I just read here that Atarax shouldn't be used for more than 4 months.Why?I have taken it for years.
My doctor has renewed my prescription for Atarax for at least 5 years although I have not seen him in years (Kaiser). I just stopped taking it on my own about three months ago when my last prescription was finished to see what would happen. I was concerned that I had taken it for so long. I started taking it for chronic hives on my face and body. I only have a hive once or twice a year now. I took it at night, 1-3 pills as needed. I think they were 25 millegrams each. I just read on this website that you should not take if for more than 4 months! Can you tell me why? I never had any side effects that I was aware of.
Thank you.
Donna
Hi Donna,
I'm not sure where you read about the 4-month restriction. I couldn't find any reference to that here at HealthCentral with a quick search or on any of the reference sites for Atarax and medicines. And if you never had side effects, then that's great!
However, for future reference, what I did learn in researching Atarax is that its active ingredient is essentially the same as that in Zyrtec. The difference is that Atarax is what's considered a first-generation antihistamine, with one of the most common side effects being sedation. On the other hand, Zyrtec is much less likely to cause drowsiness. It is considered a second-generation antihistamine and is now available without a prescription.
But, if you're seldom having hives any more, then it seems unlikely that you need to take any medication on a daily basis, which is great.
To your health,
Kathi
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