Safety of Taking 50 mg of Hydroxyzine
Yes, 50 mg of hydroxyzine is generally considered a safe and appropriate dose for adults. According to FDA labeling, this is within the standard therapeutic dosing range for treating conditions like anxiety and pruritus (itching) 1.
Dosing Guidelines
- For management of pruritus due to allergic conditions such as chronic urticaria, the recommended adult dose is 25 mg three or four times daily (75-100 mg total daily) 1
- For anxiety and tension relief, adults may take 50 to 100 mg four times daily 1
- When used as a sedative, 50 to 100 mg is the standard adult dose 1
- Addition of hydroxyzine 10-50 mg at night to a non-sedating antihistamine regimen is a common practice for patients with urticaria who need help sleeping 2
Important Considerations
Potential Side Effects
- Sedation is the most common side effect - be aware this may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery 1
- Other common side effects include drowsiness (28%), dry mouth (14%), and weight gain (12%) 3
- Sedation typically appears during the first week of treatment and often diminishes with continued use 3
Special Precautions
Drug interactions: Hydroxyzine potentiates the effects of other CNS depressants including narcotics, non-narcotic analgesics, and barbiturates 1
QT prolongation: Use with caution if you have:
- Pre-existing heart disease
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Family history of long QT syndrome
- Recent myocardial infarction or heart failure 1
Renal impairment: The dose should be halved in moderate renal impairment 2
Hepatic impairment: Hydroxyzine should be avoided in severe liver disease due to its sedating effects 2
Pregnancy: Hydroxyzine is specifically contraindicated during early pregnancy 2
Elderly patients: Lower doses are recommended due to increased risk of sedation and confusion 1
Efficacy Information
- Hydroxyzine 50 mg/day has demonstrated significant anxiolytic effects beginning in the first week of treatment 3
- In a 3-month study, hydroxyzine 50 mg/day showed efficacy comparable to bromazepam (a benzodiazepine) in treating generalized anxiety disorder 4
- For chronic pruritus, hydroxyzine significantly improves symptoms and quality of life over a 12-week period 5
Clinical Pearls
- Taking hydroxyzine at night may help with sleep while managing daytime symptoms 2
- Tolerance to the sedating effects may develop over time with continued use 3, 6
- If you're planning to undergo allergy skin testing, be aware that hydroxyzine can suppress skin test reactivity 6
- Avoid combining with other medications that prolong QT interval (certain antipsychotics, antidepressants, antibiotics) 1
Remember that while 50 mg is within the standard dosing range, medication responses vary between individuals. If you experience excessive sedation or other concerning side effects, consult your healthcare provider.