Hydroxyzine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 19, 2024.

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]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

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

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