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Hydroxyzine User Reviews & Ratings

Brand names: Vistaril

Hydroxyzine has an average rating of 5.7 out of 10 from a total of 1,358 reviews on Drugs.com. 46% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 36% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Hydroxyzine

  • Manny
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 29, 2020

Vistaril (hydroxyzine) for Anxiety "This does little if nothing for me. Causes severe dry mouth which can lead to tooth decay. I have never in my sixty years on earth bought a drug from the streets. However. The low dose prescription klonopin I took for many years with no issues. The government has made it a hassle for doctors to prescribe benzos. They will throw everything else at you despite side effects and lack of it actually working. For persons with serious anxiety, buspar, visteral, lexapro do not work. I have tried them all. Benzos are a drug used in the treatment of anxiety for a decade and for most used safely. It is not the drug that is the problem they are safe and effective if used properly. As long as there are people wanting to abuse drugs there will be addiction problems. Great if visteral worked but it does not for me."

1 / 10
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  • paint...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 24, 2021

For Anxiety "I have been on this for about a month. It is just a strong antihistamine. It literally sucks the life out of me. It helps my anxiety simply by the fact I'm not thinking about my anxiety because of how miserably tired I am all day. I'd rather have 6 attacks a day than have simply walking to the bathroom make me need to sit and catch my breath (I am 6'2' and 160 lbs, I keep in good shape, simply breathing and walking should not make me need to catch my breath). I loathe this medication and am only taking it to appease my counselor. When I meet again with him I will absolutely be telling him stop prescribing sleeping pills for anxiety. I'm getting upset just talking about it. This stuff should ONLY be used for sleeping disorders, or if you're just trying to ruin people's lives."

1 / 10
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  • NatS
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • June 10, 2020

Vistaril (hydroxyzine) for Anxiety "I’ve been taking Vistaril for anxiety on and off for years. More consistently for the past two years, it truly does help with anxiety, and is far safer than Benzo’s. I got hooked on benzos and had to withdrawal over a year- that was fun (insert sarcasm). The only negative I can list for Vistaril, is that the day after I take a Vistaril (I only take PRN) I’m in the worst mood. I even tell my husband, I had a vistaril yesterday, so leave me be. (32y/o female). You’re not alone. :) God bless."

10 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Nini
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 30, 2020

For Anxiety "This drug hydroxyzine has been amazing for me and my anxiety. Xanax is way too strong for me, makes me feel like a zombie. Hydroxyzine helped me immediately to feel calm, in control and rational. It has been a life saver. I am so glad it exists. People shouldn’t say this drug is bad just because it is not the right fit for their symptoms."

10 / 10
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  • Tranq...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 21, 2020

Vistaril (hydroxyzine) for Anxiety "I have suffered extreme anxiety, panic disorder, and PTSD. I've been using this for over a week now (Prescribed at up to 100mg a day as needed but the highest dose I've taken has been 75mg). Just messing around with dosage to figure it out. This has been my saving grace for the time I've been in it. I'm glad it's not a benzo as I had a hard time coming off of it. With Vistril my panic attacks are fewer now in the week that I've been taking it. I do recommend this medication because I believe it fully works for anxiety. At least for mine :-)"

9 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • Sleep...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 25, 2020

Atarax (hydroxyzine) for Anxiety "The short version of my review: I love this medication. I was prescribed atarax at 35 weeks pregnant for insomnia and panic attacks/GAD. I was having crazy nightmares before I started taking it as well. The first few times I took it, it made me very tired but eventually that stopped happening- it makes it easy for me to fall asleep but not overly tired, and I’m not groggy in the morning. I have had to take it during the day for extreme anxiety or panic attacks and sometimes it slows me down a little but nothing crazy. I’m in recovery from drug addiction, so narcotic anxiety meds were not an option for me. I am so thankful I found this medication because it really helps me but doesn’t really give me any side effects. The one thing that I don’t like is that it makes me dizzy if I take it on an empty stomach, but usually I’ll just take it with a granola bar or yogurt and that’s enough to keep the dizziness at bay."

