Vistaril for anxiety

[sunny1018]

My doc prescribed vistaril to help with anxiety while I transition from Effexor to Zoloft.  The switch has made my anxiety quite bad and I hate to become dependent on Ativan so she said this would be a safe alternative.  Does anyone have experience with this med?

[sunny1018]

Thanks so much.  I appreciate you sharing your experience.

[BluCrystal]

Yes, any anti-anxiety drug will give you the 'wet noodle' effect at first, until you get used to it, which could be up to a month.  But it should not be so bad that you can't fight it off with a cup of coffee.  Beware that benzos like klonopin cause dependence in EVERYONE, and you may want to take more than prescribed to feel even better.  DON"T DO THIS.  Your doctor will find out you have taken too much by your asking for a refill too soon, and the fact that you appear ragged and over-sedated when you see him.  Then he will do to you what mine did to me: refuse to refill for a month!  That nearly killed me.  Don't go there.  Klonopin is normally dosed 2x a day - once in the morning and once at night.  I happen to have very severe forms of mental issues through heredity, and that makes me a special case - I have to take more than twice the 'normal' amount of these drugs for them to even have an effect.  I have been told that my case is 1-1,000 people with mental illness this bad - so don't use me as a guide!  But I do have info that can help you.  Feel free to message me anytime. - Blu

[sunny1018]

Thanks.  I'm probably going to try it tonight before bed.  I understand it can make you sleepy.  How often do you take Klonopin?  Doc said if I'm not feeling better by next appointment we might give that a try.

[BluCrystal]

I do.  I have been taking it twice a day for 2 years now, along with Zoloft, Serouel, Tramadol, and Klonopin.  I do not abuse any of these drugs, and take them only as prescribed.  The only problem I ever had with any of these is the Tramadol: if  I take it (it is 'as'need' for ody fatigue), I must take the lowest possible dose, as too much can cause siezures when combined with the rest of my meds.  The Vistiril is also 'as needed', but I have found it to be a wonderful help in conjunction with my klonopin (I don't need as much klonopin, with vistiril).  This has been my experience with it.