Hydroxyzine HCl is a prescription medication used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety or tension in affected patients. This medication is part of a class of drugs called antihistamines and works by inducing muscle relaxation. Physicians may also use hydroxyzine HCl to treat skin-related symptoms of an allergic reaction or may be given to patients prior to receipt of general anesthesia. The side effects of hydroxyzine HCl are limited but patients should discuss them with a doctor or pharmacist if they occur.
Drowsiness
The most common side effect associated with hydroxyzine HCl treatment is drowsiness, explains PDRHealth, a medical information website established by the publisher's of the Physicians' Desktop Reference. Side effects of drowsiness can cause patients to sleep for longer periods of time than usual and may affect a patient's ability to remain alert and focused while at work or school. These side effects of hydroxyzine HCl typically prove temporary and will subside within a few days following the onset of treatment. If side effects of drowsiness persist, affected patients should contact a doctor. In certain cases, a patient's doctor may recommend decreasing the amount of hydroxyzine HCl taken each day in an effort to limit the severity of drowsiness side effects.
Dry Mouth
Patients taking hydroxyzine HCl can experience dry mouth as a side effect of treatment, explains Daily Med, a drug information website supported by the National Institutes of Health. Affected patients may develop a dry, sticky sensation within the mouth, which may occur in conjunction with a sore throat. Certain patients can also experience increased thirst due to dry mouth side effects.
Tremors or Twitching
Rarely, patients taking hydroxyzine HCl can develop unusual body tremors or twitches as a side effect of treatment, warns Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed drug information website. Involuntary muscle or body convulsions can become uncomfortable and may affect a patient's ability to move about normally. Patients who take unusually high doses of this medication present an increased risk of experiencing body tremors or convulsions. These side effects of hydroxyzine HCl typically prove temporary and progressively subside with recurrent use of this medication. If these side effects persist or become worse during treatment, affected patients should contact a physician as soon as possible.
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