Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Hydroxyzine Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Hydroxyzine HCl (Atarax) 25mg (generic) | $4 – $10 | $0 – $4 |
| Hydroxyzine HCl 50mg (generic) | $4 – $12 | $0 – $5 |
| Hydroxyzine Pamoate (Vistaril) 25mg (generic) | $4 – $15 | $0 – $6 |
What Affects the Cost
- Brand-name vs. generic availability
- Insurance formulary tier placement
- Pharmacy choice (retail vs. mail-order vs. Costco)
- Manufacturer savings cards and coupons
- Dosage and quantity prescribed
- Geographic location
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Tier 1 generic — antihistamine used for anxiety and itching; non-addictive
Most insurance plans use a tiered formulary: Tier 1 (generic) $0-$15 copay, Tier 2 (preferred brand) $25-$75, Tier 3 (non-preferred brand) $50-$150, Tier 4 (specialty) $100-$500+. Prior authorization may be required for certain medications. Step therapy may require trying cheaper alternatives first.
How to Save Money
- Always ask for generic when available — saves 50-90%
- Use GoodRx, RxSaver, or similar discount cards
- Costco pharmacy is open to non-members and often has lowest prices
- Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs offers transparent low pricing
- Manufacturer patient assistance programs provide free medication to qualifying patients
- HSA/FSA funds can cover medication costs tax-free
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Generic hydroxyzine costs $4 to $15 per month without insurance. It is one of the most affordable anti-anxiety medications available and is on nearly every $4 generic list.
Yes, hydroxyzine is FDA-approved for anxiety and is commonly prescribed as a non-addictive alternative to benzodiazepines. It works quickly but causes drowsiness, which can also help with insomnia.
Hydroxyzine HCl (Atarax) and hydroxyzine pamoate (Vistaril) contain the same active drug. Pamoate is sometimes preferred for anxiety while HCl is used more for itching, though they are largely interchangeable.