There is a lot of information to be aware of before taking the prescription medication Atarax
® (
hydroxyzine hydrochloride). Atarax belongs to a group of drugs commonly known as first-generation (sedating) antihistamines, and it is approved for several different uses. For example, this medicine can be used:
- To treat anxiety, tension, and agitation associated with psychiatric disorders
- To relieve itching associated with the following problems:
o Nonallergic histamine reactions, which often occur with opioid pain medications
- As a sedative before and after general anesthesia.
Atarax works to relieve itching by blocking histamine receptors. Its anti-anxiety activity is probably due to effects in certain parts of the brain. The medication also can cause relaxation of skeletal muscles. In addition, Atarax has anticholinergic activity, which means it blocks acetylcholine receptors and is probably why it helps to alleviate nausea.
(Click Atarax for more information on this medication, including dosing guidelines, a list of the various forms and strengths available, and what side effects may occur during treatment.)
