Is Hydroxyzine a Controlled Substance?

Hydroxyzine is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as antihistamines. It is commonly used to treat allergies, anxiety, and itching. But is hydroxyzine a controlled substance?

In this article, we will look at the classification of hydroxyzine, potential side effects and risks, and what it means for those taking the drug.

What is Hydroxyzine?

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that is used to treat allergies, anxiety, and itching. It is available in both oral and injectable forms. The oral form is sold under the brand name Atarax or Vistaril. It is also available in generic forms.

Hydroxyzine works by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical in the body that causes allergic reactions. It also has sedative and anti-anxiety properties.

Is Hydroxyzine a Controlled Substance?

Hydroxyzine is not a controlled substance. It is classified as a Schedule V drug by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Schedule V drugs are those with a low potential for abuse and a low risk of dependence.

The DEA classifies drugs in five categories, from Schedule I (most dangerous) to Schedule V (least dangerous). Drugs in Schedule V have a low potential for abuse and a low risk of dependence. This means that hydroxyzine is not considered to be a drug of abuse or addiction.

Potential Side Effects and Risks

Hydroxyzine can cause a range of side effects, including dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and vomiting. It can also cause more serious side effects, such as an irregular heartbeat, blurred vision, difficulty breathing, and seizures.

It is important to talk to your doctor before taking hydroxyzine, and to be aware of the potential side effects and risks.

Drug Interactions

Hydroxyzine can interact with other drugs, including alcohol, certain antibiotics, antidepressants, and antifungal medications. It can also interact with other antihistamines, so it is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.

Is Hydroxyzine Addictive?

Hydroxyzine is not considered to be addictive. However, it is possible to become physically dependent on the drug. This means that if you stop taking hydroxyzine suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms.

It is important to talk to your doctor before stopping hydroxyzine, and to follow their instructions for tapering off the drug slowly.

Hydroxyzine Overdose

It is possible to overdose on hydroxyzine, and it can be fatal. Symptoms of an overdose include confusion, agitation, seizures, and coma.

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on hydroxyzine, seek medical help immediately.

Hydroxyzine Abuse

Hydroxyzine is not a controlled substance, and it is not considered to be a drug of abuse. However, it is possible to abuse the drug by taking more than prescribed or taking it for non-medical reasons.

It is important to talk to your doctor about the risks of abusing hydroxyzine.

Conclusion

Hydroxyzine is a medication that is used to treat allergies, anxiety, and itching. It is not a controlled substance, and it is not considered to be a drug of abuse. However, it can cause side effects and interact with other drugs, and it is possible to become physically dependent on the drug.

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on hydroxyzine, seek medical help immediately. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking hydroxyzine, and to follow their instructions for tapering off the drug slowly.