Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in the United States, widely accepted and used by many Americans. More than 50% of adults consume alcohol regularly. While it is well-known that mixing alcohol with certain medications, such as narcotics like opioids or benzodiazepines, can be harmful, many people overlook the dangers of combining alcohol with everyday medications for allergies or over-the-counter pills. However, mixing alcohol with other substances can lead to serious adverse side effects. One such medication that is often mixed with alcohol is hydroxyzine. Although hydroxyzine is safe and generally not habit-forming when used alone, it can become extremely dangerous—and even addictive—when combined with alcohol. In this blog you will learn about the dangers of mixing hydroxyzine and alcohol.
What is Hydroxyzine?
Hydroxyzine is a prescription antihistamine medication available under the brand names Atarax and Vistaril. It is administered orally in various forms, including capsules, tablets, syrups, and an oral suspension, making it versatile for different patient needs.
This medication functions by blocking histamine, a natural substance in the body responsible for triggering symptoms of environmental allergies such as itching, swelling, and redness. By inhibiting histamine’s effects, hydroxyzine effectively alleviates these allergic reactions.
Beyond its antihistamine properties, hydroxyzine is also prescribed to manage anxiety. It works by reducing activity in the brain and central nervous system (CNS), helping to calm the individual and decrease feelings of anxiety. Additionally, hydroxyzine is sometimes used in combination with general anesthesia to provide sedation for certain surgical procedures, ensuring patients remain calm and comfortable during operations.
Healthcare professionals strongly advise against mixing hydroxyzine with alcohol or other CNS depressants. Combining these substances can intensify the sedative effects, leading to increased drowsiness, impaired coordination, and heightened risk of respiratory issues. Therefore, it is essential to follow medical guidance and avoid alcohol consumption while taking hydroxyzine to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Can You Drink on Hydroxyzine?
While hydroxyzine is sometimes prescribed to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms, it is not recommended to mix hydroxyzine and alcohol. Hydroxyzine has the potential to cause several side effects that slow down the central nervous system (CNS). Adding alcohol to this mix can amplify these effects, making activities like driving or operating machinery particularly hazardous. The FDA label and healthcare professionals advise avoiding alcohol consumption entirely while taking hydroxyzine.
Even a single glass of wine can increase the medication’s sedative properties, leading to heightened drowsiness and impaired motor skills. It is generally safer to abstain from alcohol during treatment with hydroxyzine. Occasional alcohol use, whether it’s just one or a couple of drinks, can exacerbate the side effects of hydroxyzine on the body, making everyday tasks more challenging and increasing the risk of accidents.
If you choose to drink while taking hydroxyzine, it’s crucial to be aware of the heightened risks and the potential for alcohol abuse to lead to more serious health complications. When in doubt, always consult with a healthcare provider to ensure your safety.
What Happens If You Drink Alcohol with Hydroxyzine?
Combining alcohol with hydroxyzine can significantly increase central nervous system side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and sedation. Both substances are CNS depressants, and their combined effects can impair your ability to perform tasks that require alertness and coordination.
Hydroxyzine interacts quickly with alcohol after ingestion, leading to impaired motor skills and judgment that can last for several hours until the substances are fully metabolized and cleared from your bloodstream. While hydroxyzine alone can provide relief for allergy and anxiety symptoms within 15 to 30 minutes, mixing it with alcohol can diminish the effectiveness of the medication and make the usual signs of relief less apparent.
Hydroxyzine and Alcohol Side Effects
Hydroxyzine is a prescription antihistamine that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for allergic symptoms. Additionally, hydroxyzine has sedating effects and is commonly used to manage anxiety and allergies.
However, alcohol remains one of the most commonly abused addictive substances in the United States, and its combination with hydroxyzine can lead to severe side effects, including:
- Stupor: Extreme drowsiness and unresponsiveness.
- Convulsions: Involuntary muscle contractions that can be life-threatening.
- Excessive Nausea and Vomiting: Severe gastrointestinal distress.
- Heart Problems: Fast or abnormal heartbeats that can lead to cardiac complications.
Common side effects of hydroxyzine itself include drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation (especially in older adults), confusion (especially in older adults), dizziness, and headache. When combined with alcohol, these side effects can intensify, leading to more severe health issues.
Hydroxyzine and Alcohol Interaction
The interaction between hydroxyzine and alcohol can exacerbate the medication’s nervous system side effects, making it difficult to gauge the severity of symptoms.
This combination can provoke symptoms that require immediate medical attention, such as:
- Dizziness and Drowsiness: Increased sedation can impair daily functioning.
- Difficulty Concentrating: Reduced cognitive abilities affecting decision-making.
- Dry Eyes and Mouth: Intensified dehydration and discomfort.
- Headache and Nausea: More severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms.
- Seizures and Unintentional Tremors: Severe neurological disturbances.
- Fever and Rash: Potential allergic reactions or infections.
- Impaired Thinking and Judgment: Increased risk of accidents and poor decision-making.
