Can You Take Lexapro and Hydroxyzine Together?
It should be safe to take Lexapro and Hydroxyzine together as there is no scientific evidence suggesting otherwise. However, the two can interact and in rare cases may increase the risk of irregular heart rhythm. Therefore it is crucial to discuss this with your healthcare provider, such as a doctor or pharmacist, and reduce the potential risk of certain side effects.
What is hydroxyzine?
Hydroxyzine is a drug from the group of drugs called antihistamines [1]. It is a piperazine, tricyclic, H1-receptor antagonist with some unique properties like inhibition of mast cells and neuronal secretion [2].
It is a generic drug and the active ingredient is hydroxyzine.
It is primarily used to treat itching related to dermatitis, anxiety, or other allergic conditions [1].
The administration of Hydroxyzine can be in the form of oral tablets, capsules, syrup, and an injection of a solution. However, oral tablets are the most commonly used [1].
What is Lexapro?
Lexapro or escitalopram, is a type of antidepressant medication. It belongs to the group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Lexapro works on the principle of increasing the activity of serotonin (a chemical in your brain). This chemical helps to regulate your mood, making Lexapro effective in managing symptoms of mental health conditions [3, 4].
It is usually prescribed for diseases like depression, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, or panic disorder [4, 5].
The usual dosage for most people ranges from 10-20 milligrams once per day [3].
Can you take Lexapro and Hydroxyzine at the same time?
Although there is no explicit scientific evidence suggesting whether these two medications can be taken together safely, it is important to note that Lexapro and Hydroxyzine can interact with each other.
For example, Hydroxyzine interacts with certain antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac) [6].
Lexapro also interacts with other medications like anti-inflammatory drugs, serotonin norepinephrine, reuptake inhibitors, and blood thinners [7].
The interaction with each other may cause potential side effects and in rare cases, Lexapro and Hydroxyzine may increase the risk of irregularities in heart rhythm [8]. Therefore, it is crucial to consult this with your healthcare provider before combining. Medical professionals can determine the best dosage based on your needs and can monitor carefully any potential side effects.