{"id":23493,"date":"2022-09-08T08:00:41","date_gmt":"2022-09-08T12:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/?p=23493"},"modified":"2024-03-18T17:06:53","modified_gmt":"2024-03-18T21:06:53","slug":"what-are-the-risks-of-combining-cannabis-and-hydroxyzine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/what-are-the-risks-of-combining-cannabis-and-hydroxyzine\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are the Risks of Combining Cannabis and Hydroxyzine?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The manner in which cannabis interacts with medications is important to understand in order to avoid any adverse interactions. Antihistamines are a type of over-the-counter (OTC) medication that is commonly used to treat allergies, anxiety, rashes, etc. There are currently no studies available on the interaction between cannabis and antihistamines. However, there may be some risks associated with combining cannabis and a type of antihistamine called hydroxyzine.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is Hydroxyzine?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that treats symptoms associated with allergies by blocking histamine, the natural substances produced by your body during an allergic reaction, <\/span>explains WebMD<\/span><\/a>. Hydroxyzine is available as the brand name pharmaceuticals Vistaril and Atarax, which are usually taken under a doctor’s direction. WebMD goes on to explain that the dosage is based on aspects such as one’s age, medical condition, and response to the treatment. <\/span>It is usually consumed three-four times daily. <\/span><\/p>\n

As expected, this antihistamine is used to treat symptoms that occur as a result of an allergen. However, this specific antihistamine is used on a longer-term basis to treat itching caused by allergies. It is only used short-term to treat anxiety and other allergy symptoms, or to induce drowsiness or relaxation before and after surgery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects to be aware of include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, constipation, or dry mouth.\u00a0 WebMD explains that there are more serious side effects including the possibility of experiencing seizures, fast\/irregular heartbeats, severe dizziness, and even fainting. Some people even experience allergic reactions to this drug. While instances of allergic reactions are rare, those who experience an allergic reaction to hydroxyzine are likely to experience rashes, itching, swelling, trouble breaking, and\/or severe dizziness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Are the Risks of Combining Cannabis and Hydroxyzine?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Combining cannabis and hydroxyzine share some similar side effects and consuming them together could result in enhanced effects, <\/span>warns MedicalNewsToday<\/span><\/a> (MNT). For example, when individuals consume cannabis in a high quantity or with high THC potency, there is the possibility of experiencing adverse effects like dizziness, dry mouth, fast\/irregular heartbeats, etc., which are similar to the side effects associated with hydroxyzine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

MNT goes on to explain that the medical label for hydroxyzine does not mention any adverse interactions when consuming the antihistamine in tandem with cannabis. There is currently no indication that cannabis impacts the effectiveness of hydroxyzine and vice versa. However, there are other ways for two substances to interact that does not impact their effectiveness. <\/span><\/p>\n

That being said, it is important to understand that the following potential risks associated with combining cannabis and hydroxyzine are based on available information and logic, not available peer-reviewed research. So, why mention potential risks if they have not been proven? Well, in the area of cannabis research there is much that has not been studied due to decades of inactivity caused by cannabis prohibition. It’s common sense to take precautions even if there isn’t a study available that explicitly lays out the risks.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Potential Risks of Combining Cannabis and Hydroxyzine:<\/span><\/h3>\n