My GP first prescribed hydroxyzine too for anxiety, which I thought was weird since its an antihistamine. All it did was knock me out. Somewhere around here there's a post about it. If I ever get the opportunity to sleep for 12-14 hours straight without being disturbed, I will take one. For those of us that don't get that luxury it was pure hell, so I know exactly what you went through with being super tired and groggy trying to function in daily life. Luckily after describing what happened and explaining what HAS worked in the past they gave me klonopin.
Hydroxide is just a amped-up prescription version of Benadryl. Works OK if you're looking for a non-benzo solution
Some doctors prescribe a lot of stuff and some are afraid and dont Rx a thing. Hydrohyzine is anti allergy old drug with side effect sedation.But no good doctor Rx it for anxiety even 20 years ago they prescribe barbitur@tes not atarax. So I believe the doctor wanted to avoid giving benzos and he thought of hydroxyzine which has unpleasant side effects to make sure you dont annoy him any more.
Given your history I feel you will have an uphill battle as I did. Just be truthful and genuine and if it’s meant to be it will happen. I would prepare for them trying a few other options though before going that route.
I too was scripted hydroxyzine for anxiety. I had the same response. Like I got hit by a snooze truck. Not sure what the dose was but I was zonked most of the next day too. Told them it was way too powerful and the doc was skeptical since it is “just an antihistamine”.
Small .125-.25 of alp in the morning is perfect for me.
Vistaril is inferior to benadryl, which is otc, of course, in my opinion. You could just say you want whatever, for PRN use, and if he doesnt give it to you get another doc. Its a huge hassle but why waste your time with a buncha garbage you dont need.
Yeah antihistamines and dementia…. the links are un-substantiated. Long term use of benzos is definitely way more problematic, however. Doctors are in kind if a tough place here, they try to fob off the bullshit anti ds and such because its less liability and if it works for someone then thats great. Problem is, once youve tried benzos you know how effective they are and some prescription benadryl isnt going to do the trick. Benzos exist and are effective, docs should be aware that as needed use is generally safe and effective, long term use less so, but still indicated for some conditions.
hydroxyzine was terrible for me as I went to the ER not knowing what was going on. After numerous tests they let me know I was having a Panic attack and of course all they prescribed was hydroxyzine.. It literally put me in a fog all day the next day and have not taken since.. Sometimes you just have to tell your GP want you want. Most will prescribe a Benzo for situational anxiety for example a prescribtion but no refills.