Hydroxyzine is an older anti-histamine and was once used as a sleeping aid and to treat symptoms of the common cold. Some older physicians do prescribe it for anxiety, primarily because it is cheap. Until recently no firm data were available on its effectiveness as an anti anxiety agent. However, analysis of studies by Cochrane Review reveals that hydroxyzine was better than the sugar pill but no better than the available benzodiazepines or SSRIs. More important-Hydroxyzine was associated with many more side effects like excess sleepiness and lethargy.
Therefore hydroxyzine can be relegated to the archives of the pharmacopeia. The drug is only useful as a sleeping aid -It is definitely not recommended as a reliable or effective drug for anxiety.
Excellent blog very nice and unique information related to hydroxyzine. Thanks for sharing this information.
ReplyDeleteAllegra