To mitigate these risks, it is crucial to avoid alcohol consumption while taking hydroxyzine and adhere strictly to the recommended dosage.
Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and Hydroxyzine
Drinking alcohol while taking hydroxyzine amplifies the side effects of both substances, significantly reducing mental alertness and increasing the risk of serious health complications.
This dangerous combination can lead to:
Overdose
Taking too much hydroxyzine and/or alcohol can result in a drug overdose.
Symptoms of an overdose include:
- Unresponsiveness: Inability to wake up or respond.
- Convulsions: Sudden, involuntary muscle contractions.
- Excessive Vomiting: Severe gastrointestinal distress.
- Clammy Skin: Sweaty and cold skin.
- Fast or Abnormal Heart Rhythms: Potential heart failure.
- Slow, Labored Breathing: Difficulty breathing that can be life-threatening.
- Coma and Death: Extreme cases can result in unconsciousness or fatality.
Accidents and Injury
Since both alcohol and hydroxyzine are CNS depressants, they can severely impair your reactions, perception, and decision-making abilities.
This impairment increases the likelihood of accidents, such as:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI/DWI): Higher risk of traffic accidents.
- Physical Accidents: Poor coordination leading to falls or injuries.
- Impaired Judgment: Risky behaviors and poor decision-making.
Dependence and Addiction
Combining hydroxyzine and alcohol can also lead to physical dependence and addiction.
Individuals who engage in polysubstance abuse may find it difficult to stop using these substances, leading to:
- Increased Tolerance: Needing larger amounts to achieve the same effects.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Physical and psychological challenges when stopping use.
- Health Complications: Long-term use can lead to chronic health issues and hinder overall well-being.
How Long After Taking Hydroxyzine Can I Drink Alcohol?
The effects of hydroxyzine typically wear off around six hours after ingestion. However, the medication’s half-life is approximately 20 hours, meaning it takes about 20 hours for half of the drug to be eliminated from your system. Factors such as liver function and individual metabolism can influence this duration.
Recommended Waiting Period
It is generally advised to wait at least 48 hours after your last dose of hydroxyzine before consuming alcohol. For added safety, especially if you have been taking hydroxyzine long-term or at higher doses, waiting closer to three days is recommended. This extended period helps reduce the risk of adverse interactions and ensures that most of the medication has been cleared from your body.
Special Considerations
- Long-Term Use: If you have been using hydroxyzine for an extended period, particularly for conditions like alcohol withdrawal or anxiety linked to detox, avoiding alcohol altogether is crucial. Combining these substances can significantly slow your recovery and pose severe health risks.
- Higher Dosages: Higher doses of hydroxyzine increase the risk of severe side effects when mixed with alcohol, necessitating a longer waiting period before drinking.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before mixing alcohol with any medication, including hydroxyzine. They can provide personalized advice based on your health status and other medications you may be taking.
Are Certain People More at Risk When Combining Alcohol and Hydroxyzine?
Everyone’s experience with alcohol is different, but certain groups of people are more vulnerable to the dangers of mixing alcohol and hydroxyzine. Specifically, older adults and individuals taking other medications that affect the central nervous system (CNS) are at a higher risk of complications.
Older Adults
As people age, their bodies often have a lower alcohol tolerance, meaning they feel the effects of alcohol more intensely and quickly than younger adults. For older adults, combining alcohol with hydroxyzine can:
- Increase the Risk of Severe Drowsiness: Leading to falls or accidents.
- Exacerbate Existing Health Problems: Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and memory issues can worsen with alcohol use.
- Complicate Medication Management: Older adults often take multiple medications, increasing the risk of harmful interactions.
Individuals Taking Other CNS-Affecting Medications
People who are on medications that induce drowsiness, such as opioids, anxiety and sleep medications, muscle relaxers, and other antihistamines, face an increased risk when combining these with alcohol and hydroxyzine. The combined sedative effects can lead to:
- Enhanced CNS Depression: Severe drowsiness, respiratory issues, and impaired cognitive functions.
- Higher Risk of Overdose: Especially when multiple CNS depressants are involved.
- Increased Difficulty in Managing Daily Activities: Leading to potential accidents and injuries.
Find Help for Hydroxyzine Addiction and Alcohol Abuse in Atlanta
Overcoming an addiction to alcohol and hydroxyzine requires professional support and comprehensive treatment. The best way to address this addiction is by seeking help at a local drug and alcohol treatment facility. Treatment typically begins with detoxification, where patients are medically supervised as they undergo withdrawal. Once the body is stabilized and acute withdrawal symptoms have subsided, patients can move on to rehabilitation programs. These programs involve various therapies and educational workshops designed to help individuals stay sober and maintain their recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism and hydroxyzine addiction, know that help is readily available. At Hope Harbor Wellness, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain sobriety. We offer personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that you receive the care and support necessary for a successful recovery journey. Don’t wait any longer—call us now 770-573-9546 or fill out our online contact form to begin your path to a healthier, substance-free life.
