Drug interactions
Esketamine + Hydroxyzine
Severity: Moderate
Esketamine and Hydroxyzine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Hydroxyzine is a sedating first-generation antihistamine with anticholinergic activity. With esketamine it may increase drowsiness, dizziness and psychomotor impairment, which can impair safe discharge after a treatment session.
What this interaction means in plain words
Esketamine and Hydroxyzine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Esketamine belongs to Central Nervous System; Hydroxyzine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression from H1-antihistamine sedation and the sedative effects of esketamine.
What to do
Monitor for excessive sedation and confirm the patient is fit to leave before discharge. Consider reducing the hydroxyzine dose or avoiding it on treatment days.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Esketamine
Other interactions of Hydroxyzine
- Droperidol + Hydroxyzine Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Hydroxyzine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydroxyzine Major
- Amiodarone + Hydroxyzine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Esketamine with Hydroxyzine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Esketamine and Hydroxyzine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Hydroxyzine is a sedating first-generation antihistamine with anticholinergic activity. With esketamine it may increase drowsiness, dizziness and psychomotor impairment, which can impair safe discharge after a treatment session.
How serious is the interaction between Esketamine and Hydroxyzine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for excessive sedation and confirm the patient is fit to leave before discharge. Consider reducing the hydroxyzine dose or avoiding it on treatment days.
What other medicines interact with Esketamine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Esketamine with, for example, Alfentanil, Amobarbital, Belladonna and opium. The full list is on the Esketamine page.
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