Does Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) Work for Anxiety?

Vistaril (hydroxyzine) is an antihistamine medication that can effectively treat symptoms of anxiety and anxiety disorders. It's often used as a short-term anxiety treatment and offers certain advantages over other anxiety medications.

If you're considering medication to treat your anxiety, you probably have many questions. Will it work? What are the side effects? Is it habit-forming? At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, GA, we help patients understand their treatment options and find the right approach for their needs.

What is Vistaril (Hydroxyzine) and How Does It Work?

Vistaril is a brand name for hydroxyzine pamoate. This medication is an antihistamine, meaning it manages levels of histamine—a chemical produced by your immune system. While you've likely heard of antihistamines for allergies, hydroxyzine also has anxiety-reducing properties.

Hydroxyzine pamoate decreases anxiety symptoms by suppressing activity in the subcortical regions of the brain—the areas that control emotions. It can make you feel calm and relaxed, though it may also cause drowsiness due to its antihistamine properties.

Vistaril is FDA-approved to treat anxiety and can also be prescribed off-label to treat various anxiety disorders, including:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Panic disorders
• Social anxiety disorder

Research from five studies on hydroxyzine pamoate demonstrated that it is more effective at treating anxiety symptoms than a placebo. However, its effectiveness may decrease over time as patients build tolerance, making it typically a short-term treatment option.

Advantages of Hydroxyzine Over Other Anxiety Medications

One significant advantage of hydroxyzine over medications like Xanax (alprazolam) is that it is not habit-forming and is not a controlled substance. It can help you feel calm and relaxed without causing the same type of withdrawal symptoms if you decide to stop taking it.

How Do You Get Hydroxyzine?

Vistaril is a prescription medication, so you'll need to consult with a healthcare professional to obtain it. Unlike over-the-counter allergy medications like Benadryl or Zyrtec, hydroxyzine requires a prescription from a psychiatrist or other qualified prescriber.

Potential Side Effects of Hydroxyzine

Vistaril's side effects are generally mild. Common side effects include:

• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Headaches

These side effects are usually temporary, but if they persist, consult with your psychiatrist. Since Vistaril commonly causes drowsiness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.

Seek medical help immediately if you experience:

• Hallucinations
• Tremors or convulsions
• Nausea and vomiting
• Signs of allergic reaction (trouble breathing, hives, facial swelling)

Hydroxyzine Dosage Information

Your psychiatrist may prescribe Vistaril as a capsule (25 mg or 50 mg) or oral suspension (liquid). Adults can take 50-100 mg up to four times daily, with dosages starting at 10mg per day.

Your psychiatrist may direct you to take Vistaril on an as-needed basis when you're feeling particularly anxious, or at regular times daily for ongoing management.

Important Considerations

Although hydroxyzine is not habit-forming, it's still possible to take too much. The risk of overdose may be increased by other medications or substances, especially those that depress your central nervous system, including:

• Narcotics (OxyContin, Vicodin)
• Non-narcotic painkillers
• Barbiturates
• Alcohol

If you have heart-rhythm disorders or heart disease, inform your psychiatrist before starting hydroxyzine.

Other Anxiety Treatment Options

While hydroxyzine can be effective for treating anxiety, it's just one of many proven treatment options. Other medications your psychiatrist might discuss include:

• SSRIs (Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac) - Increase serotonin availability and are appropriate for long-term use
• SNRIs (Cymbalta, Effexor) - Increase both serotonin and norepinephrine
• Benzodiazepines (Klonopin, Xanax) - Very effective but require careful monitoring due to habit-forming potential
• Buspirone - Lower risk of dependency with mild side effects

Get Expert Anxiety Treatment in Lilburn, GA

If you're struggling with anxiety and want to explore whether hydroxyzine or other medications might help, the psychiatrists at Next Step Psychiatry can evaluate your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan.