About Vistaril (hydroxyzine)
Vistaril is an antihistamine. It works by potentially affecting a number of different pathways throughout the body.
Vistaril (hydroxyzine) may be useful for people at risk of an allergic reaction due to allergies, as the medication reduces the effect of histamine that the body releases/produces in response to those allergies. It also reduces central nervous system activity, which is why it may also serve as a type of sedative.
Vistaril is prescribed to treat allergies, allergic skin reactions, and sometimes short-term use in the treatment of anxiety.
Vistaril is available only by prescription and is available as a generic formula as hydroxyzine. It may be prescribed as a capsule or liquid.
For anxiety or allergies, hydroxyzine hydrochloride can be prescribed in various dose capsules, between 10mg and 50mg of the active ingredient hydroxyzine hydrochloride.
It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage that you are prescribed.
If you are prescribed Vistaril, be sure to follow the directions for use as discussed with your doctor.
Vistaril (hydroxyzine) is sometimes prescribed on a short-term basis to people with anxiety symptoms. Always talk to your doctor if you notice any potential side effects or are taking other medications that may interact with hydroxyzine.
Because of the potential for side effects, hydroxyzine hydrochloride is generally only used for short-term treatment solutions.
Vistaril uses
There are two FDA-approved uses for Vistaril, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for the following reasons. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for different reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how Vistaril is prescribed.
Anxiety symptoms
Vistaril is sometimes used to help treat anxiety symptoms. Patients with anxiety and tension may experience problems like chest pain, severe dizziness, and other adverse reactions. The sedative effects that Vistaril produces help to relieve anxiety in these individuals. The sedative and hypnotic effects of Vistaril may cause specific adverse effects, which can affect the patient's ability to drive or while operating dangerous machinery.
Allergy symptoms
Vistaril is an antihistamine. Among other actions, Vistaril's main action is to block the effect that histamine has within the body. An increase in histamine may occur with allergic skin reactions and other reactions. Vistaril may reduce the occurrence of symptoms related to allergy-mediated histamine activity.
Vistaril side effects
The side effects associated with taking Vistaril are typically mild to moderate. Some side effects may include:
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
A skin rash
Headaches
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Seizures (high doses)
Severe dizziness
Fainting
Headache
Fast heartbeats
Even though Vistaril is an antihistamine, there are some people who may experience allergic reactions to the active chemicals in the drug. It is important to tell healthcare professionals if you previously experienced an allergic reaction while taking hydroxyzine. This may be more common in young adults and elderly patients. An allergic reaction while taking hydroxyzine may result in a skin rash or sometimes even a serious skin condition. Swelling of the lips, throat and other parts of the face can also occur, along with trouble breathing.
You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. This medication has not been approved for use in pediatric patients for the symptomatic relief of anxiety symptoms.
How to take Vistaril
Your doctor will provide you with instructions on how to take your Vistaril prescription.
Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor if you have any questions.
Vistaril can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. Doses vary depending on the use and your age, size, etc.
What to avoid while taking Vistaril
Vistaril has the potential to cause serious drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
Always tell your doctor l about any other medications you use when taking Vistaril. This can help your doctor immediately recognize the possibility of drug interactions. Some cases of heart disease have been noted among patients who use Vistaril for the symptomatic relief of anxiety and tension symptoms, particularly when combined with certain other medications.
Do not use Vistaril if you are taking CNS depressant drugs. You should also tell your doctor if you use medications to treat mental health conditions or are currently on antibiotic treatment.
Be sure to mention any natural supplements you take or over-the-counter medicines, as these can also cause drug interactions.
Alcohol is not recommended and should be avoided while taking Vistaril. Alcohol is also a central nervous system depressant, which means it may have a similar effect on the body as Vistaril. This greatly increases the risk of some serious side effects, such as severe dizziness and excessive sleepiness.
Always call get medical attention right away if you have signs of a skin rash or other allergic reactions. In severe cases, especially with drug interactions, you may also need to contact your local poison control center. A poison control center can identify potential interactions or provide assistance in the case of an overdose.
