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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by DiscoPuppy on June 23, 2002, at 14:38:35
Hi Guys!
I was going through my pill book and found something interesting. It's called Hydroxyzine (generic name) or Atarax or Vistaril (brand name) indicated for those who experience anxiety, tension and agitation.
However, this particular drug doesn't seem to fall under the category of a benzodiazepine.
Has anyone been prescribed this medication? Is this a controlled substance (like this benzos)? I haven't heard anyone mention it in the board here.
I'm very interseted in this medication for my anxiety and panic attacks, because it is almost 100% of the times followed (or preceeded) by nausea, which this medication treats.
Please give me some input if you know ANYTHING about this med or have any experience with it.
Thanks a lot!
-puppy-
P.S. I'm also currently taking Adderall and Dexedrine.
Posted by fachad on June 23, 2002, at 17:40:04
In reply to Hydroxyzine (Atarax / Vistaril), posted by DiscoPuppy on June 23, 2002, at 14:38:35
Atarax = hydroxyzine HCL
Vistaril = hydroxyzine pamoateAtarax was originally marketed as an antihistamine and Vistaril was originally marketed as an anxiolytic.
Hydroxyzine is a strong H1 blocker with a long half-life (>24hrs), it breaks down in your body to Zyrtec (certrizine), which is a non sedating antihistamine.
Hydroxyzine is known to be especially effective for itching and hives. It's usefulness for anxiety is limited by the drowsiness it causes.
It is effective for nausea, and will definately quiet anxiety, if you can tolerate the drowsiness.
It is not a controlled substance, but a prescription is required.
For sleep, I find that the Vistaril (pamoate) formulation is much better than the Atarax (HCL) formulation even thought they should be the same.
On a curious side note, scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard was a huge fan of Vistaril, and a Vistaril overdose likely contributed to his death.
> Hi Guys!
>
> I was going through my pill book and found something interesting. It's called Hydroxyzine (generic name) or Atarax or Vistaril (brand name) indicated for those who experience anxiety, tension and agitation.
>
> However, this particular drug doesn't seem to fall under the category of a benzodiazepine.
>
> Has anyone been prescribed this medication? Is this a controlled substance (like this benzos)? I haven't heard anyone mention it in the board here.
>
> I'm very interseted in this medication for my anxiety and panic attacks, because it is almost 100% of the times followed (or preceeded) by nausea, which this medication treats.
>
> Please give me some input if you know ANYTHING about this med or have any experience with it.
>
> Thanks a lot!
>
> -puppy-
>
> P.S. I'm also currently taking Adderall and Dexedrine.
Posted by DiscoPuppy on June 23, 2002, at 18:06:16
In reply to Re: Hydroxyzine (Atarax / Vistaril) » DiscoPuppy, posted by fachad on June 23, 2002, at 17:40:04
So if one were to be able to tolerate the sedation caused by these two meds, do you think it's an effective treatment for nausea induced anxiety (or anxiety induced nausea).
In other words, how does it compare to the benzos for the treatment of anxiety?
> Atarax = hydroxyzine HCL
> Vistaril = hydroxyzine pamoate
>
> Atarax was originally marketed as an antihistamine and Vistaril was originally marketed as an anxiolytic.
>
> Hydroxyzine is a strong H1 blocker with a long half-life (>24hrs), it breaks down in your body to Zyrtec (certrizine), which is a non sedating antihistamine.
>
> Hydroxyzine is known to be especially effective for itching and hives. It's usefulness for anxiety is limited by the drowsiness it causes.
>
> It is effective for nausea, and will definately quiet anxiety, if you can tolerate the drowsiness.
>
> It is not a controlled substance, but a prescription is required.
>
> For sleep, I find that the Vistaril (pamoate) formulation is much better than the Atarax (HCL) formulation even thought they should be the same.
>
> On a curious side note, scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard was a huge fan of Vistaril, and a Vistaril overdose likely contributed to his death.
>
>
>
> > Hi Guys!
