Hydroxyzine comes as capsules, tablets, a syrup, and suspension to take by mouth. It usually is taken three or four times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) is an antihistamine drug used to treat allergic reactions, anxiety, tension, nausea, vomiting, and alcohol withdrawal. Common side effects are tiredness, dizziness, sleepiness, and sedation. Drug interactions, dosage, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information are provided. How to use Hydroxyzine Pamoate. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually three or four times daily. The dosage is based on your age, medical condition. For Sedation: I tried this for sleep as my dr said it is used often to help people sleep. I will say it makes you tired. Exhausted actually but 2 hours later I wake up with like almost panic attack symptoms and I have to take a benzodiazepine to combat them. Do not take Atarax. if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to hydroxyzine hydrochloride, cetirizine, other piperazine derivatives, aminophylline or ethylenediamine, or any of the ingredients of Atarax (see Section 6 Further information) Helpful answers from trusted Doctors on causes, diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, and more: Dr. Zacharisen delves into whether or not you should take Allegra and Zyrtec together for symptom relief. Doctors give trusted answers on uses, effects, side-effects, and cautions: Dr. Chiu on can i take claritin and singulair together: Taking Loratadine in the morning and Diphenhydramine at night will help you avoid the drowsiness side effects of Diphenhydramine and help you if the Loratadine is not controlling your symptoms for the full 24 hours. Reviews and ratings for hydroxyzine when used in the treatment of anxiety. 560 reviews submitted. How does this medication work? What will it do for me? Hydroxyzine belongs to the class of medications called antihistamines. It is used to relieve itching and other symptoms caused by allergic conditions. Taking hydroxyzine has advantages over other sedative treatments, such as alprazolam, for some patients. Unlike alprazolam, hydroxyzine is not habit-forming, and very few patients build up a tolerance to it.