information
- Hydroxyzine uses and safety info
- Hydroxyzine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Hydroxyzine (detailed)
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