> >
> > I was going through my pill book and found something interesting. It's called Hydroxyzine (generic name) or Atarax or Vistaril (brand name) indicated for those who experience anxiety, tension and agitation.
> >
> > However, this particular drug doesn't seem to fall under the category of a benzodiazepine.
> >
> > Has anyone been prescribed this medication? Is this a controlled substance (like this benzos)? I haven't heard anyone mention it in the board here.
> >
> > I'm very interseted in this medication for my anxiety and panic attacks, because it is almost 100% of the times followed (or preceeded) by nausea, which this medication treats.
> >
> > Please give me some input if you know ANYTHING about this med or have any experience with it.
> >
> > Thanks a lot!
> >
> > -puppy-
> >
> > P.S. I'm also currently taking Adderall and Dexedrine.
Posted by fachad on June 23, 2002, at 19:17:21
In reply to Re: Hydroxyzine (Atarax / Vistaril) » DiscoPuppy » fachad, posted by DiscoPuppy on June 23, 2002, at 18:06:16
Yeah,
It's worth a try. Hydroxyzine is not a controlled substance and it is dirt cheap, so there is really nothing to lose by asking your pdoc for a trial.
I personally find hydroxyzine pamoate (Vistaril) to be much more relaxing and pleasant that the HCL salt (Atarax). Many people find them to be exactly the same.
How bad is your nausea?
Another non controlled med to try for anxiety and nausea is doxepin. It's also dirt cheap. It's a TCA that has been shown effective for anxiety and nausea, plus alot of other things.
> So if one were to be able to tolerate the sedation caused by these two meds, do you think it's an effective treatment for nausea induced anxiety (or anxiety induced nausea).
>
> In other words, how does it compare to the benzos for the treatment of anxiety?
>
> > Atarax = hydroxyzine HCL
> > Vistaril = hydroxyzine pamoate
> >
> > Atarax was originally marketed as an antihistamine and Vistaril was originally marketed as an anxiolytic.
> >
> > Hydroxyzine is a strong H1 blocker with a long half-life (>24hrs), it breaks down in your body to Zyrtec (certrizine), which is a non sedating antihistamine.
> >
> > Hydroxyzine is known to be especially effective for itching and hives. It's usefulness for anxiety is limited by the drowsiness it causes.
> >
> > It is effective for nausea, and will definately quiet anxiety, if you can tolerate the drowsiness.
> >
> > It is not a controlled substance, but a prescription is required.
> >
> > For sleep, I find that the Vistaril (pamoate) formulation is much better than the Atarax (HCL) formulation even thought they should be the same.
> >
> > On a curious side note, scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard was a huge fan of Vistaril, and a Vistaril overdose likely contributed to his death.
> >
> >
> >
> > > Hi Guys!
> > >
> > > I was going through my pill book and found something interesting. It's called Hydroxyzine (generic name) or Atarax or Vistaril (brand name) indicated for those who experience anxiety, tension and agitation.
> > >
> > > However, this particular drug doesn't seem to fall under the category of a benzodiazepine.
> > >
> > > Has anyone been prescribed this medication? Is this a controlled substance (like this benzos)? I haven't heard anyone mention it in the board here.
> > >
> > > I'm very interseted in this medication for my anxiety and panic attacks, because it is almost 100% of the times followed (or preceeded) by nausea, which this medication treats.
> > >
> > > Please give me some input if you know ANYTHING about this med or have any experience with it.
> > >
> > > Thanks a lot!
> > >
> > > -puppy-
> > >
> > > P.S. I'm also currently taking Adderall and Dexedrine.
Posted by DiscoPuppy on June 23, 2002, at 20:59:53
In reply to Re: Hydroxyzine (Atarax / Vistaril) » DiscoPuppy » fachad » DiscoPuppy, posted by fachad on June 23, 2002, at 19:17:21
What are you taking the Vistaril for? The nausea, the anxiety or for its antihistamine properties?
