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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Mg up to four times daily as needed. For insomnia associated with anxiety, 50 milligrams (mg) at bedtime may be used. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on effectiveness or side effects.The maximum single dose is 100 mg and the maximum dose per day is 400 mg. Lower doses or an alternative treatment may be need in older adults due to side effects.You can take this medicine with or without food, but if it upsets your stomach, it may help to take it with food.When taken to help with insomnia (trouble sleeping) due to anxiety, doses are taken at bedtime due to the drowsy effect.Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions exactly. High doses or an overdose of this medicine can be dangerous. If an overdose occurs, contact emergency medical help right away.Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about the medicines you use, including prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) or herbal and dietary supplements. Some common medicines have drug interactions with hydroxyzine and you may need a dose adjustment.Related: Hydroxyzine drug interactions (in more detail)Related questionsCan hydroxyzine be taken long-term?Does Benadryl help with or cause anxiety?When can I start drinking if I’m no longer taking hydroxyzine?Is hydroxyzine safe for older patients?Use of this drug is often not recommended in patients over 65 years of age due to potent anticholinergic side effects like confusion, dry mouth, urinary retention and constipation. It can also lead to extreme drowsiness which may increase the risk for a fall.Some research also suggests a link between prolonged use of medicines with anticholinergic properties, such as hydroxyzine, and the occurrence of dementia, particularly in older adults.Certain guidelines (for example: Beers Criteria, Pharmacy Quality Alliance) consider hydroxyzine a high-risk drug in older patients. Elderly patients may need alternative treatments to safely treat anxiety or insomnia.Learn more: Anticholinergic Drugs to Avoid in the ElderlyCan you take hydroxyzine daily? How long can you safely take it?Hydroxyzine is not usually meant to be a long-term daily solution for anxiety or sleep for most people. Hydroxyzine may not work as well if you take it daily. You can build a tolerance to the medicine over time, which means your body gets used to the medicine and the effect lessens.The manufacturer states that the effectiveness of hydroxyzine in treating anxiety for longer than 4 months has not been evaluated in studies; however, your doctor will monitor your response and can determine the appropriate length
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