Hydroxyzine for Anxiety User Reviews (Page 4)

• Anonymous
• October 12, 2011

Hydroxyzine "I have moderate to severe anxiety associated with a very unhealthy self-esteem. It is a terrible thing because I am generally a very rational person. As a result, I have extreme difficulty telling someone how I feel and of hurting another person's feelings. (I would never want another person to suffer the way I do). My symptoms usually begin with increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, nausea and pain in the chest/throat area, hyperventilation which will sometimes throw me into panic mode and extreme negative thinking that I am unable to deviate from. I was prescribed Vistaril 25mg up to 4 times daily as needed. I have found it very effective so far for immediate relief but it does cause drowsiness."

• Ste...
• February 6, 2015

Hydroxyzine "I'm glad I was prescribed Vistaril. It relieves anxiety quickly without all the downsides of Klonopin or Xanax. The drowsiness is more pronounced, but I'll take it over a panic attack. This seems like a good medicine to take as needed. Be careful driving, and remember to rely on natural coping skills as well. To the people experiencing an abnormal amount of drowsiness or nausea, just remember it's temporary. It was totally effective for me, and my anxiety is moderate."

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 16, 2014

Hydroxyzine "This medicine does what it's supposed to do. A 50mg capsule usually is enough to dispel panic attacks and return me to baseline. I don't take any more because I can't deal with the drowsiness during the day and I take something else for sleeping at night. No benzodiazepine-like euphoria, just simple no-frills relief."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 16, 2012

Hydroxyzine "I have generalized anxiety disorder. I had only been on Buspar before and it gave me horrible side effects. What I find with Vistaril is that it takes the edge off my anxiety, which means I can actually relax now. Sometimes the anxiety is not as chronic when I'm on it. I can handle high-stress situations better now, too, because the medicine makes it manageable and diminishes the physical symptoms of anxiety. It's been especially helpful in combination with therapy. And no side effects! Although it's not as effective when I start to feel panic symptoms, it has kept me from having full-blown panic attacks on multiple occasions."

• ok4...
• December 6, 2010

Hydroxyzine "The problem was sleep deprivation, and my physician suggested Atarax and explained that sleeping is when the body restores itself, making it vitally important to get a good night of sleep. I take one pill in the evening and sleep soundly, and for now, this is the right solution."

• Mmb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 12, 2023

"I love this medication compared to every other anxiety medication. I have a severe anxiety disorder. This is a vital part of my triple cocktail of anxiety medications. The next night, if I don't take it, I am highly anxious and overly emotional. I find it useful for any kind of withdrawal symptoms from when I was on the wrong medications as well. Keep in mind I need 100mg for it to work. 50mg only worked for a day for anxiety and insomnia. This saved my life. I used to take this when I had mild anxiety and bad insomnia, it always worked. Still does, but now I need additional medications since my illness worsened. I actually prefer it over benzos like Xanax. It is better for sleep, better long-term, and equally effective when paired with my other meds. It has zero withdrawal symptoms unlike SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, benzos, and opioids. It also worked for my allergies and migraines too."

• Che...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 20, 2020

"I took a very low dose of hydroxyzine for anxiety before bed twice. It sedated me so much. But I woke up with tension, anxiety, and rebound adrenaline rush all day. Ended up in the ER the first morning after not realizing it was effects from the drug. Be careful, everyone reacts differently."

• Sto...
• October 19, 2013

Hydroxyzine "I have general anxiety disorder and I'm prone to panic attacks. Being afraid of benzo and its addictiveness, I got this prescribed. So far, it has worked great if I take 2 pills at once, and the effect lasts for about 10 hours. I haven't really felt the hangover part people talk about, nor have I experienced headaches. The only thing I really have to complain about is that the breathing can get almost too relaxed at times, so when I fall asleep I wake up with a shortness of breath, as if my lungs forgot to inhale. It's no big deal though, happens maybe 3 times a night and it wakes me up. And I guess it would be nice to have a pill that takes away anxiety but doesn't make you tired (I sleep like a baby after 30 minutes after taking Atarax)"

• Sta...
• September 16, 2013

Hydroxyzine "I was having a horrible withdrawal from Cymbalta and was determined to get off it! After my doc's only answer was to take Ativan (which made me extremely zombified). After two trips to the ER, they recommended Vistaril, and it calmed the brain zaps, disorientation, and extreme confusion. It's been a huge help!"

