Hydroxyzine and Dizziness: What Users Say

• Sle...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 25, 2020

Hydroxyzine for Anxiety "The short version of my review: I love this medication. I was prescribed Atarax at 35 weeks pregnant for insomnia and panic attacks/GAD. I was having crazy nightmares before I started taking it as well. The first few times I took it, it made me very tired but eventually that stopped happening - it makes it easy for me to fall asleep but not overly tired, and I’m not groggy in the morning. I have had to take it during the day for extreme anxiety or panic attacks and sometimes it slows me down a little but nothing crazy. I’m in recovery from drug addiction, so narcotic anxiety meds were not an option for me. I am so thankful I found this medication because it really helps me but doesn’t really give me any side effects. The one thing that I don’t like is that it makes me dizzy if I take it on an empty stomach, but usually I’ll just take it with a granola bar or yogurt and that’s enough to keep the dizziness at bay."

• meg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2020

Hydroxyzine for Anxiety "For me, Atarax works for anxiety! I've taken half a pill as needed for anxiety. I have GAD with panic attacks, and it calms me down. I will say though, on an empty stomach, it does make me dizzy. Overall really good med!"

• Yik...
• July 3, 2021

For Sedation "My psychiatrist prescribed me 25 mg of hydroxyzine every night before bed to help with my insomnia. I took it one time about a month ago and woke up feeling tired and sick. I took a nap about an hour after waking up and felt bad the whole day. I took one again last night at about 11 pm. I didn't start to feel drowsy until about 2 am, but when I did, it hit me like a truck. I slept through the night until about noon. I forced myself to get up but could barely move because of how tired my body felt. Right now, I feel dizzy with blurred vision, it's slightly hard to breathe (feels like there's a weight on my chest), and I'm still exhausted to the point that I can't function properly. Only 25mg and I'm rendered useless for about 12-15 hours and feel like garbage the rest of the day. I also have severe anxiety, and this medication makes it go through the roof because I'm not in control of my body to the point that I can't move or see properly."

• Sam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 20, 2019

Hydroxyzine for Anxiety "I have been taking 50mg of Vistaril every 4 hours for about one week. It was prescribed to me for anxiety. It has worked well and allowed me to function without panic attacks and calms me and keeps me out of fight or flight mode. Life has just been easier entirely. I have had some mild to moderate side effects, specifically a few headaches, impaired coordination, and occasional dizziness. I personally would take that over the mind-crushing anxiety. I would recommend avoiding operating a vehicle until you're comfortable with the medication and keep your water intake up."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 5, 2020

Hydroxyzine for Anxiety "Was prescribed 10mg Atarax tablets with directions to take 1-2 every 6 hours as needed for anxiety and panic attacks. Taking 1 pill did nothing, so I took 2 the next time I felt anxiety creeping in. It made me very tired and dizzy, then sent me into a panic attack. I am better off not taking this medication when I feel anxiety coming on because it usually does not develop into a panic attack, let alone as worse as this one got."

• Rea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 28, 2020

For Anxiety "I have been suffering from severe anxiety attacks since last February, I believe caused by my stressful job as the line cashier in a very busy retail/discount store. Dizziness followed by projectile vomiting for several hours. At first, I thought this medication was working, but now I think it makes me even more dizzy and anxious. I have also not been able to lose the 10 lbs I have been trying to lose, although I reduced my calories down to 1350/day and exercised daily. This is my fifth day not taking the Visteril at all, and I am much more clear-headed. Anxiety is such an awful thing to have. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. I ended up quitting said job and have now been off work for two months. I am close to retirement anyway and just trying to take care of myself, especially my mental health."

• Kar...
• August 25, 2019

For Anxiety "My MD prescribed hydroxyzine for anxiety. I got night sweats, dizziness, headaches... and more. I was taking it for 2 months. It made my anxiety worse, so I stopped it totally. Be careful with this med, try not to take it. I am feeling really good now and spent time going out to social worlds again. I wish everyone the best. You are stronger than you think."

• am4...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 8, 2014

For Anxiety "This little pill is amazing. It is one of the safest and most effective anti-anxiety medications I've ever been on. Pros: - Very effective - Works quickly - Safe - Doesn't make you drowsy - Can be taken as needed; not addictive and no withdrawals - Doesn't impair cognitive function - Also helps with allergies! Cons: - Primary side effects were dizziness and weight gain Notes: - I've found from personal experience that if I take it before bed, I'm more likely to have nightmares - Do not quickly get up: slowly stand up; else you'll get extremely dizzy and might even fall over. - Do not take with other antihistamines: always check with your doctor or a pharmacist before taking allergy medicine. Would I recommend? Definitely!!"