9 / 10
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  • bug
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 7, 2019

For Anxiety "I don't really get why everyone dislikes this drug so much! I've been on benzos before and although those do help in a different way, knowing this won't be so addictive makes me feel at ease. A huge game changer was the fact that it didn't leave me with a huge depression 'hangover' once it wears off. The thing I don't like about it is that it can put me in a sort of a brain foggy state, but personally I am used to dealing with that. I take usually 25mg and I'm set for a while. I have anxiety+social anxiety and there is a difference for me I can tell when I take it. I don't usually leave reviews but I keep seeing so many negative things about hydroxyzine online that just makes me want to share my experience for those who might feel discouraged when being put on it."

8 / 10
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More FAQ

  • Spitty
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 15, 2019

Vistaril (hydroxyzine) for Anxiety "Listen Vitaril pretty decent for anxiety! I was on this 25mg 3x daily and it has helped take off the edge, it doesn't stop it 100% but with other medication and proper anxiety relief techniques, this will help you immensely with anxiety. However since I'm a teen drop out (due to anxiety) I can sleep 9 hours and then sleep another 9 hours W/O feeling tired at all (great side affect- I like). I highly recommend this for people with panic attacks! Don't listen to the scary reviews if you truely have tried everything except meds TRY THIS and don't be scared..."

7 / 10
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  • Massa...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 4, 2018

For Anxiety "Hi everyone I felt very strongly on wanting to share my experience with this medication I was in a horrible place anxiety state of panic for days couldn't eat or sleep just about to go to hospital and check myself in then I take my fourth dose of this magic pill I felt like a new person - my old self even. I've been on it for 3 days after having it for 2 weeks and fighting with myself about taking it. Take it. We are all different but it's worth a try. It saved my life and let me add when we feel this way we are seeking answers to our anxiety which causes us to desperately find relief by reading something we wanna hear or whatever it takes. This is the hardest thing I've dealt with in my life but don't give up there is hope with this med and Citalopram and lots of exercise and prayer!!! Another thing guys this is how many reviews out of billions of people so don't lose hope. Best of luck Hugs and prayers!!!"

10 / 10
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382 Report
  • Garne...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 2, 2021

For Anxiety "I went into full blown psychosis because a side effect of this medication hydroxyzine. I saw, heard, and felt demons. It starts with them in dreams and then eventually having these experiences while awake but only in the dark. Was hospitalized for a week because of this before the docs realized it was causing the psychosis. (Prescribed before and continued during hospitalization.) I tried it again a few years later, being semi-unsure of it caused my psychosis, and sure enough it started happening again. Thankfully I recognized it and was able to stop immediately. Took less than t three doses. It seems so crazy that this type of medication can cause a psychotic event but I'm telling you it definitely does do that to me."

1 / 10
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  • Pinky...
  • December 21, 2019

Atarax (hydroxyzine) for Anxiety "I have been taking atarax for about 2 years now and I can honestly say it’s such a relief for my anxiety . The only thing about the medication is it doesn’t have a long effect like other medications . So I take this medication 3x a day . I suffer from PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder and my anxiety and worry is over the roof , when I take this medication it has a calming effect and I’m able to think logically and calm myself down if I start getting anxious . I have not gained weight on it I been in my weight loss journey with this medication and haven’t had a weight gain issue . I recommend this medication !"

9 / 10
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  • Too...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 9, 2020

For Sedation "I was prescribed 25 mg Hydroxyzine to help me sleep. The first day I took it couldn't get out of bed the next day after I woke up I felt so tired and had zero energy. It was bad. So I waited for 2 weeks and tried it again and the same thing happened. I can't live my life this way. I'd rather go without a good nights sleep that dealing with that."

