3015 N Ocean Blvd, Ste C101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
Office hours: Mon–Sat, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Crisis: 988 | Emergency: 911
Same-day visits are often possible. See us in our Fort Lauderdale office or by video anywhere in Florida. We take Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare and most major insurance plans. Se habla español.
Hydroxyzine is a medication prescribed to help you manage intense feelings of anxiety and restore a restful sleep cycle. Hydroxyzine is often part of online anxiety treatment with our providers.
One Stop Psychiatry clinic provides patients with Hydroxyzine treatment for anxiety through their telepsychiatry service and in-person treatment with licensed providers.
Hydroxyzine is a non-controlled antihistamine (Vistaril or Atarax brand names) that serves as a short-term treatment for anxiety disorders. The fast-acting non-controlled medication Hydroxyzine serves as an appropriate choice for patients who need immediate treatment.
One Stop Psychiatry provides patients with secure telepsychiatry visits to obtain Hydroxyzine treatment for anxiety at affordable prices. Our team provides evidence-based care through compassionate services tailored to your individual needs for anxiety treatment.
FDA initially approved Hydroxyzine in 1956 for treating allergic reactions and itching symptoms and pre-surgical sedation. The medication has demonstrated effectiveness in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and tension-related symptoms since its initial approval.
Hydroxyzine is prescribed only when a provider decides it is clinically appropriate. See how our psychiatric medication management visits work, from the first evaluation to ongoing follow-up.
Getting started is simple, and every step happens with a licensed provider.
Call (754) 270-6322 or request a visit online. Our staff check your insurance, send your intake forms and confirm your appointment, either in our Fort Lauderdale office or by video anywhere in Florida.
You’ll go over your symptoms, health history and current medications. Together you’ll decide whether hydroxyzine makes sense for you or whether another option fits better.
If hydroxyzine is a good fit, your prescription goes to the pharmacy you choose. Follow-up visits let your provider check how it’s working, watch for side effects and adjust the plan. Medication is only prescribed when it’s clinically appropriate.
The brain’s histamine receptors become blocked by Hydroxyzine, which creates a natural sedative and calming response. Because Hydroxyzine isn’t a controlled substance, it’s an ideal choice for patients who want to avoid traditional anxiety medications like benzodiazepines.
The central nervous system receives calming effects from antihistamines, which help patients manage their anxiety symptoms. The medication helps patients relax while simultaneously enhancing their ability to sleep better, which benefits people who experience anxiety-induced sleep disturbances.
This medicine is available in the following dosage forms:






















The FDA first approved Hydroxyzine in 1956 for treating allergic conditions, itching, and as a pre-surgery sedative. Over time, it’s proven effective for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and tension-related symptoms.
Hydroxyzine is often prescribed off-label for anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and stress-related insomnia. Studies show that it helps reduce anxiety within 30–60 minutes, making it one of the fastest-acting non-benzodiazepine medications for anxiety relief.
The medication belongs to the antihistamine class and produces calming effects on the central nervous system, which makes it suitable for people who suffer from severe nervousness and anxiety symptoms.
The medication’s sedative effects produce benefits that help treat insomnia and sleep problems that usually occur with anxiety disorders. The medication serves as an anxiety treatment, but doctors sometimes use it for other medical conditions. The medication functions as a sedative to reduce anxiety, which helps patients achieve relaxation before and after their medical operations.
Like all medications, Hydroxyzine can cause mild side effects such as:
Drowsiness or dizziness
Dry mouth
Fatigue or sluggishness
Mild headache
Most side effects lessen as your body adjusts to the medication.
Hydroxyzine should be used cautiously if you:
Take CNS depressants (like alcohol or sleep aids)
Have liver or kidney issues.
Pregnant or breastfeeding (consult your provider)
Have heart rhythm abnormalities (QT prolongation)
Always inform your psychiatrist about your current medications, supplements, and health history before starting Hydroxyzine.
Children: Sometimes used for acute anxiety or allergic reactions under supervision.
Elderly: May require lower doses due to sedative effects.
Pregnancy: Only if benefits outweigh risks (Category C).
Hydroxyzine can be an effective short-term or as-needed treatment option for individuals experiencing:
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Panic attacks and situational anxiety
Sleep disturbances due to anxiety
Restlessness, tension, or irritability
Rapid onset of calming effect (usually within an hour)
non-controlled and non-controlled medication
Can be taken as needed or regularly for short-term use
May improve sleep and reduce physical symptoms of anxiety (e.g., muscle tension, racing heart)
Yes. After an online evaluation with a licensed provider at One Stop Psychiatry, Hydroxyzine can be prescribed if it’s clinically appropriate.
Hydroxyzine typically starts working within 30 to 60 minutes, helping calm anxiety quickly.
No — Hydroxyzine is non-controlled and not a controlled substance.
Take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose. If you miss multiple doses or experience symptoms, contact your provider.
It can cause drowsiness in some people, which is why many take it at night to improve sleep and reduce anxiety.
Your provider sets your hydroxyzine dose based on your age, health, other medications and how you respond, and adjusts it at follow-up visits. We don’t list doses here because the right one is different for each person. Take it exactly as prescribed, and don’t change or stop it on your own.
The dosage of Hydroxyzine depends on your age, weight, and symptoms severity.
Always follow your psychiatrist’s instructions carefully.
Do not increase or skip doses without consulting a healthcare professional.
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember — unless it’s almost time for your next dose.
Never double your dose to compensate for a missed one.
Hydroxyzine is intended for short-term use or as-needed relief and should always be taken under medical supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Yes — in the United States, you must have a prescription to obtain Hydroxyzine. Although it’s classified as an antihistamine, Hydroxyzine’s powerful sedative and anxiety-reducing effects require evaluation and supervision from a licensed provider.
Taking Hydroxyzine without medical guidance can lead to side effects or harmful drug interactions, especially if you’re using other medications that affect the nervous system. That’s why it’s important to consult with a certified psychiatrist before starting Hydroxyzine for anxiety.
At One Stop Psychiatry, we ensure every patient receives personalized, safe, and clinically appropriate care, empowering you to manage anxiety effectively — with professional oversight and support every step of the way.
We know that dealing with anxiety is a personal journey, and finding the right medication can often feel confusing or overwhelming. That’s precisely why we created One Stop Psychiatry—to make the process simple. We connect you with experienced, compassionate mental health providers who specialize in anxiety treatment and truly understand what you’re going through.
Our psychiatrists take a personalized approach to care — evaluating your unique symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals to determine whether Hydroxyzine or another anxiety medication is best suited for you.
Yes, we accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. and also offer flexible self-pay options for uninsured patients.
Don’t wait to take back control of your anxiety. Book your online psychiatry appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced life.
Call to request an appointment: (754) 270-6322
See all medications we manage or learn about medication management at One Stop Psychiatry.
If sleep is the main problem, read about our insomnia treatment, including CBT for insomnia.
We aren’t an emergency service. If you’re thinking about suicide or you’re in crisis, call or text 988. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Andrew C. Rucker, DO, psychiatrist, on October 6, 2026.
Source: MedlinePlus: hydroxyzine (U.S. National Library of Medicine / NIH). This page is general information, not medical advice.
"I've only been seeing her for about six months and I can already pinpoint drastic changes in my life that I can trace back to her brilliance.".