• Cyc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 12, 2015

Hydroxyzine for Anxiety "I was prescribed Vistaril because I was having high anxiety and blood pressure spikes. For the most part, it works pretty well for me. If I'm having a really bad day with my anxiety and blood pressure, I take more than the recommended dose. I've had no serious side effects on it, just occasional dizziness and it makes me sleepy when I take it before bed, but not so much during the day."

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 14, 2015

Hydroxyzine for Anxiety "Take the smallest dose possible! I took 50 mg of this and spent an entire day on the couch feeling dizzy and tired and completely wiped out. It was only until a family member commented on how my anxiety seemed to be better that I realized it was true. I asked my Dr for the smallest dose, 5 mg. It is enough to calm my anxiety and help me sleep without feeling uselessly tired."

• Rob...
• December 23, 2019

For Anxiety "I have had a great experience so far. Hydroxyzine is doing wonders for my anxiety, and I can definitely tell it's working as I feel much calmer in situations that used to trigger my anxiety. I feel like my old self again. I sleep very well, but I do wake up a few times a night (which I also did while not on the medication). The difference is when I wake up in the middle of the night, I feel well rested from a deeper sleep, and my anxiety is still suppressed. I have not had any negative side effects like dizziness or blurred vision, but I rarely have any side effects with medication."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2015

For Anxiety "Got off of benzos using a Librium detox, and after about a week, was having such bad withdrawal I couldn't take it anymore. On top of all the physical stuff, I felt like I was in a constant state of full-blown panic. My doctor suggested I try this, and it's been a lifesaver. Does it stop anxiety like a benzo? No. Does it take the edge off? Most definitely. I take 50 mg 2 to 4 times a day. It doesn't make me sleepy, but it does make me a little dizzy. I have to wait about an hour after I take it to see if it's going to make me dizzy or not. When you first start taking it, give yourself some time to see how you will react. The impact lessens the longer you take it."

• mel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2018

Hydroxyzine for Anxiety "Vistaril is nothing but a glorified antihistamine. It did nothing for my anxiety but made me feel... um... uncomfortably high, I guess? I was avoiding having to take this (the bottle was sitting in the cabinet) and decided I needed to try one. Well, it didn't do anything. I feel dizzy, drunk, and I feel like I am suffering from insane depersonalization. I want to get this out of my system now."

• gaz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2016

Hydroxyzine for Sedation "Atarax did its job and gave me some sleep after taking just one very small pill, but the after effects were truly horrendous. I have used this drug twice and had the same after effects both times. Once you wake up, you are left with so much dizziness that you can't get your head off the pillow, so don't expect to be doing anything at all for many hours after you wake up. Maybe other people can use this drug and have no side effects, but I will never ever use this drug again."

• jel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 10, 2016

For Anxiety "I asked for this medication on advice from a person who said it worked great. I have Xanax for anxiety from perimenopause and didn't want to rely on a benzo when things get really bad. I only take Xanax very rarely but thought if there was something non-addictive that would help, that would be great. I regret taking the first 10 mg pill. I felt like I was having my heart racing in my sleep after taking the pill at bedtime. I woke groggy and out of it. It is now the next day, and I am a walking zombie with anxiety and dizziness. I feel like I can't function, and when I tried to nap, I could feel my heart racing again. I feel so out of it and just found out that this will not leave my system for up to 40 hours. I feel disconnected and blah."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 21, 2022

For Sedation "Terrible drug. I've tried up to 30 mg, and every time I feel so dizzy. Makes my anxiety shoot entirely through the roof and causes even more anxiety to the point where I have severe, uncontrollable breakdowns and mood swings, as well as suicidal thoughts due to days without sleep. The dizziness and continued lack of sleep have caused me to toss the pills and almost lose faith in doctors. What a terrible, terrible drug; I would almost rather die than take it again (as that is what I felt like on it trying to sleep; then couldn’t sleep for days after). Doctors should not be allowed to give this stuff out."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 12, 2017

For Anxiety "It does relieve anxiety associated with severe panic. I have GAD (generalized anxiety disorder), and under duress, I suffer from heart palpitations, dizziness, dermatitis, and nausea. The hydroxyzine pamoate does relieve the nausea and heart palpitations quickly, but it can cause dizziness at times, especially when mixed with caffeine or alcohol, which is not recommended."

