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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Amber_MB on March 27, 2007, at 18:06:17
Hi, my name is Amber and I am 24 almost 25, married, and a mother to a VERY sick son. I had him prematurely and he has several health conditions and some are actually unknown. I cannot juggle my life and have panic and anxiety attacks frequently, even to the point of fainting. I went to the hospital they gave me Ativan, which worked but isnt an everyday medication. I ran out of Ativans and am back again with my panic and anxiety attacks full force. I went to the clinic today since I do not have insurance and they gave me Vistaril (Hydroxyz PAM, 25mg 3x daily). I guess what my question is if I am having problems sleeping all the time as is then why would this medicine be prescribed? The doctor was well aware of that and I cannot get a hold of her until tomorrow. Also 3 x daily for anxiety - is that normal to take a medicine used for anxiety that many times a day? Please let me know any experiences on this medicine and any other input is welcome! Thanks.
Posted by Amber_MB on March 27, 2007, at 18:12:07
In reply to VISTARIL (HYDROXYZ PAM 25MG), posted by Amber_MB on March 27, 2007, at 18:06:17
I forgot to ask also how quick the drug works.
Posted by Phillipa on March 27, 2007, at 20:18:36
In reply to Re: VISTARIL (HYDROXYZ PAM 25MG), posted by Amber_MB on March 27, 2007, at 18:12:07
Amber so sorry for your problems. To be honest I'm not sure of the way vistaril is used for anxiety. You might google it? Love Phillipa
Posted by Larry Hoover on March 28, 2007, at 7:41:39
In reply to VISTARIL (HYDROXYZ PAM 25MG), posted by Amber_MB on March 27, 2007, at 18:06:17
Vistaril is certainly used for anxiety, although its primary use these days is as an antihistamine. You could call it a dual-action drug. The antihistamine effect does make it powerfully sedating in some people (although paradoxical stimulation can also occur). Be prepared for the possibility that you might be very sedated, at least at first.
It is normal to take this drug three times a day. Its half-life is what makes that necessary. Long-term use (i.e. greater than 4 months) is not well studied, and adverse effects (e.g. dyskinesia) have been reported from chronic use. Expect the effects to be fully developed after about 30 minutes from taking it. Do *NOT* mix with other sedatives, e.g. alcohol.
Lar
Posted by Amber_MB on March 28, 2007, at 14:06:17
In reply to Re: VISTARIL (HYDROXYZ PAM 25MG) » Amber_MB, posted by Larry Hoover on March 28, 2007, at 7:41:39
Well as of a few pills later I am a little less anxious within the first hour or so of taking it. I've noticed it does make me feel a little "floaty", but it doesn't bother me. I feel more tired though as if I need that! I am giving this a chance at hopes the sleepy part don't effect me that much as I get further into days on the meds. It says take it 3 times a day, well I started last night at 6:30pm, then took it at 2am (didn't really wanna take it that late!) and then held off until 3pm now to take it again since I was gonna be doing some driving. I dont like the pill schedule now, since taking it at 2am and then sleeping isn't going to help. If it says 3 times a day does it REALLY have to be every 8 hrs? It doesn't say it has to be, but I am assuming that since its 3 pills a day within 24 hrs. I talked to a friend thats on several meds and she said that the 3 times a day means when I am AWAKE so if I am up 14 hrs the 3 pills a day would be within those 14hrs. Is this correct or incorrect? Ive never taken daily meds before so I am lost! Thanks again.
Posted by Larry Hoover on March 28, 2007, at 14:19:17
In reply to Re: VISTARIL (HYDROXYZ PAM 25MG), posted by Amber_MB on March 28, 2007, at 14:06:17
You don't need to take it precisely every eight hours. Think of it as morning, mid-day, and bedtime. As evenly spaced as practical. When you're asleep, you won't notice the clock.
Glad it helps. The adverse effects may well disappear as your body adapts.
You're welcome.
Lar
Posted by Amber_MB on March 28, 2007, at 16:27:09
In reply to Re: VISTARIL (HYDROXYZ PAM 25MG) » Amber_MB, posted by Larry Hoover on March 28, 2007, at 14:19:17
Thanks so much for the help! I will try to take them the first 2 about 5 hrs. apart while awake then before bedtime! :)
Posted by nolegirl23 on March 29, 2007, at 18:09:45
In reply to Re: VISTARIL (HYDROXYZ PAM 25MG), posted by Amber_MB on March 27, 2007, at 18:12:07
> I forgot to ask also how quick the drug works.
Hi Amber, I am prescribed Vistaril (50 mgs) for sleep and anxiety. You will feel a sedating effect relatively quickly. Vistaril is basically an antihistamine; and it is very effective for sleep. I will warn, in my experience, it knocks me out for a good while and I feels the effects the next morning.
I'm kind of in a daze for the first part of the morning.
BTW, watch out for REALLY DRY mouth.
This is the end of the thread.
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