Rehab Investigates Mixing Alcohol and Hydroxyzine

New Port Richey, FL – Clean Recovery Centers is a local, Gulf Coast rehab that recently released a blog investigating what happens when mixing alcohol and hydroxyzine. As a leading provider of addiction treatment, they have helped hundreds to get clean, live clean, and stay clean.

“Hydroxyzine is a common antihistamine used to treat allergic conditions, primarily affecting the skin. It can also be used to treat anxiety or as a sedative before a surgical procedure. It comes in a syrup, capsule, or tablet form to be taken by mouth. Depending on the dose and the reason for taking it, hydroxyzine can be taken up to three or four times per day.

Hydroxyzine can cause side effects on both the brain and body. Constipation, nausea, headaches, dry mouth, and fast heartbeat are common side effects. Not every person will react to hydroxyzine the same way, and any adverse side effects such as itching, increased anxiety, and hallucinations should be consulted with a doctor,” the blog reads.

Different outcomes can happen when mixing alcohol and hydroxyzine and depend on different factors. Side effects of consuming alcohol include relaxation, lowered inhibitions, drowsiness, poor coordination, confusion, and impaired speech. Side effects of taking hydroxyzine include headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, and nausea. The effects of hydroxyzine tend to wear off quickly, but when mixed with alcohol, dizziness and drowsiness increase. This can result in poor coordination and loss of consciousness.

In rare cases, alcohol and hydroxyzine together can cause a state of oversedation. This results in loss of consciousness and breathing can stop. When this happens, a life-threatening emergency is happening and requires medical attention. Other serious side effects include seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, and excessive, persistent vomiting. Hallucinations and distorted thinking can also occur. This is why it is firmly recommended to stay away from alcohol while taking hydroxyzine. It does not matter if the alcohol by volume (ABV) of the drink is as low as 5 or 6%, an interaction can still happen.

“Hydroxyzine is not a controlled substance and has been shown to be a low risk for dependence. However, a person can build a tolerance to hydroxyzine and require higher doses to have the same effects. It is not often used long-term and medical professionals may choose to have the person switch to a different medication later on.

Alcohol does carry the risk of developing dependence. Similar to hydroxyzine, those who drink alcohol frequently develop a tolerance. This means they will need more alcohol to feel the same effects as when they first began drinking. However, as tolerance increases and the person drinks more, dependence will develop. Alcohol dependence is characterized by experiencing withdrawal symptoms between drinking sessions, frequent thoughts and stresses about when the next drink will be, and alcohol interfering with relationships and job performance. Withdrawal symptoms can be unpleasant and even potentially dangerous, especially when stopping drinking right away. It is always best to seek medical help for alcohol dependence when stopping drinking,” the blog continues.

Both hydroxyzine and alcohol overdoses cause loss of consciousness and trouble breathing. When the two are mixed, an overdose can occur at a much faster rate. Vomiting, slow breathing, and irregular heart rate can all cause breathing to cease, resulting in life-threatening complications. When oxygen is not reaching vital organs, damage occurs that can cause permanent problems or be fatal. An overdose should always result in medical intervention. If you suspect an alcohol and/or hydroxyzine overdose, get the person medical help as soon as possible.

Clean Recovery Centers provides mental health and substance use disorder treatment through their unique, three-phase approach. They offer housing at each location and at every phase of care. Wellness programming is also available and includes brain mapping, chiropractic care, nutritional counseling, and more.

To learn more about Clean Recovery Centers, call (888) 330-2532 or visit their website.