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Compare Vistaril vs. Ambien

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) and zolpidem (Ambien) are both prescription medications that can make you sleepy, but they have different FDA-approved uses. Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that treats allerygy-related symptoms and short-term anxiety. It can make you drowsy as a side effect, but it isn't approved to treat insomnia. Zolpidem, on the other hand, is an FDA-approved insomnia treatment. It can help you fall and stay asleep, although it does carry a risk for behaviors such as sleepwalking or driving while alseep. Zolpidem is also a controlled substance, which means it carries a risk for dependence and misuse.

  • Hydroxyzine pamoate (Vistaril)
    Zolpidem
  • Hydroxyzine pamoate (Vistaril)
    Zolpidem

  • Summary of Vistaril vs. Ambien

    Summary for Antihistamine
    Prescription only

    Hydroxyzine pamoate (Vistaril) is a prescription antihistamine. It's taken by adults and children to treat anxiety and to ease itching from allergies. It's also used as a sleep aid (sedative) before and after general anesthesia. Hydroxyzine pamoate (Vistaril) comes as a capsule that's taken by mouth up to 4 times daily. Some common side effects of this medication include sleepiness, dry mouth, and headache. It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking hydroxyzine pamoate (Vistaril) because doing so can worsen drowsiness.

    Summary for GABA A receptor positive modulator
    Prescription only

    Zolpidem is a sleeping pill used to treat insomnia, a condition where you have trouble falling or staying asleep. The dose is typically taken at bedtime to help you sleep. Since it's a controlled substance, it has a risk of misuse and dependency. Zolpidem should only be taken for a short period of time, especially since the medication can cause side effects like dizziness, daytime sleepiness, sleepwalking, or sleep driving. It comes as an oral tablet or capsule that you swallow and a sublingual tablet that you place under your tongue.

  • Indications of Vistaril vs. Ambien

    Indications for
    •Anxiety
    •Itching from allergic skin conditions (e.g., hives, eczema, etc.)
    •Sleep aid (sedative) while receiving general anesthesia for surgery
    Indications for
    •Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
    •Waking up in the middle of the night - certain sublingual tablets only

  • Pros and Cons of Vistaril vs. Ambien

    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Helps relieve itching and anxiety within 30 minutes
    •An option for children
    •Taken by mouth
    Cons
    •Sleepiness and dizziness are common side effects
    •Can rarely cause sexual side effects
    •Might need to take up to 4 times a day
    Pros and Const for GABA A receptor positive modulator
    Pros
    •Works quickly within 15 to 30 minutes to help you feel sleepy
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Comes in multiple strengths which can be helpful to determine the right dose for you
    •Available as a tablet that dissolves under your tongue if you have trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Can only be used for short-term treatment of insomnia
    •Has a serious risk of nighttime sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking, sleep driving, or sleep eating
    •Can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, such as stomach cramps, sweating, or vomiting, when stopped suddenly
    •Is a controlled substance with a risk of misuse and dependence

  • Common Side Effects of Vistaril vs. Ambien

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dry mouth
    •Headache
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (7%)
    •Sleepiness (2%)
    •Dizziness (1%)
    •Diarrhea (1%)

  • Warnings of Vistaril vs. Ambien

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)
    •Higher risk of side effects in people over 65
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Abnormal sleep behaviors
    •Daytime sleepiness and lowered alertness
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Abnormal thoughts, behavior changes, and depression
    •Slowed breathing
    •Liver damage in people with liver problems
    •Withdrawal symptoms

  • Prices with our coupons for Vistaril vs. Ambien

    Learn more about Hydroxyzine pamoate
    Learn more about Zolpidem

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