what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for

What is the most important information I should know about hydroxyzine?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardousactivities what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for. Hydroxyzine may cause dizziness or drowsiness what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for. If you experiencedizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for.
• Use alcohol cautiously what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizzinesswhile you are taking hydroxyzine what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for.

What is hydroxyzine?
• Hydroxyzine depresses activity in the central nervous system (brain andspinal cord), which causes relaxation and relief from anxiety what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for. Therefore, hydroxyzineis used to treat anxiety disorders and tension in stressful situations--beforesurgery, for example what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for.
• Hydroxyzine may also increase the effects of other medicines, such aspain relievers and sedatives, so it is useful after surgery also what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for.
• Hydroxyzine is also an antihistamine what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for. It blocks the effects of the naturallyoccurring chemical histamine in your body what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for. This makes hydroxyzine useful fortreating allergic conditions, especially those that involve the skin, such ashives, itching, and rashes what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for.
• Hydroxyzine may also be used for purposes other than those listed inthis medication guide what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for.

Who should not take hydroxyzine?
• Before taking hydroxyzine, tell your doctor if you have any other medicalconditions, especially heart, liver, or kidney disease what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for. You may require a lowerdose or special monitoring during hydroxyzine therapy if you have any othermedical conditions what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for.
• It is not known whether hydroxyzine will harm an unborn baby what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for. Do nottake hydroxyzine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for.
• It is also not known whether hydroxyzine passes into breast milk what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for. Donot take hydroxyzine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feedinga baby what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for.
• If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experienceside effects from hydroxyzine what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for. You may require a lower dose of this medication what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for.

How should I take hydroxyzine?
• Take hydroxyzine exactly as directed by your doctor what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for. If you do not understandthese directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for.
• To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the syrup form of hydroxyzinewith a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for. Ifyou do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can getone what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for.
• Store hydroxyzine at room temperature away from moisture and heat what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for.

What happens if I miss a dose?
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for. However, if it is almosttime for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularlyscheduled dose what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwisedirected by your doctor what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for.

What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for.
• Symptoms of a hydroxyzine overdose include extreme drowsiness, nausea,vomiting, seizures, hallucinations, and decreased breathing what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for.

What should I avoid while taking hydroxyzine?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardousactivities what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for. Hydroxyzine may cause dizziness or drowsiness what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for. If you experiencedizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for.
• Use alcohol cautiously what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizzinesswhile you are taking hydroxyzine what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for.

What are the possible side effects of hydroxyzine?
• Stop taking hydroxyzine and seek emergency medical attention if you experiencean allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swellingof your lips, tongue, or face; or hives) what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for. Continueto take hydroxyzine and talk to your doctor if you experience
· dizziness, drowsiness, sleepiness, or confusion;
· blurred vision or a dry mouth; or
· nausea or vomiting what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for. Talk to yourdoctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for.

What other drugs will affect hydroxyzine?
• Many drugs may increase the effects of hydroxyzine and lead to heavysedation what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are takingany of the following drugs:
· other antihistamines, such as brompheniramine (Dimetane, Bromphen,others), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrin, others), azatadine (Optimine),clemastine (Tavist), and many others;
· narcotics (pain killers) such as meperidine (Demerol), morphine (MSContin, MSIR, others), propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet), hydrocodone (Lorcet,Vicodin), oxycodone (Percocet, Percodan), fentanyl (Duragesic), and codeine(Fiorinal, Fioricet, Tylenol #3, others);
· sedatives such as phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal), amobarbital (Amytal),and secobarbital (Seconal);
· phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin),mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine),thioridazine (Mellaril), and trifluoperazine (Stelazine); or
· antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan),imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine(Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate) what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with hydroxyzine what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-countermedicines what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for.

Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has more information about hydroxyzine written for healthprofessionals that you may read what is hydroxyzine pamoate used for.

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