Hydroxyzine vs Doxylamine and Diphenhydramine

[Aetherius Rimor]

I've seen Hydroxyzine a few time so far, and I'm curious how it differs from the other two "sedating" anti-histamines?

Doxylamine has always seem to be considered the OTC sleep aid, since it has less negatives compared to using Diphenhydramine.

How does Hydroxyzine compare to the two, and for what reason is it a prescription only medication... usually for anxiety as well as sleep aid (especially when doctors don't want to prescribe benzos).

 

[debaser]

Hydroxyzine is the queen of anti-histamines. But I think it's prescription only because doctors don't want to see anxiety patients eat tons of the stuff to relieve their anxiety. Yes, I had to eat tons of the stuff because compared to benzos it sucks.

 

[effie]

^ hydroxyzine is my favourite too

As well as being an antihistamine it has serotonergic activity (definitely at 5HT-2A and maybe 5HT-2C) and a degree of adrenergic antagonism, which may be why it is so good for anxiety. This more complicated mode of action, plus it's use in anxiety (doctors don't like patients being able to get hold of anti-anxiety meds themselves as Lou says!) is probably why it is prescription-only..

It also has one of the lowest levels of anticholinergic activity out of all the 1st gen antihistamines so you are less likely to get unpleasant anticholinergic side effects.

 

[Aetherius Rimor]

As well as being an antihistamine it has serotonergic activity (definitely at 5HT-2A and maybe 5HT-2C) and a degree of adrenergic antagonism, which may be why it is so good for anxiety.

Antagonism of 5HT2a and c? If it were an agonist of those...... ;

It also has one of the lowest levels of anticholinergic activity out of all the 1st gen antihistamines so you are less likely to get unpleasant anticholinergic side effects.

Ahhhh, good to know.

 

[effie]

Yeah antagonism sorry that wasn't very clear!

 

[Aetherius Rimor]

One of the things I like to do when tripping is keep a benzo or benadryl on standby just in case things get intense. Thankfully never needed such so far, but always good to be prepared.

Does Hydroxyzine have any known negative reactions with other substances, that would make it unwise to use it for such a purpose?

 

[effie]

Not as far as I know - in fact it could be used to stop a trip on something like acid due to it's 5HT-2 antagonism. I can't think of any potential issues but that's not to say there aren't any - less worry about inducing delirium at high doses but I'd still not take too much..

Sometimes it's enough just to know you have a benzo or something on hand

 

[Aetherius Rimor]

Thanks for your assistance!

And definitely. I consider it part of a good setting to have it available!

 

[pally pete]

Hydoxyzine is the worst most overrated Anti-Histamine ive ever had the misfortune of tryingn(Twice)

It was useless for sedation or anxiety at any dose, it done noting in a mecically controlled setting and don nothing be made me feek very unwell when i took above medical guideline doses.

IME - AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE

 

[debaser]

^ I tend to agree. I find promethazine to be better, tbh.

 

[effie]

I prefer hydroxyzine although promethazine is a close second.. YMMV it seems

 

[pally pete]

Diphenhydramine or Promethazine 25mg - 50mg both available OTC