Can you take Lexapro and Hydroxyzine together?

Can you take Lexapro and Hydroxyzine together?

It is not suitable to take Lexapro and Hydroxyzine together because of the potential health risks. The concomitant use of these two medications can cause a number of side effects, mostly cardiac in nature.

This is why I would not recommend taking these two concomitantly unless prescribed by your healthcare provider. 

What are the side effects associated with the use of Lexapro and Hydroxyzine? 

The concomitant use of Lexapro and Hydroxyzine is associated with a number of side effects, especially cardiac in nature. This is because these meds cause QT elongation and can cause other side effects like (1,2):

  • Arrhythmia 
  • Palpitations 
  • Changes in blood pressure 
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Anxiety – could be an early side effect of Lexapro
  • Dry mouth 
  • Dizziness 
  • Breathlessness 

These side effects can vary from person to person and they are more prominent in people who already have cardiac disease. This is why this combination should not be used in people who have a heart condition. 

What to do if you have taken Lexapro and Hydroxyzine together? 

If you have taken Lexapro and Hydroxyzine together once or twice, it will most likely not harm you. The side effects caused by this medication are not that significant, especially in healthy individuals. 

However, if you’re a cardiac patient and you notice any change in your blood pressure or breathing rate after taking Lexapro and Hydroxyzine together, reach out to your healthcare provider. 

Although such cases are not that frequently reported, there is still a possibility. If you’re struggling to fall asleep, especially during the early course of your treatment with Lexapro, talk to your healthcare provider if it’s safe for you to take Hydroxyzine for sleep. 

If prescribed by your doctor, the doses are usually adjusted to prevent excess amounts of drugs in your system and the timing at which you take your meds can also make a difference. 

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References

1.-

MedlinePlus. Hydroxyzine. MedlinePlus drug information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [updated 2022 Feb 15; cited 2022 Nov 24]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682866.html

2.-

MedlinePlus. Escitalopram. MedlinePlus drug information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [updated 2022 Feb 15; cited 2022 Nov 24]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603005.html

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