• Tho...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 29, 2016

"I have been tapering off Librium (benzo) for 6 months almost. I started at 150 mg and have worked my way down to 5 MISERABLY. I tried everything to help with withdrawal symptoms: Benadryl, vitamins, trazodone, propranolol, gabapentin, and Zoloft. NOTHING helped...until I was offered this MIRACLE. I was in a panic attack, zombie-like, disassociative state for 13 days, on Christmas, I was devastated and broken and searched for rapid detox places. I was literally ready to spend $25,000 to feel 'normal' and just get 4 hours of sleep. I called my specialist and was prescribed a 25mg pill form of hydroxyzine. I knew it wouldn't help, NOTHING helped. I took it, just one, and within ten minutes was relaxed. Slept 8 hours and now see the light! Better than Xanax!"

• Amo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 24, 2016

"I have been taking hydroxyzine for social phobia and chronic anxiety and panic attacks for over 7 years. It is the only med that has helped. I tried everything! Helps with sleep. Works like a Xanax and Klonopin where you take as needed. But I also take it at night for sleep. I would definitely recommend!"

• Jun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 26, 2014

Hydroxyzine "I am 34, female, with marked panic attacks. I have health/doctor office anxiety. I have to say Vistaril has done wonders for me. It seemed to take a few weeks before I could really feel its effects though. I have to keep a small amount in my system before it helps with a panic attack. I can take 1-2 25 mg pills 3 times a day as needed for anxiety. I usually take half of a 25 mg pill twice a day. When I feel an attack starting, I take another 1 to 1.5 pills. It stops the attack quickly. I feel like I've got my life back somewhat, and it feels like a safety blanket. It does dry my mouth out though, and I only recommend it for marked anxiety. I do not have any depression."

• Til...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 5, 2019

"So I know everyone's body is different, some meds work for others and some don't. But I will say this medication really does help me. Anytime I'm feeling anxious or having a panic attack, I will take one, and even though it takes a while to kick in, it really does help. I'm also prescribed clonazepam, and I take that with it, and that really helps. But on the days that I don't take the clonazepam, the hydroxyzine makes me feel really drowsy, really relaxed. It like removes all the tension and the nervousness and the anxiousness from my body. I hope that this helps."

• BJB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2015

Hydroxyzine "This med is a double-edged sword. My Dr. prescribed Vistaril for my anxiety. It took 3 weeks to wean off Clonazepam-never stop cold turkey. By the 3rd week, I was only on Vistaril. At 4 weeks, the Vistaril was working better than anything I have EVER taken for acute anxiety. I was truly amazed and happy. So why did I only give it a 5 rating? A DRAMATIC increase in appetite and an even more DRAMATIC weight gain. 13 pounds in one month. As good as Vistaril works, I am going to have to go off of it. In 15 years, I have gained no weight and I have not experienced hunger like this in my life. So, I will wean off, then work like crazy to shed this weight...not looking forward to that. I am sad :("

• JC9...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 14, 2023

Hydroxyzine "Was given this for anxiety during alcohol withdrawal, instead of benzos. Did NOTHING positive, no relief of anxiety, became dehydrated, sore hips, unstable gait, worst placebo possible due to the side effects. Benzodiazepines exist for a reason. If Vistaril does not offer you immediate relief, you need something else, not a higher dose which just makes things worse."

• J P...
• July 9, 2015

Hydroxyzine "This is great for general anxiety. Calms you down fairly quickly and makes you 'zoned out', mildly sedated and definitely less anxious. Not as strong as a benzo and will not stop a panic attack, but is great for when you are feeling panicky or generally anxious. Another plus is that it is not addictive. Absolutely no withdrawal symptoms whatsoever. This DEFINITELY raises my resting pulse about 15 beats per minute and also raises diastolic blood pressure about 10 points even at a small dose. Even with these raises, mine is still within normal range, but just a word of caution."

• Ela...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 28, 2025

"This drug has been a lifesaver! When I entered menopause and started hot flashes, they would come with extreme anxiety. I had never experienced anxiety before. At work, I couldn't function when they would come on. At first, my doc wanted to prescribe an antidepressant. I was NOT depressed whatsoever, and the side effects I read about led to a big NO THANKS from me. Next, she suggested this. Well, just 8 to 10 mg has been a miracle drug for me. It works fast; in about 10 min. Anxiety gone! I can think clearly and get things done without being frozen and anxious. It stopped the severity of my hot flashes as well. And as for sleepless nights; they are gone. I get the best sleep, with dreams, which means I'm going into deep sleep stages, unlike with other drugs for sleep that never worked for me. This is a miracle drug; safe, non-addictive, and it works like magic. It changed my life for the better!"

