Vistaril User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)
Vistaril has an average rating of 5.7 out of 10 from a total of 232 reviews on Drugs.com. 47% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 38% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Vistaril
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 1, 2014
For Anxiety "I took this medicine for the first time and I ended up dreaming a very romantic dream. It helps me with my panic/anxiety attacks. I would like to figure out what triggers my freaking out. Never drive when you take Vistaril. It mellows you out. Thank you."
- bla...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- April 30, 2015
For Anxiety "I have been on Vistaril for about a year now, and it has helped my anxiety greatly. Not to mention, no side effects at all. It also helps greatly with itching and extreme tension. I am taking 200 mg per day in two divided doses. I am very happy with this medication."
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Frequently asked questions
- Can you take hydroxyzine for anxiety and sleep?
- Can hydroxyzine be taken long-term?
- Does Benadryl help with or cause anxiety?
- Can dogs take hydroxyzine?
- Ame...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 20, 2013
For Anxiety "After having surgery on my wrist, my mother suggested to the doctor to give me something to take the edge off of pain in between doses of hydrocodone. I was given Vistaril (25mg) and told to take as needed for pain with my other meds and that I could take 1-2 of them within every 4 hours or so. The doc also said it should tame down some stomach issue with the pain medicine (it did). I noticed not only were they helping me with the pain but I felt relief from some of the anxiety of being out of work and just not being able to function well without the use of my right arm. I asked him about this at my next visit, and he said indeed it was known for help with that and that was in fact part of the reason he added it for me. No side effects for me."
- Aun...
- January 12, 2015
For Anxiety "I was prescribed this over Xanax because I breastfeed and needed something safe to take for my extreme anxiety. I am bipolar, so my levels of energy are usually very high and I'm very anxious. I was unsure of this being able to calm me, but it works great. I have experienced headaches from this medicine, but I'll take that any day over my 'high-energy agitative states'."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Cst...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 26, 2013
For Anxiety "I am bipolar and take Celexa and Abilify. My doctor added Vistaril for my anxiety and panic attacks, and so far, the Vistaril did the trick. I feel human again and not flying all over the place since the Vistaril was added, and I haven't had a panic attack for 3 weeks. Hurray for Vistaril."
- Mak...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 9, 2015
For Anxiety "I had anxiety that I consider inexpressible. It was as bad as it can get. I took Xanax and it amplified my depression substantially, which increased my anxiety. Seeking a long-term treatment rather than an addictive short-term relief, I was prescribed Vistaril 50mg. This is a drug similar to Benadryl, but a bit stronger. It is non-addictive and DOES fight the anxiety without the side effects of Ativan/Xanax. This WILL NOT kill the anxiety alone. You must be on an SSRI such as Lexapro for this drug to fully combat GAD. I urge everyone to try this drug. There are no risks, and it may help you."
More FAQ
- When can I start drinking if I’m no longer taking hydroxyzine?
- Can you take antihistamines when pregnant?
- Cjp...
- September 26, 2016
For Sedation "Taking Vistaril to help me sleep. I work nights, it's particularly difficult to sleep. This med just helps me to doze off & stay asleep. There's no 'drugged' feeling when I wake up. I do feel like it takes a little longer to get fully awake, but don't feel hung over like trazodone made me feel. Highly recommend it if you're looking for a very good non-narcotic sleep aid."
- sie...
- December 23, 2010
For Anxiety "I have generalized anxiety with agoraphobia. I hadn't had an anxiety attack in a while and hadn't taken medicines for a while until a few weeks ago when I attempted going to the mall and had a major panic attack. I went to the doctor and she put me on Vistaril. I used to take Xanax but was left feeling loopy and very tired, unable to function. Vistaril works very well for me without that drugged feeling and I don't have to worry about becoming addicted. I love it and would recommend trying it before other medication."
- Chr...
- November 7, 2013
For Anxiety "I have been taking 25 mg of Vistaril once per day for about the past month. I take it at night. I have depression and anxiety pretty bad with the anxiety being the stronger of the two issues. I can't handle stress very well at all either. I am taking 40 mg of Prozac a day also. The Vistaril at first made me drowsy and lethargic. It took me about a week to adjust. Now I feel much better. I can sleep at night and feel decent when I wake up. It's not perfect but I am not getting any side effects and it's improved my life. I would recommend trying it but I would only take at night and do not drive after taking it until you get used to it."
- Anonymous
- October 12, 2011
For Anxiety "I have moderate to severe anxiety associated with a very unhealthy self-esteem. It is a terrible thing because I am generally a very rational person. As a result, I have extreme difficulty telling someone how I feel and of hurting another person's feelings. (I would never want another person to suffer the way I do). My symptoms usually begin with increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, nausea and pain in the chest/throat area, hyperventilation which will sometimes throw me into panic mode and extreme negative thinking that I am unable to deviate from. I was prescribed Vistaril 25mg up to 4 times daily as needed. I have found it very effective so far for immediate relief but it does cause drowsiness."
- Ste...
- February 6, 2015
For Anxiety "I'm glad I was prescribed Vistaril. It relieves anxiety quickly without all the downsides of Klonopin or Xanax. The drowsiness is more pronounced, but I'll take it over a panic attack. This seems like a good medicine to take as needed. Be careful driving, and remember to rely on natural coping skills as well. To the people experiencing an abnormal amount of drowsiness or nausea, just remember it's temporary. It was totally effective for me, and my anxiety is moderate."
- Eme...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 10, 2012
For Nausea/Vomiting "I suffer from anxiety and I've tried a lot of medicines that just destroyed my stomach. I also have a 'sensitive' stomach. Along with a phobia of vomiting. So add that up and stir in insomnia, makes for a very unhappy me. Vistaril has helped with the nervous stomach aches, the anxiety-induced vomiting, and my anxiety while helping my Lunesta be more effective. This medicine is awesome."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- May 16, 2012
For Anxiety "I have generalized anxiety disorder. I had only been on Buspar before and it gave me horrible side effects. What I find with Vistaril is that it takes the edge off my anxiety, which means I can actually relax now. Sometimes the anxiety is not as chronic when I'm on it. I can handle high-stress situations better now, too, because the medicine makes it manageable and diminishes the physical symptoms of anxiety. It's been especially helpful in combination with therapy. And no side effects! Although it's not as effective when I start to feel panic symptoms, it has kept me from having full-blown panic attacks on multiple occasions."
- JC9...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 14, 2023
For Anxiety "Was given this for anxiety during alcohol withdrawal, instead of benzos. Did NOTHING positive, no relief of anxiety, became dehydrated, sore hips, unstable gait, worst placebo possible due to the side effects. Benzodiazepines exist for a reason. If Vistaril does not offer you immediate relief, you need something else, not a higher dose which just makes things worse."
- Sta...
- September 16, 2013
For Anxiety "I was having a horrible withdrawal from Cymbalta and was determined to get off it! After my doc's only answer was to take Ativan (which made me extremely zombified). After two trips to the ER, they recommended Vistaril, and it calmed the brain zaps, disorientation, and extreme confusion. It's been a huge help!"
- Anonymous
- August 14, 2012
For Pain "I have some conditions and I'm in pain 24/7. I use Fentanyl 100mcg every 72 hours and Percocet 2 every 6 hours. I have other medications; but with Vistaril, I don't have to use the dosages of Percocet as prescribed. I'm a veteran."
- Jun...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 26, 2014
For Anxiety "I am 34, female, with marked panic attacks. I have health/doctor office anxiety. I have to say Vistaril has done wonders for me. It seemed to take a few weeks before I could really feel its effects though. I have to keep a small amount in my system before it helps with a panic attack. I can take 1-2 25 mg pills 3 times a day as needed for anxiety. I usually take half of a 25 mg pill twice a day. When I feel an attack starting, I take another 1 to 1.5 pills. It stops the attack quickly. I feel like I've got my life back somewhat, and it feels like a safety blanket. It does dry my mouth out though, and I only recommend it for marked anxiety. I do not have any depression."
- BJB...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- September 29, 2015
For Anxiety "This med is a double-edged sword. My Dr. prescribed Vistaril for my anxiety. It took 3 weeks to wean off Clonazepam-never stop cold turkey. By the 3rd week, I was only on Vistaril. At 4 weeks, the Vistaril was working better than anything I have EVER taken for acute anxiety. I was truly amazed and happy. So why did I only give it a 5 rating? A DRAMATIC increase in appetite and an even more DRAMATIC weight gain. 13 pounds in one month. As good as Vistaril works, I am going to have to go off of it. In 15 years, I have gained no weight and I have not experienced hunger like this in my life. So, I will wean off, then work like crazy to shed this weight...not looking forward to that. I am sad :("
- J P...
