Atarax Side Effects

Generic name: hydroxyzine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 2, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Atarax Side Effects associated with hydroxyzine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Atarax.

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

Other dosage forms:

• intramuscular solution

Common side effects of Atarax

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 side effects

• 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 Atarax

Along with its needed effects, hydroxyzine (the active ingredient contained in Atarax) 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 adverse events

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

Further information

Atarax 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.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer