Evie Summers
Hydroxyzine, sold under the brand name Vistaril, is a sedating antihistamine that can be used short-term to treat anxiety and trouble sleeping. It is not meant for long-term use. The initial dose of Vistaril to help with sleep in adults is 25mg, to be taken at night, every night, with a maximum daily dose of 100mg. It is not recommended for the elderly, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those trying to become pregnant. Side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, headaches, hallucinations, and convulsions. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking Vistaril, especially if you are already taking other medications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand name | Vistaril |
| Generic name | Hydroxyzine |
| Drug type | Antihistamine |
| Dosage for sleep | 25mg at night, up to a maximum of 100mg daily |
| Dosage for children | 0.6mg/kg |
| Time to take | When ready for bed |
| Peak levels | 2 hours |
| Duration of effects | 4-6 hours |
| Half-life | 16-24 hours |
| Duration in body | 100 hours |
| Side effects | Dry mouth, headaches, hallucinations, drowsiness, fatigue, confusion, muscle tremors, low blood pressure |
| Precautions | Not to be taken with other medicines that cause sleepiness, not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding people, not recommended for elderly patients |
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What You'll Learn
Vistaril dosage for sleep
Vistaril, also known as hydroxyzine, is a sedating antihistamine that can be used to treat anxiety and trouble sleeping. It is not meant for long-term use and is typically prescribed for less than four months. The dosage of Vistaril for sleep depends on the patient's age, symptoms, medical history, and other health factors.
For adults, the initial dose of Vistaril to aid sleep is typically 25 mg, taken at night every night, with a maximum daily dose of 100 mg. It is important to note that the use of Vistaril is not recommended for elderly patients, but if prescribed, the maximum dose should be 50 mg. The drug reaches its peak effects after two hours, and most effects are no longer noticeable after four to six hours. As such, it is recommended to take Vistaril when one is ready for bed to induce sleep.
For children under six years of age, the recommended dosage is 50 mg per day, divided into two or more doses. For children over six years old, the dosage is increased to 50–100 mg per day, also divided into two or more doses. The dosage for children is based on their body weight and must be determined by a doctor. The usual dose is 0.6 mg per kg of body weight per day.
While Vistaril can be effective in aiding sleep, it is important to be aware of potential side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, headaches, hallucinations, and convulsions. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and older adults should exercise caution due to an increased risk of side effects. Additionally, Vistaril may interact with other medications, including sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and antidepressants, so it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before taking Vistaril concurrently with other drugs.
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Vistaril side effects
Vistaril (hydroxyzine) is a medication that can be used to treat itching and anxiety. It is also used off-label for insomnia, although it is not specifically licensed for this purpose. It is intended for short-term use only, typically less than four months, as no studies have examined the safety of extended use beyond this timeframe.
- Drowsiness: This is a very common side effect of Vistaril due to its ability to pass through the blood-brain barrier. The sedation it causes when taken close to bedtime can aid sleep, but taking it too early in the day can lead to slowed functioning.
- Dry mouth: This anticholinergic side effect is usually mild and can be managed at home.
- Headaches: These are typically mild and may improve or stop over time or after a dose adjustment.
- Constipation: This is generally a mild side effect that can be managed at home.
- Serious allergic reactions: Stop using Vistaril and seek immediate medical help if you experience hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Heart rhythm changes: Vistaril may cause a rare and dangerous heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation and torsade de pointes, especially when taken with certain medications. People at higher risk include those who are older, have a family history of these conditions, or have low potassium or magnesium levels.
- Increased risk of falls: Discuss this risk with your healthcare provider.
- Brain fog: This has been reported with long-term use.
Vistaril can also cause a serious heart problem, especially when used with certain medications, including antibiotics, antidepressants, heart rhythm medicine, antipsychotics, and medicines to treat cancer, malaria, HIV, or AIDS. It is important to consult your doctor before taking Vistaril with any other medications or supplements to avoid adverse interactions.
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Who should avoid Vistaril
Vistaril (hydroxyzine pamoate) is a medication used to treat anxiety and allergic skin reactions such as hives or contact dermatitis. It can also be used as a pre-surgical sedative. While it can be effective for certain conditions, there are some cases in which it should be avoided.
Firstly, Vistaril is not recommended for long-term use. It is typically prescribed for less than four months, as there is a lack of research on its effectiveness and safety beyond this timeframe. Additionally, there is a potential link between long-term use of anticholinergic medications, including Vistaril, and dementia in older adults.
