Patient/caregiver was educated on side effects of using Hydroxyzine as follows:
Cardiovascular side-effects
- Hydroxyzine carries the risk of lowering the blood pressure. Hypotension, secondary to hydroxyzine intake, can lead to episodes of confusion and dizziness, thus increasing the risk for fall and accidents.
- Hydroxyzine also may aggravate some underlying cardiac arrhythmias leading to severe debility and death. Individuals can present with signs and symptoms of cardiac arrhythmias, such as, episodes of chest pain, rapid heart rate, palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Respiratory side-effects
- Hydroxyzine use can result in dry up the mucus in the respiratory passages and consequently, makes it difficult to cough it up and clear the passages of the mucus. Individuals with breathing problems such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis can have increased mucus secretion and accumulation in the respiratory passages, secondary to hydroxyzine use. Accumulated secretions can contribute to exacerbation of shortness of breath and increased risk for multiple chest infections.
Central nervous system side-effects
- Hydroxyzine can induce some dizziness and make one drowsy. Starting the medication at a low dose, watching for the response, and gradually changing the dose, to help optimum control of your symptoms, can contribute to controlling/reducing the risk for drowsiness and dizziness due to the medication. Stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until you are used to the side effects caused by hydroxyzine intake. If the dizziness becomes bothersome, report it to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered.
- Hydroxyzine has potential to reduce the seizure threshold and cause or aggravate seizure episodes, especially in individuals with seizure history. Discuss with your physician regarding your status on seizures, if any, and your safety with using hydroxyzine.
- Hydroxyzine use can also result in sleep disturbance with hallucinations, poor quality sleep, restlessness, and compromised memory.
- Hydroxyzine use carries risk of deterioration of mood disorders and worsening of clinical symptoms of mood disorders. Individuals can present with complaints such as, feeling low and depressed, anxiety, impulsiveness, agitation, and aggression.
