Hydroxyzine: Is There Withdrawal?
Compiled from cited sources · not yet medically reviewedUpdated 2 sources
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For information only, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before stopping or changing any medication. Medical disclaimer
Quick answer
Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine used for anxiety and itching. Its FDA label says it is chemically unrelated to benzodiazepines, and we found no withdrawal syndrome described in the label or the MedlinePlus page. Some people notice their anxiety, itching or sleep problems return after stopping; that’s the condition coming back, not withdrawal. Evidence on stopping it is limited, so ask your prescriber if you take it daily.
Hydroxyzine withdrawal timeline at a glance
| Phase | When | What you may feel | Severity | Red flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| After stopping | Days (not well studied) | Return of anxiety, itching or poor sleep (the original symptoms) | Mild | — |
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Symptoms, phase by phase
The hydroxyzine label says it is unrelated chemically to the phenothiazines, reserpine, meprobamate or the benzodiazepines, and is not a cortical depressant. We did not find a withdrawal or discontinuation section in the label or on MedlinePlus. That doesn’t prove no one ever has symptoms; it means there’s little published evidence.
After stopping: Days (not well studied)
- Return of anxiety, itching or poor sleep (the original symptoms)
What makes withdrawal longer or shorter
- Why you take it. Anxiety, itching or sleep problems may return.
- Other medicines. If you also take a benzo or sleep medicine, those have their own withdrawal risks.
When to see a doctor or get help now
- If anxiety returns strongly after stopping.
- Call or text 988 for thoughts of suicide.
Not sure where to start? Call SAMHSA’s free, confidential helpline at 1-800-662-4357, 24/7. See Get Help.
Tapering
Ask your prescriber whether to stop at once or reduce. We don’t publish dose-by-dose schedules. Your prescriber should set your plan, and adjust it if symptoms appear.
Tips for getting through it
- Use breathing and grounding exercises for anxiety
- Keep a symptom diary
- Ask about therapy for long-term anxiety
Frequently asked questions
Is hydroxyzine addictive?
It isn’t a controlled substance or a benzodiazepine, and the label doesn’t describe dependence.
Can I stop hydroxyzine cold turkey?
The label and MedlinePlus don’t describe a withdrawal syndrome, but ask your prescriber, especially if you take it daily.
Why do I feel anxious after stopping?
Your original anxiety may be returning.
Next steps
Talk to others going through it. Share your experience or ask questions on the Antidepressants & Other Prescriptions board in our community forum. Forum posts are personal experiences, not medical advice. Please read the community guidelines.
Related timelines
- Benzo Withdrawal Timeline: Short- vs Long-Acting
- Melatonin: Is There Withdrawal When You Stop?
- Trazodone Withdrawal Timeline
- Buspirone (Buspar): Is There Withdrawal?
- Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) Sleep Aid Withdrawal
- Zyrtec or Xyzal Itching After Stopping (Cetirizine/Levocetirizine)
Sources
Last reviewed: October 25, 2026. Researched and written by Withdrawal Timelines from the cited sources. This article has not yet been reviewed by a medical professional. See How We Review and our Medical Disclaimer. This is general information, not medical advice.
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