Vistaril vs. Ambien

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

Vistaril (hydroxyzine pamoate) and Ambien (zolpidem) are both sedatives.

Vistaril is an antihistamine with anticholinergic (drying) and sedative properties used as a sedative to treat anxiety and tension. 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.

Ambien is a sedative/hypnotic used for treating insomnia.

Vistaril may cause serious side effects, including:

• 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 Ambien include:

• Daytime drowsiness,
• Dizziness,
• Weakness,
• Lightheadedness,
• "Drugged" feeling,
• Tiredness,
• Loss of coordination,
• Stuffy nose,
• Nasal irritation,
• Dry mouth,
• Sore throat,
• Nausea,
• Constipation,
• Diarrhea,
• Stomach upset,
• Headache,
• Muscle pain,
• Confusion,
• Insomnia,
• Euphoria,
• Ataxia (balance problems), and
• Visual changes.

Tell your doctor if you have unlikely but serious side effects of Ambien including:

• memory loss,
• mental/mood/behavior changes (such as new or worsening depression, abnormal thoughts, thoughts of suicide, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, aggressive behavior, or anxiety).

Vistaril (hydroxyzine pamoate) is an antihistamine with anticholinergic (drying) and sedative properties used as a sedative to treat anxiety and tension. 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. Vistaril is available in generic form.

Ambien (zolpidem) is a sedative/hypnotic used for treating insomnia.

 

Vistaril may interact with probenecid.

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).

Ambien may interact with other medicines that make you sleepy or slow your breathing (such as cold medicines, pain medications, muscle relaxants, and medicines for depression, anxiety, or seizures) or antidepressants.

Ambien may also interact with alcohol, chlorpromazine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or rifampin.

Insomnia symptoms may also return after you stop taking Ambien. These symptoms may seem to be worse than before you started taking Ambien.

 

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.

The recommended adult dose of Ambien is 10 mg as conventional tablets or spray or 12.5 mg as extended-release tablets.