"I love Dr. Heather. She has been my psychiatrist for over 6 years and I could not be happier. She is kind, is an amazing listener, and is really good at explaining the medication. Highly recommend!"

"Great first meeting. Concise and to the point while still empathetic and closely listening. Understood my issue well"

"I've only been seeing her for about six months and I can already pinpoint drastic changes in my life that I can trace back to her brilliance.".

"I love Dr. Heather. She has been my psychiatrist for over 6 years and I could not be happier. She is kind, is an amazing listener, and is really good at explaining the medication. Highly recommend!"

"Great first meeting. Concise and to the point while still empathetic and closely listening. Understood my issue well"

"I've only been seeing her for about six months and I can already pinpoint drastic changes in my life that I can trace back to her brilliance.".

"I love Dr. Heather. She has been my psychiatrist for over 6 years and I could not be happier. She is kind, is an amazing listener, and is really good at explaining the medication. Highly recommend!"

"Great first meeting. Concise and to the point while still empathetic and closely listening. Understood my issue well"

"I've only been seeing her for about six months and I can already pinpoint drastic changes in my life that I can trace back to her brilliance.".

"I love Dr. Heather. She has been my psychiatrist for over 6 years and I could not be happier. She is kind, is an amazing listener, and is really good at explaining the medication. Highly recommend!"

"Great first meeting. Concise and to the point while still empathetic and closely listening. Understood my issue well"

"I've only been seeing her for about six months and I can already pinpoint drastic changes in my life that I can trace back to her brilliance.".

"I love Dr. Heather. She has been my psychiatrist for over 6 years and I could not be happier. She is kind, is an amazing listener, and is really good at explaining the medication. Highly recommend!"

"Great first meeting. Concise and to the point while still empathetic and closely listening. Understood my issue well"

"I've only been seeing her for about six months and I can already pinpoint drastic changes in my life that I can trace back to her brilliance.".

"I love Dr. Heather. She has been my psychiatrist for over 6 years and I could not be happier. She is kind, is an amazing listener, and is really good at explaining the medication. Highly recommend!"

"Great first meeting. Concise and to the point while still empathetic and closely listening. Understood my issue well"

You can schedule a therapy consultation with our medical professionals on your time, not theirs.
Your care is with our team of physicians, psychiatric nurse practitioners and a physician assistant. Visits are available in English, Spanish, Russian, Urdu and Hindi. Our staff can help you choose someone who's a good fit.
Dr. Andrew C. Rucker, DOPsychiatrist
Dr. Murtaza Ali, DOAddiction specialist and family physician
Dr. Heather Brathwaite, PhD, PMHNP-BCPsychiatric nurse practitioner
Michelle KovalPsychiatric nurse practitioner. Speaks Russian
Neal Fouke, PAPsychiatric physician assistant
Muhammad Nawaz, PMHNP-BCPsychiatric nurse practitioner. Speaks Urdu and HindiTell us how to reach you. Our team calls back the same business day, Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Your appointment is confirmed once staff call you to set the time and place.
Prefer to talk to someone? Call (754) 270-6322.
3015 N Ocean Blvd, Ste C101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. Phone: (754) 270-6322. Open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Video visits are available anywhere in Florida. Directions and parking.
Have a question?
Evidence-based guidance, up-to-date resources, and first-hand accounts to help you in your mental health journey.