1 / 10
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263 Report
  • True
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • January 11, 2021

Vistaril (hydroxyzine) for Anxiety "I've been prescribed this three times for anxiety and PTSD and sleep. It works for none of these things and I really don't like it. I know they use it to avoid benzos but I would rather have actual relief. I have no addictive tendencies and I’m exhausted of panic and anxiety. I’m prescribed this but rarely take it. Also the more you take it the less it works."

1 / 10
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  • Rachel
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • August 11, 2019

Vistaril (hydroxyzine) for Sedation "Everyone listen up. This is the WORST drug EVER. Within a few months I went from 110 pounds to 178 pounds. Now I am on a very restrictive diet and I exercise as much as I am able to but still cannot lose the weight. I see my psychiatrist on the 27th of this month but I officially have tossed the pills tonight. No more of this medication. I never thought in a million years that I would be considered obese. I am 5'3 and my natural weight is around 110 pounds. The massive weight gain has destroyed any progress I have made in my mental health and it has destroyed my confidence and self-esteem. I feel like crying. I pray that I will start dropping all of the weight soon!!!!!! Never thought this could happen to me!!!!!! We all have moments where we say, "That could never happen to me." But guess what, I was wrong!!!!! If you are concerned about weight gain, never take this drug!!!!!! I want to let people know that they need to BE CAREFUL with this drug!!!!!!!"

1 / 10
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  • Joso
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • July 23, 2020

Atarax (hydroxyzine) for Anxiety "Had a few panic attacks shortly before my son was born. Went to a psychiatrist and they prescribed 50mg of Atarax. I found that a whole pills knocks me out and leaves me groggy for a few days but I cut the pill in half and it works great. Put you to sleep within a hour or so but the next day the tightness in my chest was gone and my anxiety was also gone. I only take it when the physical symptoms are too much and I can't enjoy life. I've had it the prescription for over a year and only taken it a half dozen times or so."

7 / 10
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  • Sam
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 30, 2020

Atarax (hydroxyzine) for Anxiety "My doctor prescribed the 10 mg dose of this medicine Atarax with the directions that I could take 1/2-1 tablet once daily for acute anxiety and 2-3 tablets at night for insomnia. I took 1/2 tablet for the first time around 6:15 pm and I was out cold by 7 pm. I slept until 7:45 am and had to get up for an appointment. I could barely drag myself out of bed and if I hadn’t only been going 2 miles from home, I wouldn’t have been able to drive myself. I came home and slept on and off til about 3 pm, when I finally started to feel more like normal. I guess you could say it helped my anxiety, because you can’t feel anxious if you’re unconscious! But there is no possible way I could ever take this medicine and go to work or get anything productive accomplished. I am going to hold on to it in case I have a major anxiety episode that I need to just sleep through, but at my follow up appointment I will definitely request that we try something else."

2 / 10
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  • Stephie
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 27, 2020

For Anxiety "I was prescribed hydroxyzine to take as needed for anxiety. I took it once and it did not work at all. It didn't make me feel sleepy at all and it didn't help my anxiety, it made my anxiety a thousand times worse and I had a panic attack that lasted about 3 hours and I would not calm down. It didn't help me cope, it cancelled out my ability to cope"

1 / 10
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  • Tori
  • November 5, 2020

Atarax (hydroxyzine) for Anxiety "Atarax works great for my anxiety! I was on Xanax for many years to treat my GAD. I stopped and started using Atarax, 25mg 3 times a day. It will make you sleepy, although for me, it’s way better than experiencing constant worry and anxiety."