• Man...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2016

"Due to family illnesses, family addictions, and marital problems, I had been having severe anxiety and panic attacks that seemed to be getting worse. I was having difficulty sleeping at night. I was prescribed 50mg of Hydroxyzine up to 3 times a day as needed for anxiety. After about 10 minutes of taking my first dose, it was as if someone snapped their fingers and the weight of the world was finally lifted off my chest, and I could breathe. This really helped melt away my anxiety. I didn't feel numb or drugged, but I felt relaxed. It was like a heavy and grounded feeling. I did sleep a lot the first two days I took it, but I feel like that was due to my body finally getting to catch up on some much-needed rest. I feel like I have my life back :)"

• Rad...
• June 2, 2014

Hydroxyzine "I was prescribed Vistaril for bad panic attacks, as needed. I was put on Celexa, and less than an hour after taking it, I felt extreme fear and had the worst panic attack I've ever experienced. I called my doctor immediately and was told to go ahead and take the Vistaril. It calmed me down in less than 15 minutes. It did, however, make me so drowsy that I found it impossible to stay awake. Thank goodness I have it on hand for my next attempt with Wellbutrin."

• Ske...
• February 1, 2017

Hydroxyzine "I have been on Vistaril for a little over a week now, and I have to say that it has been an overall therapeutic and positive experience. I was on Lexapro (escitalopram) for almost 3 months and found that the medicine would make me pretty anxious, though it did level me out during a very rocky time in my life. I chose to start taking Vistaril since Lexapro wasn't effective in the ways I wanted. Now on 50mg to 100mg a day, I can say that it is easier to be focused on things that I really care about. I can usually notice the subtle change in my body when it stops working (primarily in my stomach), and I'll pop another one to stay pretty level as long as it is in my system."

• hon...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 13, 2014

Hydroxyzine "I suffer from anxiety, major depression & insomnia. I'm taking Vistaril for the anxiety. I'm on 50mg 4 times a day. When reading, most of you said it made you pretty sleepy... I feel normal for the first time in 40 years, like maybe I can have a life now. My experience so far has been a great one :o) I DON'T GET drowsy at all. LIKE I SAID, THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE I FEEL 100% NORMAL... I take two Seroquel 100mg in the AM for major depression. That doesn't make me drowsy at all. When I read about Vistaril and Seroquel, people say they are drowsy and lethargic. Not ME, I feel great!!! I also take Seroquel 300mg at bedtime along with 30mg Restoril at bedtime... The only side effects I have are movements in my neck & the chills. Yep, that's it."

• Rel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 3, 2021

Hydroxyzine "I was on 3 mg Xanax for 8 years and weaned off. My anxiety returned and it was a horror show. I trembled all night long, I vomited twice from anxiety, my mind started thinking suicidal thoughts, as if my mind was searching for relief. Words cannot describe how horrible it was. I was absolutely determined to get back on Xanax because what I was experiencing was simply intolerable. My doctor prescribed this and I was certain it wouldn’t work. The first day I felt jittery and cold. The second day I woke up and didn’t want to vomit. I thought it was too good to be true. There is no way an antihistamine could help my anxiety. However, it is working. I feel great, I’m focused, confident, calm, alert, sleep well. It’s so weird, zero anxiety and clear as a bell. Thank God for this."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2017

Hydroxyzine "Let me start with the obvious disclaimer: everyone is different, and your mileage may vary. Also, always follow your doctor's advice. I am leaving my experience as I hope it will help others. I suffer from severe anxiety, not the mild kind of anxiety. For the last month, I have been having as many as 3-4 panic attacks a day. When I was prescribed this, I was very skeptical. I have been prescribed almost every medication for anxiety, including Xanax, Klonopin, and Ativan. When I first started taking 50 mg of Vistaril, I didn't feel that it was having any effect. In fact, it wasn't until after I had run out and didn't get it refilled that I noticed it had been making a sizable difference. For me, it wasn't a cure, but it was a useful tool."

• Jes...
• May 4, 2019

Hydroxyzine "For me, after taking this medication as needed for 3 days, I had no relief for my symptoms. I felt like this med intensified my panic attacks. It is just glorified Benadryl! Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and a long warm bath worked better than this garbage!"

• Kid...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 27, 2015

Hydroxyzine "I suffer from Anxiety, Depression, and Alcoholism (in recovery). I've been using Vistaril at 50 mg, three times per day for about 6 months now. I find it works well in combination with Neurontin (Gabapentin). I like that the drug is non-addictive and available as a generic with little cost. I get a stuffy nose intermittently, which I believe to be a side effect of Vistaril, but the benefit outweighs this minor side effect. I would recommend trying this drug if you suffer from anxiety. It works very well for me."