Thinking of taking Hydroxyzine...anyone have any input...like about side effects? - Interstitial Cystitis Network Support Forum

summermuffin · 07-22-2004, 06:39 PM

Hi everyone!

I've was diagnosed with IC recently...my problems began last Nov.
I'm now taking 40mg of Elavil and Prelief for my IC. I'm also on Ovcon 35 for birth control.

I'm doing a lot better...but I still wouldn't say my quality of life has changed enough to make me happy. I still have quite a bit of frequency. Especially after I pee. At my last visit with my UroGyn...the doctor offered to put me on Elmiron. I decided to wait on that idea until my next appt..which is next month. I'm too scared to take Elmiron because of all the possible side effects like hair loss and bruisng.

However...I am interested in the Hyrdoxyzine. I seem to see people having postive reactions to it without bad side effects. In a book I have called...The Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide by Moldwin...the side effects listed was drowsiness. That I can handle...hair loss...not.

Does anyone else know of any othe side effects like acne or weight gain?
What are your experiences with it? I'm struggling with what to ask for...increasing the dose of elavil...which could increase the possible side effect of weight gain..or try this antihistimine with the dose of elavil I have now. Please...anyone's help is much appreciated.
Thanks

blue · 07-22-2004, 07:04 PM

Atarax, or Hydroxyzine, is helping me. The only side effect I have is drowsiness. So, I take it when I go to bed, problem solved!

I'm wishing you well.

theclownster · 07-22-2004, 07:06 PM

I have good results with hydroxyzine. Yes there is some grogginess, but overall I think it helps a lot. I'm accidentally missed a does before and the next day I could tell the difference. I usually try to take it about 30 minutes to an hour before bed. It also helps me sleep through the night - which is a bonus.

I hope it can work for you too!
Take Care!
Jennifer

donutgirl · 07-23-2004, 03:51 AM

I take 2 atarax at night right before bed. Good luck!!!

Jeanne D. · 07-23-2004, 07:08 AM

I can not take generic atarax (hydroxyzine) due to a sensitivity to the fillers in the drug. I take Vistaril instead, which is a brand name of hydroxyzine. Oddly enough, it is made by the same company that stopped its production of Atarax.

The two most common side effects of this drug are drowsiness and dry mouth.

Jeanne

summermuffin · 07-23-2004, 05:50 PM

Hi...thanks for the feedback. Do you know what the pills with the red dye is called? I want to know how to ask my doctor to give me the right pills.

ICTexas · 07-23-2004, 05:59 PM

I take the generic 25 mg pills (they are green) at bedtime. I take 75 mg (3 pills). The hangover drowsiness went away with time and I worked up to the dose I currently take. I would not miss it - ever! It helps me tremendously!

Pam

***ICNDonna*** · 07-23-2004, 07:41 PM

Many people with IC can take colored pills with no problem at all. One thing I do when I get a new prescription is to ask the pharmacist to fill only a part of the prescription so I can try it for a few days before I spend money to fill the entire thing.

I don't take hydroxyzine full time, but I did take it for an allergic reaction with no problem --- the pills were pink.

Sending encouraging hugs,
Donna

***dyno*** · 07-24-2004, 02:34 AM

I take Hydroxyzine and have taken it for 2 years and the only side effect was at first a little drowsiness. It has helped me a lot.

summermuffin · 07-24-2004, 11:46 AM

Has the meds helped with your frequency? I have to say that frequency is my biggest problem. And...right now I feel aweful...I was doing soo well and now I don't know what's going on. Does anyone know how they can detect whether they have a UTI while having IC. I feel like I have to pee all the time...soo I don't know if it's just my IC acting up or if I now have a UTI on top of it?

peiti · 07-24-2004, 03:36 PM

I had been on Vistaril for 3 months. Just stopped taking 4 days ago. It helped a little for the pain but not too much for the frequency. After 3 months on it, I still felt so sleepy in the morning or noon. I guess I am just too sensitive. I took 25mg at 7PM and was not able to wake up at 8AM.

theclownster · 07-24-2004, 07:24 PM

I've seen over the counter test strips at the pharmacy before (to test for UTI). I've never bought them nor used them, but it might be worth a try. Frequency can be really annoying.

I hope you feel better soon!
Jennifer

rjyoon · 07-25-2004, 01:57 PM

Atarax can cause decreased respiration. After a few days, I was staying in bed until 4 p.m., couldn't think clearly, unable to call 911, etc. Turns out my respiration was decreased & I wasn't getting enough oxygen. I'd recommend being around people for the first week or two so if this happens, you're not alone like I was. Very scary.

blue · 07-25-2004, 06:41 PM

Mine are little green pills. I'm not aware that I have any problem with dyes the way other people do.

Nicole in ATL · 07-26-2004, 10:28 AM

I've been taking hydroxyzine for IC for years now. I do believe that it helps with my frequency/urgency. At first it made me tired, but definitely did not cause me to oversleep or not be able to function. After the first 2 weeks, the drowsiness was much better. I try to take it a couple of hours before bedtime (rather than at bedtime) to reduce any morning drowsiness. I have had both white pills and pink pills. No bad reaction to the pink pills at all. I haven't noticed any other side effects. I tolerate it well.

We all react differently to meds, so you really won't know how you will react until you try it yourself.

Good luck,
Nicole