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Atarax vs. Zyrtec

Are Atarax and Zyrtec the Same Thing?

Atarax (hydroxyzine hydrochloride) and Zyrtec (cetirizine hydrochloride) are antihistamines used to treat allergy symptoms.

Atarax is also used for symptomatic relief of anxiety and tension associated with psychoneurosis and as an adjunct in organic disease states in which anxiety is manifested.

Zyrtec is available over-the-counter (OTC) and as a generic.

Side effects of Atarax and Zyrtec that are similar include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, or constipation.

Side effects of Atarax that are different from Zyrtec include blurred vision.

Side effects of Zyrtec that are different from Atarax include fatigue, tired feeling, sore throat, cough, nausea, headache, stomach pain, and vomiting.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Atarax?

Common side effects of Atarax include:

  • drowsiness,
  • dizziness,
  • blurred vision,
  • constipation, or
  • dry mouth.

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Atarax including mental/mood changes (such as restlessness, confusion, hallucinations), shaking (tremor), difficulty urinating, or fast/irregular heartbeat. Hydroxyzine is available in generic form.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Zyrtec?

Common side effects of Zyrtec include:

  • drowsiness,
  • fatigue,
  • tired feeling,
  • dizziness,
  • dry mouth,
  • sore throat,
  • cough,
  • nausea,
  • constipation, or
  • headache.

In children, side effects of Zyrtec include:

  • stomach pain and
  • vomiting.

The side effect of sleepiness may occur when taking Zyrtec, so do not drive a car or operate potentially dangerous machinery.

What Is Atarax?

Atarax (hydroxyzine hydrochloride) is an antihistamine with anticholinergic (drying) and sedative properties used for symptomatic relief of anxiety and tension associated with psychoneurosis and as an adjunct in organic disease states in which anxiety is manifested.

What Is Zyrtec?

Zyrtec is medication that temporarily relieves these symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies.

What Drugs Interact With Atarax?

Atarax may interact with other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety).

What Drugs Interact With Zyrtec?

Zyrtec may interact with alcohol, other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety).

How Should Atarax Be Taken?

Atarax may interact with other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety).

How Should Zyrtec Be Taken?

Adults and children 6 years and over should take one 10 mg capsule once daily; do not take more than one 10 mg capsule in 24 hours. A 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms.

Adults 65 years of age or older, children under 6 years of age, and consumers with liver or kidney disease should consult a doctor before using this product.

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