Posted by fachad on June 23, 2002, at 21:19:48
In reply to Re: Hydroxyzine (Atarax / Vistaril) » DiscoPuppy » fachad » DiscoPuppy » fachad, posted by DiscoPuppy on June 23, 2002, at 20:59:53
I don't take it anymore, but when I was taking it, it was for SSRI induced insomnia. It produces sedation and sleep thru antihistamine properties.
It did help me stay asleep until morning, but after breakfast, I'd feel like going back to bed.
The sedation lasted too long for me, carrying over into the next morning. Ativan is the same for me - it works for my insomnia, but I feel dulled and melancholy the next day. Now I'm taking Ambien and low dose trimipramine for sleep.
Another curious Atarax factoid (I'm full of them today): hydroxyzine is very popular among veterinarians. They frequently give it to dogs with allergic "hot spots" where the dog won't stop scratching. It is very effective for this use, and has the effect of producing a gentle, quiet, sleepy pet :)
> What are you taking the Vistaril for? The nausea, the anxiety or for its antihistamine properties?
Posted by DiscoPuppy on June 24, 2002, at 15:04:24
In reply to Re: Hydroxyzine - For Sleep » DiscoPuppy, posted by fachad on June 23, 2002, at 21:19:48
Hi Fachad!
You've been so helpful to me in getting information not only with this but with other posts.
Thanks so much!
-puppy-
Posted by Chloe on June 25, 2002, at 19:05:27
In reply to Re: Hydroxyzine - For Sleep » DiscoPuppy, posted by fachad on June 23, 2002, at 21:19:48
> I don't take it anymore, but when I was taking it, it was for SSRI induced insomnia. It produces sedation and sleep thru antihistamine properties.
>
> It did help me stay asleep until morning, but after breakfast, I'd feel like going back to bed.
>
> The sedation lasted too long for me, carrying over into the next morning.Hey Fachad,
Hope I am not interupting but I wanted to update you on my progress...
I am doing pretty well with the doxepin for sleep. Though, I find I can't fall back to sleep hard, after I wake up about 5am with the summer sun. I can't tell if this is related to so much added light (I hate these long days, FYI). But, I like it better than ami in many ways. Some of my mouth sores are healing, I can pee, and the constipation is much less, too. Lastly, my temper is far more tame.But I find that I have the same reaction as you had to hydroxyzine, of wanting to go back to bed later in the day.
I am taking 30 mgs, it is barely enough to conquer the scalp pain. But, I am thinking of asking my pdoc to call in 25 mgs caps to I can "split the difference" betweeen 20 and 30 mgs. And maybe not be so somnolent during the day, but still get the pain suppression...
I think the ONLY thing I really dislike about doxepin is the increased appetite. I wake up in the morning SO hungry...I used to never want breakfast. I hate to feel like I have to watch my food intake if I don't want to gain weight. Any chance this side effect lessens with time?
Thanks Fachad, hope you are well
Chloe
Posted by fachad on June 25, 2002, at 20:52:23
In reply to Re: Hydroxyzine/doxepin - For Sleep » fachad, posted by Chloe on June 25, 2002, at 19:05:27
Chloe,
> I think the ONLY thing I really dislike about doxepin is the increased appetite. I wake up in the morning SO hungry...
Do you find you appetite increased MORE by the doxepin than it was by Ami? Most people say Ami is the worst about appetite and weight gain.
I took Ami for such a short time that I really could not compare the two, so any comparative info you could provide would most appreciated.
Theoretically, doxepin should be worse because it is more potent at H1 blockade. I wonder if ami has a worse reputation simply because more people have taken it.
Posted by Chloe on June 25, 2002, at 22:22:31
In reply to Increased Appetite from Amitrip. vs. Doxepin » Chloe, posted by fachad on June 25, 2002, at 20:52:23
> Chloe,
>
> Do you find you appetite increased MORE by the doxepin than it was by Ami? Most people say Ami is the worst about appetite and weight gain.
>
> I took Ami for such a short time that I really could not compare the two, so any comparative info you could provide would most appreciated.