- July 9, 2015
For Anxiety "This is great for general anxiety. Calms you down fairly quickly and makes you 'zoned out', mildly sedated and definitely less anxious. Not as strong as a benzo and will not stop a panic attack, but is great for when you are feeling panicky or generally anxious. Another plus is that it is not addictive. Absolutely no withdrawal symptoms whatsoever. This DEFINITELY raises my resting pulse about 15 beats per minute and also raises diastolic blood pressure about 10 points even at a small dose. Even with these raises, mine is still within normal range, but just a word of caution."
- Rad...
- June 2, 2014
For Anxiety "I was prescribed Vistaril for bad panic attacks, as needed. I was put on Celexa, and less than an hour after taking it, I felt extreme fear and had the worst panic attack I've ever experienced. I called my doctor immediately and was told to go ahead and take the Vistaril. It calmed me down in less than 15 minutes. It did, however, make me so drowsy that I found it impossible to stay awake. Thank goodness I have it on hand for my next attempt with Wellbutrin."
- Ske...
- February 1, 2017
For Anxiety "I have been on Vistaril for a little over a week now, and I have to say that it has been an overall therapeutic and positive experience. I was on Lexapro (escitalopram) for almost 3 months and found that the medicine would make me pretty anxious, though it did level me out during a very rocky time in my life. I chose to start taking Vistaril since Lexapro wasn't effective in the ways I wanted. Now on 50mg to 100mg a day, I can say that it is easier to be focused on things that I really care about. I can usually notice the subtle change in my body when it stops working (primarily in my stomach), and I'll pop another one to stay pretty level as long as it is in my system."
- hon...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- February 13, 2014
For Anxiety "I suffer from anxiety, major depression & insomnia. I'm taking Vistaril for the anxiety. I'm on 50mg 4 times a day. When reading, most of you said it made you pretty sleepy... I feel normal for the first time in 40 years, like maybe I can have a life now. My experience so far has been a great one :o) I DON'T GET drowsy at all. LIKE I SAID, THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE I FEEL 100% NORMAL... I take two Seroquel 100mg in the AM for major depression. That doesn't make me drowsy at all. When I read about Vistaril and Seroquel, people say they are drowsy and lethargic. Not ME, I feel great!!! I also take Seroquel 300mg at bedtime along with 30mg Restoril at bedtime... The only side effects I have are movements in my neck & the chills. Yep, that's it."
- Rel...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 3, 2021
For Anxiety "I was on 3 mg Xanax for 8 years and weaned off. My anxiety returned and it was a horror show. I trembled all night long, I vomited twice from anxiety, my mind started thinking suicidal thoughts, as if my mind was searching for relief. Words cannot describe how horrible it was. I was absolutely determined to get back on Xanax because what I was experiencing was simply intolerable. My doctor prescribed this and I was certain it wouldn’t work. The first day I felt jittery and cold. The second day I woke up and didn’t want to vomit. I thought it was too good to be true. There is no way an antihistamine could help my anxiety. However, it is working. I feel great, I’m focused, confident, calm, alert, sleep well. It’s so weird, zero anxiety and clear as a bell. Thank God for this."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 16, 2017
For Anxiety "Let me start with the obvious disclaimer: everyone is different, and your mileage may vary. Also, always follow your doctor's advice. I am leaving my experience as I hope it will help others. I suffer from severe anxiety, not the mild kind of anxiety. For the last month, I have been having as many as 3-4 panic attacks a day. When I was prescribed this, I was very skeptical. I have been prescribed almost every medication for anxiety, including Xanax, Klonopin, and Ativan. When I first started taking 50 mg of Vistaril, I didn't feel that it was having any effect. In fact, it wasn't until after I had run out and didn't get it refilled that I noticed it had been making a sizable difference. For me, it wasn't a cure, but it was a useful tool."
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For Anxiety "I have extreme anxiety attacks that make it hard for me to breathe, which makes the oxygen levels in my brain go down. I have found that it helps me calm down to the point where I can rationalize the stress and anxiety that is causing the attack. I also find that when I am nauseous, it helps me not vomit."