Like Benadryl, hydroxyzine is an antihistamine. It has sedative properties and is frequently used off-label for many conditions. These include insomnia, nausea, vomiting, itching, and skin rashes. Unlike Benadryl, hydroxyzine has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of anxiety.
Hydroxyzine is available by prescription under the brand name Vistaril. It comes as a liquid oral suspension and may be taken daily for up to four months to treat anxiety. If your anxiety symptoms last longer than this, speak with your doctor about whether to continue taking the medicine. Don’t change the dose or discontinue Vistaril without first consulting with your doctor or pharmacist.
Some drugs have negative interactions with hydroxyzine. You may not be able to take it if you’re also taking drugs that cause drowsiness. This includes sleeping pills, narcotic pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or a benzodiazepine such as Xanax. It’s potentially dangerous to take hydroxyzine at the same time as certain other drugs. These include antidepressants, heart medicine, antipsychotics, and various drug cocktails used to treat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and cancer.