>
> Theoretically, doxepin should be worse because it is more potent at H1 blockade. I wonder if ami has a worse reputation simply because more people have taken it.Fachad,
For me, the appetite increase with Doxepin is profound. Ami made my gut really slow down (to a crawl!) and I didn't have too much of an appetite. But I did have one hell of a temper!
On Doxepin, I feel hungry, a lot. I don't experience that *satified* feeling too often if I eat reasonably...which usually doWell, I guess no med is perfect. Darn
Chloe
Posted by oracle on June 26, 2002, at 1:36:15
In reply to Increased Appetite from Amitrip. vs. Doxepin » Chloe, posted by fachad on June 25, 2002, at 20:52:23
Amitrip was bad but Doxepin the worst for me.
Esp. in respect to chocolate. Potent H1
blockade, the only time my allergies were
mostly controled w/o steroids.
Posted by Chloe on June 26, 2002, at 20:41:16
In reply to Re: Increased Appetite from Amitrip. vs. Doxepin » Chloe, posted by oracle on June 26, 2002, at 1:36:15
> Amitrip was bad but Doxepin the worst for me.
> Esp. in respect to chocolate. Potent H1
> blockade, the only time my allergies were
> mostly controled w/o steroids.Oracle,
Did you find that your appetite increase or cravings for chocolate were dose related? I am hoping if I cut the Doxepin by 5 mgs, to 25 mgs hs I won't be so ravenous in the morning...What do you use now for your allergies, if you don't mind me asking?
Chloe
Posted by fachad on June 27, 2002, at 0:22:13
In reply to Re: Increased Appetite from Amitrip. vs. Doxepin » oracle, posted by Chloe on June 26, 2002, at 20:41:16
Chole,
If it turns out that you cannot stand the appetite effects of the doxepin, the next logical thing to try would be nortriptyline. It is the active metabolite of amitrip, but it is much milder.
It will not help sleep as much, has less ach (dry mouth etc) blockade that even doxepin, but still has some properties in common with ami so it could work for your scalp pain.
Or maybe the 25mg doxepin will be the right dose.
> > Amitrip was bad but Doxepin the worst for me.
> > Esp. in respect to chocolate. Potent H1
> > blockade, the only time my allergies were
> > mostly controled w/o steroids.
>
> Oracle,
> Did you find that your appetite increase or cravings for chocolate were dose related? I am hoping if I cut the Doxepin by 5 mgs, to 25 mgs hs I won't be so ravenous in the morning...
>
> What do you use now for your allergies, if you don't mind me asking?
>
> Chloe
Posted by Chloe on June 27, 2002, at 18:55:53
In reply to Ideas for Plan B » Chloe, posted by fachad on June 27, 2002, at 0:22:13
> Chole,
>
> If it turns out that you cannot stand the appetite effects of the doxepin, the next logical thing to try would be nortriptyline. It is the active metabolite of amitrip, but it is much milder.
>
> It will not help sleep as much, has less ach (dry mouth etc) blockade that even doxepin, but still has some properties in common with ami so it could work for your scalp pain.
>
> Or maybe the 25mg doxepin will be the right dose.
>Hi Fachad,
I hope 25 mgs of doxepin will have to be ok. I really have trouble tolerating the TCA's related to my mood disorder. They tend to make me grouchy, exacerbate cycling, etc. So I prefer taking the rather sedating ones that I can take low doses of and get sleep benefit too.
I will have to watch my waistline. I think if you are aware of the side effect, ie, weight gain, it's easier to avoid...Or is that just wishful thinking???
Other than TCA"s and neurontin, and perhaps topamax, I don't know of any other meds for neuropathic pain, do you off hand? The TCA's are effective, but they do cause a whole boatload of other issues!
Take care,
Chloe
Posted by fachad on June 28, 2002, at 0:59:37
In reply to Re: Ideas for Plan B » fachad, posted by Chloe on June 27, 2002, at 18:55:53
Chole,
Very low doses are the best way to combat TCA side effects.
If TCAs don't work out, Serzone or even trazodone could be candidates. Have you ever tried etiher of them?
You may find some ideas if you lurk in alt.support.chronic-pain There's always a whole lot going on there.
