Vistaril vs. Ativan

• Are Ativanand Vistaril the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Vistaril?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Ativan?
• What is Vistaril?
• What is Ativan?
• What Drugs Interact with Vistaril?
• What Drugs Interact with Ativan?
• How Should Vistaril Be Taken?
• How Should AtivanBe Taken?

Vistaril (hydroxyzine pamoate) and Ativan (lorazepam) are both used to treat anxiety.

Vistaril is also used together with other medications given for anesthesia. Vistaril may also be used to control nausea and vomiting, or to treat allergic skin reactions such as hives or contact dermatitis.

Ativan is also used to treat insomnia, panic attacks, and alcohol withdrawal.

Vistaril and Ativan belong to different drug classes, Vistaril is an antihistamine with anticholinergic (drying) and sedative properties and Ativan is a benzodiazepine.

 

Common side effects of Vistaril include:

• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• blurred vision,
• dry mouth,
• stomach upset,
• or headache.

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Vistaril including:

• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck,
• tremors (uncontrolled shaking),
• confusion,
• or seizures (convulsions).

Common side effects of Ativan include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Muscle weakness
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Sleep problems (insomnia)
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Forgetfulness or amnesia
• Difficulty concentrating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Changes in appetite
• Skin rash

Ativan (lorazepam) is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety or anxiety associated with depressive symptoms.

 

Vistaril may interact with other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety).

Benzodiazepines like Ativan produce increased CNS (central nervous system) depressant effects when administered with other CNS depressants such as alcohol, barbiturates, antipsychotics, sedative/hypnotics, anxiolytics, antidepressants, narcotic analgesics, sedative antihistamines, anticonvulsants, and anesthetics.

 

The recommended dose of Vistaril for treating itch (pruritus) is 25 mg, 3 or 4 times daily. For sedation, the recommended dose is 50 to 100 mg. The dose to treat anxiety and tension is 50 to 100 mg 4 times daily. Vistaril may interact with other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use. Vistaril is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It could harm the fetus. Discuss birth control with your doctor. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Ativan can be taken with or without food. Ativan tablets should be swallowed with water.