Atarax & Eye Pressure

Atarax (Roerig), Anxanil (Econo Med), and Vistaril (Pfizer) are a few of the brand names for the generic drug hydroxyzine. Physicians prescribe this drug to ease nervousness and tension that often occurs with mental or mood disorders. A physician might also recommend it to treat allergies, or prevent motion sickness, nausea or vomiting, or all three.

Hydroxyzine (Atarax) Histamine Blocker

• Histamine induces sneezing symptoms and runny nose as well as hives on the skin. Atarax is a type of antihistamine that inhibits the action of histamines. Hydroxyzine is a short-term treatment for nervousness and tension that might occur with mental or mood disorders such as anxiety and dementia. It reduces activity in the central nervous system and results in a prevention of swelling and itchiness during an allergic reaction.

The Function of Atarax

• Altarax may be used a sedative to treat anxiety and tension. It is also used in combination with other medications given for anesthesia. In general use, it may control nausea, motion sickness and vomiting. Sometimes the drug may be used to treat allergic skin reactions such as hives and dermatitis. Other effects include calming and pain relief that come into play when it affects other natural substances such as acetylcholine and serotonin and certain parts of the brain.

Eye Pressure and Atarax

• Atarax may be prescribed for various allergies and dry eye. One major side effect of Atarax is an increase in eye fluid pressure which may induce glaucoma. Atarax exhibits anticholinergic effects by blocking the action of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter in the nervous system. Because of its effects on this substance, Atarax can exacerbate the effects of glaucoma. You might notice blurred vision, which is a common side effect of the drug but not indicative of an increase in eye pressure.

  Glaucoma is an eye condition in which the fluid pressure inside the eyeball rises because of slowed fluid drainage from the eye. You won't feel any change in the eyeball itself, which makes glaucoma even more insidious or subtle. If the condition goes untreated, it might damage the optic nerve and eventually cause blindness. Atarax may cause a slight increase in pressure in the eye and should therefore be used with caution by anyone with glaucoma.

Side Effects

• The side effects of Atarax may impair your thinking or reaction time by making you drowsy. Be especially careful if you operate machinery or drive or do anything else that requires you to be alert and awake. Alcohol can increase its side effects. Other side effects include enlarged prostate and urinary problems, sedation and an increase of epileptic seizures. Contact a doctor immediately and cease using Atarax if you have difficulty breathing; if your face, lips, tongue or throat swell; or if you experience confusion, tremors or uncontrolled shaking.

  Less serious side effects may include dizziness, blurred vision, drowsiness or headaches. You can report side effects to the FDA and get more information on the drug by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

Atarax Dosage

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can; but if it's almost time for your next dose, wait until then and skip the missed dose. Never take extra medicine to make up for the one you missed.

  If you think you overdosed, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting and light-headedness.

  Make sure your physician knows about any other drugs you take, such as cold or allergy medicines, sedatives, narcotic pain medication, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers and medicines for seizures, depression or anxiety. Don't forget any over-the-counter medications such as vitamins, minerals and herbal products.