Atarax ( Hydroxyzine) to reduce anxiety + improve sleep

[NoMoreLimbo]

I recently had an experience that really triggered a lot of old anxieties, issues, baggage. Delete as applicable. Cue panic attacks (thankfully reducing) and very bad sleep. The lack of sleep just adds to the anxiety and away the hamster wheel spins.

I was told of the above which is supposedly an antihistamine but also used for anxiety and sleep issues.

Has anyone tried this? Actually managed to get hold of in England?

Yes, my brother was prescribed this - it did nothing for him but I took it (totally wrong I know but I was so desperate...) it really helped me to get a good nights sleep without feeling tired the next day. I really want to get hold of some for myself but mot sure how as I obviously can't admit I took sometime else's medication!!

@Snowdropsarelovely I am glad it worked for you.
I am thinking I will just try the gp route. Could you do that? No need to say you already tried it?

I think I will try my GP (if I can ever get an appointment) Just not sure how to word that I'd like to try that particular drug!! Hope you have some success too

@Snowdropsarelovely Hopefully I have a phone appointment this or next week.
Well personally I will just say I have friends that have tried it with great success for similar symptoms. Not a big deal I am sure. I have previously asked for certain medicine by name. This being the time of Google most people inform themselves and research?

I think you'll struggle to get Atarax now. It's just prescribed for skin stuff by specialists. I had it years ago. It was OK not amazing.
There are other antihistamines or OTC.
GPs are not keen on prescribing stuff for sleep they may try and put you on some CBT sleep course.
I hope you get sorted though.

Update. Saw the GP yesterday who did prescribe it. He was very emphatic and nice.

So now to see whether the pharmacy can get it in.

The GP said there is something else they use too; Promethazine. So if Atarax is not available I could try that.

Is that not the stuff in Night Nurse? You can get that over the counter. Works although makes me groggy in the morning.

@Summerhillsquare I think you are right. I really hope the Atarax is the same. The whole point of this is to just get some sleep and wake up rejuvenated #hereshoping

Promethazine might be quite strong I think!

DH has had Atarax and it helped him.

I haven't tried it but I take doxylamine for sleep and find it pretty effective - not sure if you can get it otc in the U.K. My psych prescribed a higher dose than OTC so I take 1.5 15mg tablets.

Promethazine definitely works to give a decent sleep but no idea if it helps with anxiety. I'm a poor sleeper and after a few nights of very little sleep I sometimes use it. It does make me a bit groggy for a few hours the next morning though. You can buy it OTC at Boots.

Update. I still have not tried the Atarax. Must confess I’m nervous to take it. No idea why.