What are the differences between Atarax and Vistaril? Why prescribe one but not the other?

Bottom line, get some tests done, you could have a more serious illness going on that you think are anxiety attacks. You probably have them also, but you could have both.
Also, I have been to dozens of psychiatrists, not to mention even more therapists throughout my life. One thing I do know, if you are not getting the "respect" or the results you think you should be getting, and DO DESERVE, change your doctor. There are legitimate people out there who need these medications, and so many doctors think everyone wants to abuse or sell them, or are afraid of dealing with the FDA or whatever, like the other person said also. I definitely agree.
Please do what you need to help yourself. I know it's hard, especially when you are trying and are depressed on top of it, but don't quit, have faith, and don't settle for less than you deserve. Bless you and your daughter and your family. I hope this helps you. Much Luv, Dj

Neither is helping probably because they are only used by doctors overly concerned with a.) their own livelihood despite patient care, b.) possibility of you being a drug abuser, and c.) misguided principals of practice. Antihistamines are not addictive and not Scheduled beyond "RX required" and have no long term withdrawal symptoms, just short term ones.

If your doctor cares to actually treat your condition effectively, he will need to break out his pad, bite his lower lip, hope the FDA is indisposed for the moment, and write you a prescription for a benzodiazepine (e.g. Valium, Librium, Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, or Tranxene would be the likely choices). They are Schedule-IV because of the fact that abrupt withdrawal can cause literal and permanent psychotic breaks and because they have a great desire and good value on the street market.

Don't let the doctor do all the thinking. Consider the positives and negatives (you should be supplied with the FDA full prescribing information of any medication up request by your doctor... it's law.) Ask for info on Vistaril, Valium, buspirone, and a beta-blocker of one sort or another, cross reference them, focus on side effects, withdrawal, interactions, and long term findings, then return to the doctor with one of the four in mind as what you feel you can best handle the effects of... don't worry about success in action because you'll only know what works and what dosen't once you've tried a medication out.

Best of luck. Don't let Brand names confuse you. I recommend if you have real interest in understanding what you are putting into your body that you always use the generic name for medications, but many are difficult to remember/pronounce, so it's just a passing point of opinion.