Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Vistaril

Vistaril: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Vistaril?

Vistaril is a medication with the generic name hydroxyzine pamoate. It belongs to the antiemetic agents family. It acts as a sedative, antispasmodic (relieves spasms), antiemetic (preventing nausea), and an anticholinergic agent. It is used to treat allergic problems, such as nausea, anxiety, and itchiness of the skin. It reduces the production of an allergy-forming component called histamine. Central nervous system activity is reduced. It is used to treat anxiety and tension, and has a sedative effect. It is administered to patients in combination with other medicines while general anesthesia is given or after.

What are the uses of Vistaril?

  • Used primarily to treat allergic conditions such as itching, hives of the skin, and anxiety.
  • Used to treat vomiting, nausea, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.                        
  • Used to relieve tension and for short-term treatment of anxiety or in place of habit-forming anxiety-relieving medicines like benzodiazepines. If a patient is suffering from a combination of allergy and anxiety, then Vistaril is recommended. But Vistaril is not recommended for long-term treatment of anxiety.                 
  • Used to induce sleep relaxation during or post-surgery.

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    What are the side effects of Vistaril?

    • Stomach distress
    • Sleepiness
    • Coordination is affected
    • Dizziness
    • Oral and respiratory secretions become dry and thick        
    • In older patients, they might suffer from constipation or confusion
    • Tiredness

    Other noteworthy side effects of Vistaril are:

    • Blurred vision
    • Dry mouth
    • Nervousness
    • Sometimes tremors may develop due to high dosage
    • Sedation
    • Irritability
    • Double vision
    • Seizures
    • Loss of appetite
    • Nervousness
    • Irritability

    Vistaril should be carefully used in people suffering from the enlarged prostate gland, cardiovascular diseases, asthma, narrow-angle glaucoma and hypertension.

    What is Vistaril

    Uses of Vistaril

    Side effects of Vistaril

    References

    1. https://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/hydroxyzine.html
    2. https://www.recoveryconnection.com/substance-abuse/medication/vistaril/#:~:text=Vistaril%20is%20not%20considered%20to,and%20as%20a%20sleep%20aid.

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Vistaril

    Vistaril is a non-habit forming antihistamine medication. It is not a controlled substance. Though it relaxes and relieves anxiety, it does not cause any physical dependency and does not cause withdrawal symptoms once discontinued. It does not have any characteristics of a narcotic drug. The US FDA has approved it to be used to treat anxiety.

    Vistaril is an antihistamine medication also used to relieve anxiety. It is approved by the FDA for treating anxiety. It calms people down after around 30 minutes, and can be used daily. It is not habit-forming and does not have withdrawal symptoms and does not cause dependency. It is not a controlled substance.

    Vistaril is an antihistamine medication, which is also used to treat anxiety symptoms. Xanax is a controlled substance belonging to the benzodiazepine class, used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Both Vistaril and Xanax are used for short-term anxiety problems But Vistaril is not a controlled substance.

    Yes, Vistaril works on anxiety. Although the exact mechanism of reducing anxiety is not known. It affects two chemicals, serotonin, and histamine in the human body. Histamine is blocked by Vistaril and prevents allergic reactions. It impacts serotonin, a mood-affecting chemical. Vistaril is used to treat generalized anxiety disorder associated with sleeplessness.

    Vistaril is used to treat anxiety. It also affects the nervous system and relaxes it. It causes drowsiness and hence may be useful to treat insomnia in patients with sleep-related issues. It induces sleep quickly and the maximum effects can be seen only after two hours.

    Studies conducted with Vistaril to check for side effects showed sleeplessness as the most common side effect, followed by weight gain in a few patients. Dry mouth, loss of concentration, and insomnia are also some of the side-effects. Blockage in H1 receptors by antidepressants like Vistaril is the main reason for weight gain.

    Vistaril is primarily used as an antiallergic substance. It is also used as a sedative to treat anxiety, vomiting, and nausea. Benadryl is also an anti-allergic substance. Benadryl is even used to treat motion sickness and mild forms of parkinsonism. Benadryl is easily available as over the counter medicine whereas Vistaril can be bought only by prescription.

    Vistaril is not approved by the FDA to be taken during pregnancy. It can cross the placental barrier, and can lead to its accumulation in the fetus, thus increasing the risk of birth defects. Caution must be exercised not to use this medication while in labor or before labor as it might increase the risk of seizure in infants.

    Vistaril acts on the nervous system and relaxes it. Since alcohol also affects the functioning of the nervous system, consuming alcohol combined with Vistaril can increase the side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and can also lead to difficulty in concentration. Few people even experience impairment in thinking and judgment. So, alcohol consumption should be limited.