Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine commonly prescribed to treat allergies, allergic reactions, and anxiety disorders. Marketed under brand names like Atarax and Vistaril, hydroxyzine alleviates symptoms by blocking histamine action in the body. While effective for its intended uses, concerns about side effects, especially weight gain, are common, particularly for those with substance use disorder. This article explores the relationship between hydroxyzine and weight gain, offering insights into its potential effects and how to manage them.
Understanding Hydroxyzine
Hydroxyzine works by blocking the H1 receptor in the central nervous system, preventing allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and cough. It also helps reduce anxiety, promoting calm and relaxation. However, like all medications, hydroxyzine comes with potential side effects that users should be aware of.
Does Hydroxyzine Cause Weight Gain?
The short answer is that hydroxyzine is not typically associated with significant weight gain. Clinical trials of hydroxyzine tablets or capsules have not reported weight gain as a direct side effect. Experts and medical resources like MedlinePlus generally agree that hydroxyzine is not known to directly cause weight gain.
However, it’s essential to consider the indirect effects of hydroxyzine, such as increased appetite and sedation, which might play a role in weight changes for some individuals.
Indirect Effects of Hydroxyzine on Weight
While hydroxyzine may not directly cause weight gain, its side effects can indirectly influence weight. These include:
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- Increased Appetite: Antihistamines like hydroxyzine may increase appetite in some individuals.
- Sedation and Reduced Activity: Sedation and sleepiness are common side effects of hydroxyzine. These can lead to reduced physical activity levels, potentially impacting weight.
- Changes in Eating Patterns: Hydroxyzine's role in managing anxiety disorders could indirectly affect eating patterns. It may help curb stress-induced unhealthy eating by tempering anxiety.
Linda Khoshaba, NMD, a naturopathic endocrinologist, notes that hydroxyzine could affect weight by influencing neurotransmitter pathways involved in appetite regulation. These combined effects could lead to changes in dietary habits and physical activity levels, indirectly impacting your weight.
Mixed Clinical Results
Clinical practice shows mixed results regarding weight changes in patients taking hydroxyzine. Some patients may gain weight due to increased appetite or reduced activity levels caused by the medication’s sedative effects. However, not all patients experience significant weight gain.
Paul Daidone, MD, a healthcare provider and Medical Director at True Self Recovery, emphasizes that not all patients taking hydroxyzine experience significant weight gain.
Hydroxyzine and Weight Loss
Hydroxyzine does not directly cause weight loss. However, its role in managing anxiety disorders could indirectly affect eating patterns, potentially supporting weight management. For example, some people eat more or eat less healthy food when dealing with anxiety, a phenomenon known as stress eating. By alleviating anxiety, hydroxyzine may help curb stress-induced unhealthy eating.
Khoshaba explains that chronic stress and inflammation are associated with changes in appetite, metabolism, and weight regulation. By alleviating these conditions, hydroxyzine may contribute to weight stability or even weight loss in some individuals.
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Monitoring and Management
Patients taking hydroxyzine on a routine basis should be monitored for significant weight changes or any signs that hydroxyzine use may be causing behavioral changes that could lead to weight gain or loss. Daidone recommends regular weigh-ins and discussions about diet, exercise, and overall health.
Lifestyle Choices
Lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, and daily routines play critical roles in weight management. Engaging in physical activity can counterbalance any potential weight gain caused by hydroxyzine.
Regular Monitoring
Regularly monitoring weight and considering maintaining a journal to track any significant changes is advisable.
Consulting Healthcare Providers
Consulting with healthcare providers is essential for managing side effects effectively. Individuals should discuss any concerns regarding weight gain with their doctor or mental health professional. It’s also helpful to address any specific dietary or lifestyle modifications that could mitigate these side effects.
By working closely with a healthcare provider, individuals can create a comprehensive plan that takes into account the effects of hydroxyzine, including its potential to stimulate appetite and contribute to weight gain.
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Other Considerations
Potential Side Effects
The side effects of hydroxyzine may impact weight management efforts. These serious side effects can be signs of a health condition called long QT syndrome. Heart rhythm problems such as this can be life-threatening when untreated.
Additionally, individuals with metabolic conditions should be careful using hydroxyzine. Khoshaba notes that antihistamines can sometimes affect blood sugar levels and thyroid function.
Drug Interactions
Always inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist about all over-the-counter and prescription medications you are taking, including vitamins or supplements, before starting a new medication to avoid drug interactions.
Special Populations
Individuals over 65 may experience stronger reactions to hydroxyzine and might require a smaller dose to prevent adverse effects.
Storage Instructions
Hydroxyzine should be stored in the original container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. It should be kept at room temperature, away from light, heat, and moisture, which means it should not be stored in the bathroom.
Dosage and Administration
Patients are typically advised to take hydroxyzine orally with a full glass of water. The medication should be measured carefully using a spoon or dropper to ensure accurate dosing. Hydroxyzine can be taken with or without food but should be administered at regular intervals to avoid the risk of overdose. Dosage varies based on individual needs, especially for elderly patients.
It’s essential to note that hydroxyzine is typically not recommended for long-term use. It is always best to consult a healthcare provider to tailor the dosage for individual circumstances and to regularly report any worsening of symptoms.
Precautions and Warnings
- Pregnancy: Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant. Do not use this medicine during the early part of a pregnancy unless your doctor tells you to.
- Dizziness and Drowsiness: This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Interaction with CNS Depressants: This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert).
- Heart Rhythm Problems: Contact your doctor right away if you have any changes to your heart rhythm. You might feel dizzy or faint, or you might have a fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
- Skin Conditions: This medicine may cause a serious skin condition called acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). Tell your doctor if you have a fever, skin rash, or worsening of skin problems after using this medicine.