Withdrawal Symptoms and Information on Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) Cessation

Hydroxyzine, branded as Vistaril, is a medication commonly prescribed for anxiety, allergies, nausea, and sleep disorders. A common form both for prescriptions and generics is hydroxyzine pamoate. Unlike some medications, it does not create habit-forming tendencies or traditional withdrawal symptoms after stopping its use. However, some individuals may experience a reappearance of their original symptoms or undesirable side effects once they cease taking it.

People may choose to reduce or discontinue their medication due to various reasons, such as a switch to another drug, discovering the current treatment is ineffective, encountering Hydroxyzine side effects, or preferring non-prescription treatments. Regardless of the motive, consulting a healthcare provider before discontinuing any drug, such as Vistaril or hydroxyzine, is crucial to minimize the potential for adverse withdrawal symptoms. A planned withdrawal process will help mitigate these symptoms.

Reducing a Hydroxyzine dosage abruptly may cause withdrawal-like symptoms, although this is less common compared to other drugs. Communicate with your physician to discuss a dosage taper, ensuring a smooth withdrawal process and exploration of alternative medications to better treat your condition.

If you are considering stopping your Hydroxyzine prescription, it is important to be aware of potential withdrawal symptoms. While mild for most people, these symptoms can still create troublesome physical and emotional reactions.

Physical symptoms of Hydroxyzine withdrawal may include:- Dizziness- Headache- Nausea- Vomiting- Tremors- Sweating- Insomnia- Fatigue

Emotional symptoms of Hydroxyzine withdrawal might present as:- Anxiety- Nervousness- Irritability- Restlessness- Mood swings

Severe symptoms of Hydroxyzine withdrawal are rare but can occur and include:- Depression- Intense anxiety- Panic attacks- Flu-like symptoms

In extremely rare cases, there is a possibility of developing delusional infestation (DI), a psychocutaneous condition that causes one to falsely believe they are infested with a parasite or insect. However, DI generally only develops after a long-term use of Hydroxyzine.

If you experience any of the listed symptoms as you taper off Hydroxyzine, promptly consult your healthcare provider. It is essential to follow a carefully planned withdrawal schedule to minimize the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms.

The duration of Hydroxyzine withdrawal symptoms varies based on factors such as dosage, length of usage, individual differences, and concurrent medications. These factors help determine the length of time it takes for the body to adjust. On average, symptoms may last from a few days to around a week, although no absolute timeline can be guaranteed.

When managing Hydroxyzine withdrawal symptoms, it is crucial to:

Taper the dosage gradually, allowing your body to adjust gradually to each new, reduced level and minimizing withdrawal symptoms.
Monitor and manage anxiety symptoms by employing deep breathing exercises for anxiety, practicing mindfulness meditation, indulging in creative outlets like art, music, or dance, journaling for anxiety, joining a support group, or seeking professional counseling services.
Maintain a consistent sleep routine to manage any sleep disturbances, which are common side effects of Hydroxyzine withdrawal.
Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins to support your body's needs during the withdrawal process.
Engage in physical activity regularly, as research indicates it benefits adults in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms.
Explore natural calming aids and remedies such as herbal teas, essential oils, or other alternative methods to ease withdrawal symptoms.
Utilize relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, meditation, Tai Chi, or Qigong to reduce stress and anxiety during Hydroxyzine withdrawal.
Seek therapy to navigate the withdrawal process and address any underlying issues requiring treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective approach to identifying and altering harmful thought and behavior patterns.
Reach out to a licensed psychiatrist or therapist for guidance if you struggle with managing withdrawal symptoms, switching medications, or require ongoing mental health support.

Our website facilitates personalized care from mental health professionals online, providing a range of services tailored to your needs and goals. Whether you seek advice, want an alternative to Hydroxyzine, or require ongoing support, our professional network is available to help.

References:[1] Velasco R, Keller JJ. (2023) New onset delusional infestation following abrupt cessation of hydroxyzine. JAAD Case Reports, 39:51-52. doi:10.1016/j.jdcr.2023.06.042.[2] Anderson E, Shivakumar G. (2013) Effects of exercise and physical activity on anxiety. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 4. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00027.[3] our website contributors. (2025) Mental Health Wellness Articles. Retrieved January 18, 2025, from https://ourwebsiteurl.com/articles

https://ourwebsiteurl.com/conditions/anxiety/61d338fd7421780012ca1ef9/hydroxyzine-and-withdrawal

A licensed therapist can provide guidance on managing withdrawal symptoms and also explore alternative treatments for anxiety, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Mental health, science, and health-and-wellness communities often recommend mindfulness meditation, yoga, exercise, and journaling for anxiety management during Hydroxyzine withdrawal.
If you experience emotional symptoms like anxiety, depression, or mood swings after stopping Hydroxyzine, consider seeking professional help from a licensed therapist or psychiatrist.
Therapies-and-treatments like CBT, along with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and self-care practices, can help individuals suffer fewer withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing Hydroxyzine.
More research is needed to understand the long-term effects of Hydroxyzine withdrawal and the role of mental health treatments, such as CBT, in mitigating its symptoms, as these findings could significantly impact health-and-wellness recommendations for people taking the medication.