8 / 10
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  • Insom...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 25, 2020

For Anxiety "I have had insomnia for the past 14 months. I have been to two sleep specialist. I have tried all kinds of drugs and I also I tried CBTI and meditation. I am 70 years old. Just last week my sleep doctor finally prescribed this hydroxyzine for me. I take 10 mg at bedtime – literally at bedtime, It works within 15 to 20 minutes.I cannot believe the difference it has made. I sleep through the night, prior to this if I slept at all I had at most six hours. I could easily sleep eight hours now. I wake up feeling very good. I’m taking nothing else with it. It’s not been quite a week yet, and I hope to continue this fabulous response. I had never heard of it before this, but I would suggest if you have problems with sleep and you might ask your doctors to let you try it. From my reading there are no long-term side effects, and no withdrawal symptoms. It is so much better than taking diazepam or Ambien."

10 / 10
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  • Reb
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 22, 2020

For Sedation "I was prescribed hydroxyzine to help me stay asleep through the night. I was told to take one 10 mg tablet before bed and increase it to two 10 mg tablets if needed. After taking just one 10 mg tablet I woke up so fatigued I couldn't function. I was falling asleep while eating breakfast (my head was falling onto the table and I was falling asleep). Sitting up felt like it took too much energy even. This fatigue lasted the whole next day. It was miserable. So, I tried taking two and woke up fatigued again. I could barely keep my eyes open all day....even right after waking up from 8 hrs of sleep. I haven't seemed to be any calmer when taking it. It does help a bit with my sinusitis though, but not much and it's not worth the extreme fatigue I feel the next day. I did stay asleep through the night more, but what good is that if the meds make me so fatigued the next day that I can't really function?"

3 / 10
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  • Kat
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 16, 2020

For Sedation "I currently take 50mg about an hour or so before I’d like to fall asleep for my chronic insomnia. While it’s not a strong sedation, anything is better than nothing. I have had almost no side effects with this drug which is unlike the other medications I have tried. The only minor issue I’ve experienced is if I don’t get at least eight hours of sleep in, I’ll wake up a little extra fatigued. I would recommend taking this medication when you know you’re going to be able to sleep for a while. Hope this helps. ☺️"

8 / 10
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  • rpano
  • January 29, 2020

For Anxiety "I just started this drug hydroxyzine two weeks ago as I have GAD, PTSD and Panic disorder. I am really very impressed with this drug and the best way to describe it is if I have ten things to do instead of bouncing around all ten and getting nothing accomplished it slows me down enough to put the list to work one task at a time. Very effective and no side effects for me."

10 / 10
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175 Report
  • Finally...
  • July 3, 2016

Vistaril (hydroxyzine) for Anxiety "I have been struggling my entire life with mental health issues that I didn't realize were there. I have extreme anxiety and have always found it so hard to talk to people with out stuttering and feeling stupid. I experimented many different meds Vistaril seriously changed my life. I am so much happier and so much calmer than I've ever been, I feel like a new person."

10 / 10
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250 Report
  • Wynnie
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 27, 2024

Vistaril (hydroxyzine) for Anxiety "Look, this medicine either works for some people or doesn't. All medications are like that; it's very personal to every individual. However, I don't understand why some reviews just talk about how it made them gain weight; therefore, it's an awful drug... Many, MANY mental health (and other) medications make you gain weight. Not sure how that's relevant to their effectiveness. I'd take being 50lbs bigger any day if that meant not dealing with panic. That being said, for me, like many others, Vistaril works GREAT for anxiety. I've taken Xanax before, so I can wholeheartedly say that a 25mg pill works JUST as well, if not a little bit better than a low dose of Xanax. Even the next day, I have almost no anxiety in my body. However, like another review stated, I am in a terrible mood the day after a dose. Just something I'm gonna have to learn to work around. Honestly, if you are prescribed this, just give it a try. Those it works for, it can work wonders."

10 / 10
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  • meggix
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 23, 2020

Atarax (hydroxyzine) for Anxiety "For me, Atarax works for anxiety! I've taken half a pill as needed for anxiety. I have GAD with panic attacks, and it calms me down. I will say though, on an empty stomach, it does make me dizzy. Overall really good med!"

9 / 10
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131 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.