Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Hydroxyzine?
Combining medications with alcohol is a common yet potentially dangerous practice that can lead to serious health risks. One such medication is hydroxyzine, a prescription antihistamine often used to treat anxiety, nausea, and allergic reactions. While it may seem harmless to enjoy a drink while taking this drug, mixing hydroxyzine and alcohol can be particularly risky. Hydroxyzine has sedative properties that can interact negatively with alcohol, amplifying side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, and impaired coordination.
For individuals struggling to limit their alcohol use despite medical risks, professional support can be crucial. Facilities like WhiteSands Treatment Center offer comprehensive care for those dealing with alcohol addiction, helping them reclaim control of their health and well-being.
What Is Hydroxyzine?
Hydroxyzine is a prescription medication classified as a first-generation antihistamine. It is commonly used to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, allergic reactions, nausea, and insomnia. Unlike second-generation antihistamines, which are typically non-drowsy, hydroxyzine crosses the blood-brain barrier, producing sedative effects. This makes it effective for calming the central nervous system (CNS), which is why it is often prescribed for short-term anxiety or as a premedication before surgery.
Hydroxyzine comes in two forms: hydroxyzine hydrochloride (often used for anxiety and nausea) and hydroxyzine pamoate (commonly used for anxiety and sleep). It works by blocking histamine receptors in the body, reducing allergy symptoms such as itching or hives. In the brain, it affects neurotransmitters that help regulate mood and alertness, contributing to its calming and sedative effects.
Although hydroxyzine is not a controlled substance and is considered non-addictive, it can still cause side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, and headache. Because of its sedating nature, it is often chosen as an alternative to benzodiazepines for managing anxiety, especially in individuals who may be at risk for substance misuse.
It is crucial to use hydroxyzine only as prescribed and avoid combining it with other substances that depress the central nervous system, since doing so can increase the risk of serious side effects such as excessive sedation, confusion, or even respiratory distress.
Can You Drink Alcohol With Hydroxyzine?
Drinking alcohol while taking hydroxyzine is strongly discouraged due to the increased risk of dangerous side effects. Hydroxyzine is a sedating antihistamine that affects the central nervous system, often used to reduce anxiety, promote sleep, or relieve itching and nausea. Alcohol is also a CNS depressant, and when combined with hydroxyzine, the effects of both substances are amplified.
Potential risks of combining hydroxyzine and alcohol include:
- Excessive drowsiness or fatigue
- Dizziness and loss of coordination
- Confusion or mental fog
- Slowed breathing or respiratory depression
- Increased risk of accidents or falls
- Reduced effectiveness of hydroxyzine
- Potential loss of consciousness in severe cases
This combination not only increases the risk of immediate physical harm but can also interfere with the therapeutic benefits of hydroxyzine. For example, if the drug is prescribed to manage anxiety or insomnia, alcohol may worsen these symptoms rather than relieve them.
For individuals struggling to control their alcohol use, especially while taking medications, seeking professional help is an important step. Florida substance abuse centers like WhiteSands Treatment offer personalized programs that address both addiction and co-occurring mental health issues, helping people regain control of their health.
How Long Should You Wait After Taking Hydroxyzine to Drink Alcohol?
Combining hydroxyzine and alcohol can dangerously amplify side effects like excessive drowsiness, dizziness, poor coordination, and slowed breathing. Because of this, it’s important to time your alcohol consumption carefully after taking hydroxyzine.
In general, you should wait at least 24 hours after taking a dose of hydroxyzine before drinking alcohol. This allows the drug’s sedative effects to diminish and reduces the risk of harmful interactions. Hydroxyzine has a half-life of about 20–25 hours, which means it takes several days to be fully eliminated from your body. However, most of its effects wear off after the first 24 hours.
If you’re taking hydroxyzine regularly or in higher doses, it’s best to wait 48 to 72 hours before consuming alcohol to ensure safety.
Key Points:
- Wait at least 24 hours after a single dose before drinking alcohol.
- Wait 48 to 72 hours if taking hydroxyzine regularly or in high doses.
- Avoid combining alcohol and hydroxyzine, as both are CNS depressants.
- Side effects of mixing include drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and respiratory depression.
- Risk factors include age, weight, liver function, and use of other medications.
- Always consult your healthcare provider before mixing medications with alcohol.
When in doubt, err on the side of caution and avoid alcohol until hydroxyzine is entirely out of your system.
How Can You Safely Manage Anxiety Without Alcohol?
Managing anxiety in a healthy way is essential for long-term emotional well-being. While alcohol may seem like a quick fix for stress or anxious feelings, it often worsens anxiety over time and can lead to dependence. Fortunately, there are many safer and more effective strategies for managing anxiety without turning to alcohol.
Healthy alternatives to alcohol for anxiety management include:
- Therapy – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety. It helps individuals identify and reframe negative thought patterns that fuel anxious feelings.
- Medication – Non-addictive medications like hydroxyzine, SSRIs (e.g., sertraline or fluoxetine), or buspirone can be prescribed by a doctor to help manage anxiety symptoms safely.
- Exercise – Physical activity helps reduce stress hormones and boosts mood-enhancing chemicals like endorphins and serotonin.
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques – Meditation, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga can help calm the mind and body.
- Healthy lifestyle habits – Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and limiting caffeine can all help stabilize mood and reduce anxiety.
- Support systems – Talking with friends and family or joining a support group can reduce feelings of isolation and provide encouragement.
For those who find it difficult to manage anxiety without alcohol, professional help is available. Programs during prescription drug treatment in Florida, like those at WhiteSands Treatment, offer integrated care that addresses both anxiety and substance use, providing a supportive path toward lasting recovery and mental wellness.
Learn More About Hydroxyzine and Alcohol and Get Help for Addiction at WhiteSands Treatment
Understanding the risks of combining hydroxyzine and alcohol is vital for protecting your health and managing anxiety effectively. While hydroxyzine can be a helpful tool for short-term relief of anxiety and allergic symptoms, mixing it with alcohol can lead to dangerous side effects and interfere with recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling to stop drinking while taking medications like hydroxyzine, it may be time to seek professional support.
WhiteSands Treatment offers comprehensive, individualized care for people facing alcohol addiction and co-occurring mental health challenges. Our programs include medical detox, therapy, and ongoing support designed to help clients build healthier coping strategies and regain control of their lives. Taking the first step toward help can make all the difference—learn more today by calling 877-855-3470 and start your journey toward lasting recovery.
External Sources
- MedlinePlus – Hydroxyzine
- GoodRx – Can You Drink Alcohol With Hydroxyzine?
- Drugs.com – Hydroxyzine and Alcohol/Food Interactions
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