Secondly, Vistaril should be avoided by individuals who are pregnant, especially during the first and second trimesters. It may cause fetal harm or increase the risk of birth defects, and it is unknown whether it passes into breast milk. Therefore, it is recommended to refrain from breastfeeding while using this medication.
Vistaril may also cause serious heart problems, especially when used concurrently with certain medications. These include antibiotics, antidepressants, heart rhythm medications, antipsychotics, and medicines for cancer, malaria, HIV, or AIDS. It is crucial to consult a doctor and disclose all current medications to ensure safe use.
Older adults, particularly those over 65, should also exercise caution when considering Vistaril. The medication may have stronger side effects in this population, and there are often safer alternatives available. Side effects such as drowsiness and confusion may be more prevalent in older adults, impacting their daily functioning and increasing the risk of falls or accidents.
Lastly, individuals with allergies to any active or inactive ingredients in Vistaril should refrain from taking it. Allergic reactions can be dangerous and may include symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
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Vistaril interactions with other medicines
Vistaril (hydroxyzine) is a medication used to treat allergies, itching, and anxiety. It is also used to induce sedation prior to or after anesthesia, and to treat nausea, vomiting, and alcohol withdrawal. It is available as a generic medication or under the brand name Vistaril.
Vistaril interacts with several medications and substances, including:
- Alcohol: Alcohol can increase the side effects of Vistaril, including drowsiness and confusion. It is important to avoid consuming alcohol while taking Vistaril.
- Opioids: Opioid pain medications can interact with Vistaril, causing severe drowsiness and increasing the risk of accidental injuries.
- Antihistamines: Taking Vistaril with other antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can increase the risk of side effects, including dry mouth, excessive drowsiness, and agitation.
- Antidepressants: Escitalopram (Lexapro) and citalopram (Celexa) are known to interact with Vistaril and may increase the risk of heart rhythm changes.
- Antipsychotics: Antipsychotic medications can interact with Vistaril and may increase the risk of heart rhythm changes.
- Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics may interact with Vistaril and increase the risk of heart rhythm changes.
- Central nervous system depressants: When used with central nervous system depressants such as narcotics, non-narcotic analgesics, and barbiturates, the dosage of Vistaril may need to be reduced to avoid potentiating effects.
- Sedatives: Vistaril may cause severe drowsiness when taken with other sedatives.
- Other medications: Vistaril may also interact with other prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider and pharmacist to discuss potential interactions with other medications or supplements.
It is important to note that Vistaril is not recommended for long-term use and should be used for less than four months. It is also not recommended for use in the elderly, pregnant women, or those trying to become pregnant, and should be avoided during breastfeeding due to the risk of fetal harm or increased risk of birth defects.
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Vistaril overdose
Vistaril, also known as hydroxyzine, is a prescription-only antihistamine medication that is commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders, allergies, and insomnia. It is also used as a sedative prior to general anesthesia. While Vistaril is considered relatively safe, overdose is possible, especially if taken in higher-than-prescribed amounts or combined with other substances like alcohol or sedatives.
A Vistaril overdose occurs when someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medicine, either accidentally or intentionally. The classic symptom of a Vistaril overdose is dilated pupils. Other symptoms of a Vistaril overdose include:
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty urinating
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Enlarged pupils
- Dry eyes
- Ringing in the ears
- Rapid heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- Pounding heartbeat (palpitations)
- Agitation
- Coma (decreased level of consciousness and lack of responsiveness)
- Seizures
- Delirium
- Depression
- Disorientation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Hallucinations
- Nervousness
- Sleeping difficulties
- Tremor
- Uncoordinated movement
- Unsteadiness
If you or someone you know is experiencing an overdose, call your local emergency number (such as 911) or your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 (in the United States). Recovery is likely if the person survives the first 24 hours, but complications such as pneumonia, muscle damage, or brain damage may cause permanent disability. While few people die from an antihistamine overdose, it can be life-threatening, especially if the person has serious heart rhythm disturbances or breathing problems. Therefore, it is important to seek immediate medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
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Frequently asked questions
The recommended dose of Vistaril for sedation is 50 to 100 mg for adults. The dose for children is based on body weight and must be determined by a doctor.
Vistaril should be taken at night, when you are ready for bed. It reaches peak levels after 2 hours, and its effects are no longer noticeable after 4-6 hours.
Yes, common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, headaches, and hallucinations. It is important to note that Vistaril can have severe interactions with other medications.
Vistaril is intended for short-term use, typically less than 4 months. Long-term use is not recommended as there are limited studies on its safety beyond this timeframe.
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