From the Guidelines
Hydroxyzine should not be taken by a 17-year-old female without proper medical supervision due to its potential for sedation, performance impairment, and anticholinergic effects, as highlighted in a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 1.
Key Considerations
- The medication can cause sedative effects, drowsiness, and performance impairment, which may be undesirable and potentially dangerous, especially in adolescents 1.
- Hydroxyzine is associated with impaired learning and school performance in children, as well as driving impairment in adults, making it essential to weigh the benefits and risks before prescribing it to a 17-year-old female 1.
- The use of first-generation antihistamines like hydroxyzine should be approached with caution, especially when considering concomitant use with other CNS-active substances, such as alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, or antidepressant medication 1.
Dosage and Administration
- If prescribed, the dosage should be based on the individual's weight, medical history, and the condition being treated, typically ranging from 25-100 mg per day divided into multiple doses, depending on the indication.
- It is crucial to inform the doctor about any other medications being taken to avoid potential drug interactions and to follow the prescribed regimen exactly as directed.
Alternative Options
- Second-generation antihistamines may be preferred over first-generation antihistamines like hydroxyzine due to their lower likelihood of adverse effects, such as sedation and performance impairment 1.
- A recent study published in The Journal of Urology found that hydroxyzine can result in clinically significant improvement compared to placebo, but with common adverse effects like short-term sedation and weakness 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Hydroxyzine Usage
- There is no direct information provided about a 17-year-old female taking hydroxyzine.
- However, several studies have investigated the efficacy and safety of hydroxyzine in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults, which may be relevant to its potential use in adolescents 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Efficacy of Hydroxyzine
- Studies have shown that hydroxyzine is effective in reducing symptoms of GAD in adults, with some studies demonstrating its superiority over placebo 2, 3, 5, 6.
- Hydroxyzine has also been compared to other anxiolytic agents, such as benzodiazepines and buspirone, and has been found to be equivalent in terms of efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability 2.
Safety and Tolerability
- The safety and tolerability of hydroxyzine have been evaluated in several studies, with common side effects including sleepiness, weight gain, dry mouth, loss of concentration, and insomnia 5, 6.
- However, these side effects are often transient and may disappear during continued treatment 6.