Drug Class: What is Hydroxyzine and why is Hydroxyzine prescribed?

Hydroxyzine belongs to a group of medicines called sedating antihistamines.

The main use of Hydroxyzine is to help in the treatment of anxiety. The way in which Hydroxyzine works in this condition is not fully known. It is thought to decrease the activity of certain areas in the brain and thereby relieve anxiety.

Hydroxyzine serves as an antihistamine for itchy eyes, nose and sneezing. Hydroxyzine also relieves itching of the skin and hives.

Hydroxyzine may be helpful in nausea as well as alcohol withdrawal symptoms.