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Vistaril - any knowledge or experience?

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 10/12/2016 1:55 PM (GMT -5)
Sent my P-doc a note about my worsening anxiety/depression over the last week and a half.
He prescribed me 25mg of Vistaril up to 3x a day until I can see him next week.
I know it's an off label anti-anxiety med.
Anybody have any experience? Heard good things?
I'm hoping it will help me sleep, but I'm guessing it will be less effective than the .5mg of xanax I've been taking the past few nights.
Posted 10/12/2016 2:03 PM (GMT -5)
Hi there - I was prescribed vistaril as well in lieu of a benzo. While it won't be as effective as your xanax, I think it will help. I mainly took it at night because I had insomnia at the time, but I occasionally had to take it for onset anxiety. It doesn't work super fast, but once it kicked in I did feel more relaxed.
Posted 10/12/2016 2:17 PM (GMT -5)
Do you think it might work better for the insomnia than the xanax? That's a tradeoff I'd take right now.
Thanks for the response JRF.
Posted 10/12/2016 2:41 PM (GMT -5)
I think it's different for everyone, but I say switch it up if what you're doing now isn't working for you!
Posted 10/12/2016 3:30 PM (GMT -5)
Rsp,

Hydroxyzine/Vistaril is an antihistamine, and has a relaxing effect (thus its use as an off-label A/P med)...and should help you with sleep.

In the long run, it'll be better for your A/P management, since there is not the risk of tolerance/dependence.

I believe a combination of this Rx, your daily maintenance med and working your coping skills will make a well rounded plan.:)

Let us know how it goes!

S.C.
Posted 10/12/2016 5:45 PM (GMT -5)
Probably less effective than Xanax, but probably better off in the long run as Scaredy Cat said!! Certainly worth a shot! I hope it helps!
Posted 10/12/2016 6:49 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks S.C., SF. I'm on a quest for a good night's sleep!
Posted 10/12/2016 6:56 PM (GMT -5)
for me it was very sedating and i could only take it at bedtime. it should help you sleep
Posted 10/12/2016 7:00 PM (GMT -5)
Sweet! Thanks Super20dan. Appreciate the insight.
Supapfunk the tenor of your posts is lighter today. I hope that means you're feeling better today.
Posted 10/12/2016 9:41 PM (GMT -5)
I am having a better day, Rsp, thank you so much for asking. ((hug))
Posted 10/13/2016 6:12 PM (GMT -5)
report how it works -ok ?
Posted 10/14/2016 5:11 AM (GMT -5)
Thanks for asking super20.
Seems like I sleep slightly better. I take one 25mg about an hour before bed.
I still wake up, but I'm pretty sure I fall back asleep. I know I'm not wide awake like I was.
I feel really groggy most of the day. So there you go - I feel like I sleep better, but I'm more tired during the day. I'm only 2 nights in.
Posted 10/14/2016 6:39 PM (GMT -5)
have you tried taking it in the day yet? its not as powerfull as a real sleep aid and usually i woke up during the nite also. came close to trying it in daytime for anxiety -was going to take it today to see how it did on just anxiety but happy to report i was feeling much better today so i didnt need it. also i got called in to work so i couldnt take it anyway
Posted 10/14/2016 8:21 PM (GMT -5)
No. I can't imagine what that might be like. I'm half asleep all day as it is. It's funny cuz I'm groggier now than I was before even tho I'm sleeping a little better.

Glad you're feeling better and out making some cash!
Posted 10/15/2016 8:29 PM (GMT -5)
i am curious what its like too and if one can function in day time while taking it. i could not function at all on trazadone. bedtime only for that med
Posted 10/16/2016 9:00 AM (GMT -5)
I don't see myself trying it any other time than bedtime. At least with xanax I'm not so groggy the next day.
Posted 10/16/2016 11:38 AM (GMT -5)
I wonder if you could take half a pill, Rsp, since it's making you so groggy?
Posted 10/16/2016 5:45 PM (GMT -5)
They're the plastic type capsules with the granules inside. I'm just gonna alternate between them and the xanax. I only take them at bedtime anyway. Hopefully when I see my p-doc on Tuesday, we'll come up with a plan. I think he's gonna up my buspar.
Posted 10/16/2016 7:15 PM (GMT -5)
Oh dang, yeah that wouldn't work. Good plan, and I'm glad you see your doc soon!
Posted 10/17/2016 5:50 AM (GMT -5)
Rspwed
Hope things get brighter.. I find that its my adrenaline That makes me so tired all the time, because nothing else has changed tablet wise. I take 20mg of seroxat at night and my B/P med atenalol which is a beta blocker and should help with anxiety too.
I was given some diazapam last week to help break the cycle when im in a real accute episode but cos i am such a wimp , i break a 2mg tablet into 4 peices lol.
Keep your spirit up xx
Posted 10/17/2016 8:56 AM (GMT -5)
Thanks Gilly. I'll be fine. I'm not feeling too bad, just doing some tweaking. I get some breakthrough now and then because of it.
Wimpy is not what you call someone willing to fly halfway round the world while feeling crappy.
Strong and Brave, you're kickin butt and takin names!
Hope you're having fun!
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