What Is Hydroxyzine Pam?

The body uses many different chemicals to give instructions to cells. In some cases, two different signaling pathways will coincide, leading to undesirable symptoms. This is the case of a molecule called histamine, which has been shown to be an important part of allergic reactions and anxiety disorders. As a result, targeting of the histidine molecule is sometimes used to treat anxiety.

Identification

Hydroxyzine pamoate is an early form of antihistamine. It is chemically related to another compound, piperazine. Hydroxyzine pamoate is used to block a specific kind of receptor called H1 receptors. H1 receptors are small proteins that the body uses to detect and respond to histamine, which is used by the body as a chemical signal. Blocking these H1 receptors prevents some of histamine's effects, including the triggering of allergic reactions.

Formulations

Hydroxyzine pamoate is generally given orally in the form of a small green pill. These pills may contain 25, 50, 75 or 100 milligrams of the medication. Hydroxyzine pamoate is generally only available via prescription and is sold under many trade names, including Vistaril and Equipose.

For Anxiety

Hydroxyzine pamoate is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders because many of the symptoms of anxiety are caused by the histamine compound. Hydroxyzine is also used as a sedative in many clinical settings, especially for dentistry and childbirth. Some of its medical uses stem from its ability to augment the effects of other tranquilizers, thus allowing for lower doses of opioid sedatives.

Nonaddictiveness

Hydroxyzine pamoate is commonly used because of its low potential for addiction. Unlike many other anxiolytic and sedative medications, hydroxyzine does not cause any feelings of euphoria. As a result, there is almost no evidence of hydroxyzine abuse.

Contraindications

In rodents, hydroxyzine has been found, when given in large doses to pregnant mothers, to cause birth defects. Although these effects have not been documented in humans, the FDA has still recommended that hydroxyzine only be given to pregnant women during childbirth. It has also recommended that hydroxyzine not be taken with alcohol because it can increase the sedative effect.