Can Effexor XR and Hydroxyzine be taken together?

Question

I was prescribed Hydroxyzine back in December to help subside the itching of psoriasis so I could sleep at night. About 2 months ago my Doctor but me on Effexor XR. When I had the Effexor XR prescription filled the Pharmacy didn't tell me to stop using the Hydroxyzine (I always have my prescriptions filled at the same Pharmacy). So I was just wondering if they can be taken together. Any information would be helpful. Thanks.

Answer 1

I know this is not the answer to your question but I just had to give you this information because of my personal experience with Effexor. I was taking it for a few years (I was on antidepressants for a total of 7 years and on Effexor for about 3) and was very satisfied with the results -- helped a lot with anxiety and somewhat with depression. However, I started to have several weird side-effects, none of which the medical community attributed to Effexor but, I was worried so I decided to come off the Effexor. I hope you already have information on how difficult it can be to come off of Effexor. I really felt very fragile on an emotional level for several months. I was angry and sad and irritable and emotionally vulnerable. My family was very supportive but it was definitely hard on them. I thank God for my therapist and her wisdom and kindness without which I don't see how I could have made it through. I have now been completely off of Effexor since October. It took about 8 months to completely wean myself from the stuff -- with no help from anyone as far as how to really do it. Just be careful and be kind to yourself and find support before you attempt to stop taking the stuff.