Vistaril Side Effects
Generic name: hydroxyzine
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 1, 2023.
Note: This document contains side effect information about hydroxyzine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Vistaril.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to hydroxyzine: compounding powder, intramuscular solution, oral capsule, oral suspension, oral syrup, oral tablet.
General
The most commonly reported side effects included sleepiness, headache, and tiredness.[Ref]
Nervous system
Very common (10% or more): Sleepiness (up to 13.74%)
Common (1% to 10%): Headache
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Convulsion, tremor
Frequency not reported: Anticholinergic activity, central nervous system (CNS) depression, drowsiness, incoordination, involuntary motor activity, psychomotor impairment, stimulation
Postmarketing reports: Dizziness, dyskinesia, dystonia, paresthesia, sedation, seizures, syncope[Ref]
Other
Common (1% to 10%): Tiredness
Frequency not reported: Antimuscarinic effects, lassitude
Postmarketing reports: Asthenia, malaise, pyrexia, sudden death[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Common (1% to 10%): Dry mouth
Postmarketing reports: Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Frequency not reported: QT prolongation, Torsade de Pointes
Postmarketing reports: Cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, edema, hypotension, ventricular arrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity reaction
Postmarketing reports: Allergic reaction, anaphylactic shock, angioedema, hypersensitivity[Ref]
Respiratory
Frequency not reported: Respiratory depression
Postmarketing reports: Bronchospasm[Ref]
Dermatologic
Postmarketing reports: Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), bullous condition (pemphigoids, toxic epidermal necrolysis), dermatitis, erythema, erythema multiforme, fixed drug eruptions, increased sweating, maculopapular rash, pruritus, rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, urticaria[Ref]
Psychiatric
Postmarketing reports: Aggression, agitation, confusion, depression, disorientation, hallucination, insomnia, tics[Ref]
Genitourinary
Postmarketing reports: Dysuria, enuresis, urinary retention[Ref]
Ocular
Postmarketing reports: Accommodation disorder, blurred vision, oculogyric crisis[Ref]
Hepatic
Postmarketing reports: Hepatitis, liver function tests abnormal[Ref]
Hematologic
Postmarketing reports: Thrombocytopenia[Ref]
Metabolic
Postmarketing reports: Weight gain[Ref]
Frequently asked questions
- Can you take hydroxyzine for anxiety and sleep?
- Can hydroxyzine be taken long-term?
- Does Benadryl help with or cause anxiety?
- When can I start drinking if I’m no longer taking hydroxyzine?
- Can you take antihistamines when pregnant?
More about Vistaril (hydroxyzine)
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References
1. Product Information. Vistaril (hydroxyzine). Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals. 2001;PROD.
2. Product Information. Atarax (hydroxyzine). Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals. 2001;PROD.
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.