Medication alternatives to Vistaril
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest another antihistamine or medicine in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Allergic Conditions
Long term management of allergic conditions is generally done with other medications, not Vistaril. The following are medications commonly used to control chronic allergic conditions.
Zyrtec (Cetirizine)
Claritin (loratadine)
Allegra (fexofenadine) Flonase (fluticasone propionate) Singulair (montelukast)Generalized anxiety disorder
If you have a generalized anxiety disorder, your doctor may consider alternative treatments as Vistaril is normally used as an adjunctive, or add-on, medication as opposed to a primary medication in the treatment of anxiety. While Vistaril may help, it does have sedative side effects.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors:
Vistaril prescription FAQs
How much does Vistaril cost?
The cost largely depends on the dose you need to use and the pharmacy you get your prescription.
When should you not take Vistaril?
You should not take Vistaril if pregnant. Vistaril can cause severe drowsiness in some people. Do not take the medication if you are operating dangerous machinery or if you will drive.
What should I avoid while taking hydroxyzine?
Do not consume subsequent doses of the medication if it does not seem to be needed. Muscle relaxants and certain medicines also have a depressive effect on the central nervous system. Avoid other CNS depressants while you use hydroxyzine.
How does Vistaril make you feel?
Divided doses may help to reduce the sedative effects. Clinical data shows that people feel a slow heartbeat and calmer.
Who should not take Vistaril?
Do not take Vistaril if you are on muscle relaxants or other antiemetic agents. Avoid CNS depressants while you take the drug. You should also not use other medicines with Vistaril that may cause interactions, especially if you had a heart attack in the past. Research suggests that children younger than 18 should be careful about using this medication.
What happens if I miss a dose of Vistaril?
If you have a missed dose, consider when your next dose is and for what reason the medication is being used. For allergies or anxiety, you may take the missed dose but then recalculate a new schedule. For allergies or anxiety, you may not need the medication if the symptoms are not present.
What happens if I take too much Vistaril?
Tell your doctor if you think you took too much Vistaril. It can lead to induced fetal abnormalities in pregnant patients. Severe drowsiness and fainting are also possible when taking too much hydroxyzine pamoate or hydroxyzine hydrochloride. Combining the medication with other drugs can greatly increase side effects.
3 simple steps to request your Vistaril (hydroxyzine) prescription online
![Step 1: Book an appointment](https://images.ctfassets.net/93dxz9nwxioo/qt92VznfNuTEDXOZzoh61/87980737ef20fae409214f93719e0b37/step1.jpg?fm=avif&q=65&w=750)
Step 1
Book a Vistaril prescription request appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
![Step 2: Visit with a doctor on your smartphone](https://images.ctfassets.net/93dxz9nwxioo/2D9XZaum9S4B0CRrr4kIsh/384b9ac6426e5ccad96ae4d99d6025f3/step2.jpg?fm=avif&q=65&w=640)
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Vistaril prescription.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
![Step 3: pick up at local pharmacy](https://images.ctfassets.net/93dxz9nwxioo/6ooloWzVDmoond6VsrSsX6/0fa0f8fc7c37638745e6fa1ce37bc1d7/step3.jpg?fm=avif&q=65&w=750)
Step 3
Pick up Vistaril.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Vistaril prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Vistaril prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
Copay
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Frequent Urgent Care Searches
- Scopolamine patches Urgent care for pneumonia Zofran Prescription nausea medication Tessalon perles Migraine Prednisone Asthma inhaler prescription Pediatric care Medrol (methylprednisolone) Constulose (lactulose) Cough Treatment Online Food poisoning treatments Gastritis treatment Linzess (linaclotide) Nurtec (rimegepant)
Vistaril prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Drugs.com. "Vistaril (Hydroxyzine): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, Warning." Drugs.com, Drugs.com, Accessed October 12, 2023, www.drugs.com/vistaril.html.
Verywell Mind. "How Is Vistaril Used to Treat Social Anxiety Disorder?" Verywell Mind, Verywell Mind, Accessed October 12, 2023, https://www.verywellmind.com/how-is-vistaril-used-to-treat-social-anxiety-disorder-3024963
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.