• Dix...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 7, 2015

Hydroxyzine for Sedation "I have chronic insomnia, my doctor had me on 2 mg of Xanax, which worked great. When I switched doctors, they wouldn't write prescriptions for Xanax. Put me on Restoril, didn't work. Now I've been on 50 mg Vistaril for several nights. It helps me sleep pretty well, but during the day I feel so out of it. I am so dizzy and lightheaded, even when I'm sitting, I feel like I'm going to pass out! If this keeps up, I don't think I'll be able to continue this medication."

• Bus...
• August 25, 2019

For Sedation "I was prescribed this, and it knocked me out. I’m underweight, so it might have had a stronger toll on me. Anyways, it made me feel good, maybe because I’m a recovering drug addict. Anyway, the first day I slept forever and had vivid dreams, but found myself so dizzy and lightheaded at work (I’m a waitress, so always moving). On day two, I couldn’t even get up and felt like I was loaded, I was so tired. Even more dizzy at work, so I drank water and that helped. I’d just stay hydrated. It’s not for me because I felt like I was going to pass out. The sedative factor worked really well. Still feeling groggy too."

• jra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2014

For Anxiety "I was given this pill to help with anxiety and insomnia at school. I was given 50 mg, and I took it, and it completely knocked me out. It works great for helping me sleep, but waking up, I was dizzy and had minor blurred vision, but that went away after about an hour."

• Klo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 3, 2015

For Anxiety "Very underrated medication. I find it to be very helpful with other medications. I do agree that it's not potent enough to treat severe anxiety, but it's very good for mild anxiety. I'm on Methadone (opiate) and Clonazepam (benzodiazepine), and Hydroxyzine makes both of those potent meds I take work a lot better. It takes away the nausea and dizziness from my Methadone, takes away the negative side effects, and adds to the positive. Same situation with my Clonazepam. Hydroxyzine is an excellent medication."

• CCa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2019

For Anxiety "This is one of the most terrifying drug reactions I have EVER experienced! My Dr. prescribed hydroxyzine to me almost 2 weeks ago, thinking it would help me with severe anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. Needless to say, this drug did the exact opposite. I wake up sweating, have horrifying dreams, severe dizziness, confusion, and severe nausea. Not tired, but VERY groggy. I haven't been able to go to my classes, the side effects from this drug are unbearable! My chest is tight, I can't catch my breath! My head is spinning uncontrollably! I can't think. I can't get the correct words out to have a conversation! 3-6 migraines a day. I haven't been able to drive, go to work, or school for the last 2 weeks! Been fighting for air in my sleep... wake up feeling like I'm being suffocated! Oh! This made my life 100 times worse than before! Oh! I almost forgot... as I'm writing this review, I'm laying in a hospital bed because of this medication! Please be careful when taking this med!"

• CCa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2019

For Anxiety "This is one of the most terrifying drug reactions I have EVER experienced! My Dr. prescribed hydroxyzine to me almost 2 weeks ago, thinking it would help me with severe anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. Needless to say, this drug did the exact opposite. I wake up sweating, have horrifying dreams, severe dizziness, confusion, and severe nausea. Not tired, but VERY groggy. I haven't been able to go to my classes, the side effects from this drug are unbearable! My chest is tight, I can't catch my breath! My head is spinning uncontrollably! I can't think. I can't get the correct words out to have a conversation! 3-6 migraines a day. I haven't been able to drive, go to work, or school for the last 2 weeks! Been fighting for air in my sleep... wake up feeling like I'm being suffocated! Oh! This made my life 100 times worse than before! Oh! I almost forgot... as I'm writing this review, I'm laying in a hospital bed because of this medication! Please be careful when taking this med!"

• Esb...
• October 3, 2016

Hydroxyzine for Anxiety "Don't take this drug! It caused me to have horrendously bad dreams. They were terrifying. My anxiety has worsened by 100 percent. I'm fearful of going to sleep. I've not slept more than three hours a night for two weeks. Another side effect I experienced was hair loss and vertigo. Thanks to my 'doctor,' I have regular episodes of vertigo, which I had never experienced in my life. Stay away from this drug!"

• Del...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 10, 2019

For Sedation "Hydroxyzine works well initially on high dosage (50 mg a couple of times a day). Nightmares, food cravings, midnight as well, and unsteadiness during most of the day are not welcome side effects, but alprazolam, etc., are off the table. At least this allows me to rest and not end up shaking from head to toe, though mostly extremities."