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Is Confusion A Side Effect Of Hydroxyzine?

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Posted on Mon, 20 Feb 2017
Question: My doctor gave me hydroxyzine for effexor-related insomnia and it worked like a charm last night. Waking up was nearly impossible though. Once I was moving around I took my morning meds (effexor and Lamictal) and soon I felt very stoned and confused, a little nervous. It lasted through a lot of the day. Can you help with this? I took Vyvanse in hopes of snapping me out of it but it didn't help.

I took 100 mgs of hydroxyzine. I could try less but that reaction with morning meds has me concerned. thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Increased serotonin out put is the possible reason for your symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for asking from HCM

I can understand your concern. Hydroxyzine is an antihistaminic drug. The drug is commonly used for anxiety and sleep issues because of its strong antihistaminic action.

The drug helped in good sleep and anxiety but taking the doses of Venlafaxine and Lamotrigine resulted in nervousness, slight confusion etc. This probably happened because of increased serotonin output. This should pass spontaneously in about a week. You have taken high dose of Hydroxyzine and this is also the reason for the drug interaction.

If possible talk to your doctor and reduce the dose to 50-75 mg and you will feel better and no morning side effects will be seen.

Thanks. Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (10 minutes later)
I am not clear. I take the Effexor and lamictal every morning without this effect. Are you saying the Hydroxyzine potentiated the serotonergic effect?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Hydroxyzine increased the serotonergic output.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking again

Yes high dose of drug along with concomitant use of Effexor probably resulted in increased serotonergic output and is the reason of side effects you are having.

High dose of hydroxyzine alone even can cause similar presentation. But in about a week you will develop tolerance to these side effects. No need to worry.

Thanks.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5192 Questions

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Is Confusion A Side Effect Of Hydroxyzine?

Brief Answer: Increased serotonin out put is the possible reason for your symptoms. Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for asking from HCM I can understand your concern. Hydroxyzine is an antihistaminic drug. The drug is commonly used for anxiety and sleep issues because of its strong antihistaminic action. The drug helped in good sleep and anxiety but taking the doses of Venlafaxine and Lamotrigine resulted in nervousness, slight confusion etc. This probably happened because of increased serotonin output. This should pass spontaneously in about a week. You have taken high dose of Hydroxyzine and this is also the reason for the drug interaction. If possible talk to your doctor and reduce the dose to 50-75 mg and you will feel better and no morning side effects will be seen. Thanks. Take care