-fachad
> > Chole,
> >
> > If it turns out that you cannot stand the appetite effects of the doxepin, the next logical thing to try would be nortriptyline. It is the active metabolite of amitrip, but it is much milder.
> >
> > It will not help sleep as much, has less ach (dry mouth etc) blockade that even doxepin, but still has some properties in common with ami so it could work for your scalp pain.
> >
> > Or maybe the 25mg doxepin will be the right dose.
> >
>
> Hi Fachad,
>
> I hope 25 mgs of doxepin will have to be ok. I really have trouble tolerating the TCA's related to my mood disorder. They tend to make me grouchy, exacerbate cycling, etc. So I prefer taking the rather sedating ones that I can take low doses of and get sleep benefit too.
>
> I will have to watch my waistline. I think if you are aware of the side effect, ie, weight gain, it's easier to avoid...Or is that just wishful thinking???
>
> Other than TCA"s and neurontin, and perhaps topamax, I don't know of any other meds for neuropathic pain, do you off hand? The TCA's are effective, but they do cause a whole boatload of other issues!
> Take care,
> Chloe
Posted by Chloe on June 28, 2002, at 20:39:44
In reply to Other Meds for Neuropathic Pain » Chloe, posted by fachad on June 28, 2002, at 0:59:37
> Chole,
>
> Very low doses are the best way to combat TCA side effects.Yes, but it's so hard to get the FULL benefit on these low doses. Life is a compromise
>
> If TCAs don't work out, Serzone or even trazodone could be candidates. Have you ever tried etiher of them?I have tried both. And they both make me very unstable and volatile. Trazadone was the worst, at 25 mgs, I had insomnia and felt irritable and short fused. The higher the dose the worse it got. Serzone wasn't quite as bad, but I was moody and unpredictable. Good suggestions though. I guess any med with AD properties can be destabilizing to me...But so far, I think Doxepin has been the best mood wise. I like the fact that it has some antianxiety properties too.
BTW, just going down to 25 mgs of Dox from 30 mgs gave me heartburn and increased anxiety. I am so sensitive to meds. You can't sneak much by without my brain and body noticing it... LOL!
> You may find some ideas if you lurk in alt.support.chronic-pain There's always a whole lot going on there.Thank you fachad, I'll check it out. You are such a help.
Chloe
Posted by peechuz007 on September 2, 2002, at 6:44:48
In reply to Increased Appetite from Amitrip. vs. Doxepin » Chloe, posted by fachad on June 25, 2002, at 20:52:23
I have been taking doxepin for 3 weeks now and have gained over 10 pounds! Yikes! I want to eat everything in site! I eat a meal, and still don't feel satisfied, even tho I know that i HAVE to be full but signals not working properly! Anyone else having same problems? I don't normally eat all the time but since taking doxepin, I eat like a horse! I am taking this for sleep, without taking something I stay up and/or toss and turn all night long without much sleep. Only good thing, Doxepin does put me to sleep but when I wake up I am starving! This is highly unusual for me! Any suggestions for trying something else that doesn't have this side effect? Also, I have noticed I am retaining fluid on doxepin and my stomach feels like I am getting an ulcer again. I have tried deseryl, worked for awhile, I have tried atarax, the lowest dose, and felt drugged all day long.
Somebody please give me some advise on what to try! I am bipolar II, rapid cycler. Taking celexa, klonapin and sinequin.
Thanks for everyones input!
peechuz007
Posted by anxietystricken on August 12, 2010, at 1:33:14
In reply to Hydroxyzine (Atarax / Vistaril), posted by DiscoPuppy on June 23, 2002, at 14:38:35
I actually do take this medication for anxiety and panic. it works pretty well as a matter of fact and it helps me sleep pretty well. It is odd that such a hrmless non addictive drug can do as much as it does. I was looking for something that wasnt addictive and didnt interact with my pain medication to the point of incapasitating me! I have a toddler and need to be alert and on my toes at all times and hydroxyzine has worked for me for years..talk to your doctor and see if it helps you!
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