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Compare Vistaril vs. Klonopin

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

Key takeaways

Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) and clonazepam (Klonopin) are both medications that treat anxiety. Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that can also treat allergy-related symptoms. It's typically only used for short-term anxiety treatment and isn't usually a first-choice treatment option. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine that's also used to treat seizures. It works by increasing the levels of a chemical called GABA, which helps calm the mind and body. Clonazepam is a controlled substance due to its risk of dependence and misuse. Both medications can cause drowsiness and should not be mixed with alcohol.

  • Hydroxyzine pamoate (Vistaril)
    Clonazepam (Klonopin)
  • Hydroxyzine pamoate (Vistaril)
    Clonazepam (Klonopin)

  • Summary of Vistaril vs. Klonopin

    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 Benzodiazepine
    Prescription only

    Clonazepam (Klonopin) is a benzodiazepine. It's approved to treat seizures in adults and children, and panic disorder in adults only. Clonazepam (Klonopin) is taken by mouth, typically two or three times a day. It's also available as orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) for people who have trouble swallowing. Some common side effects of this medication include drowsiness, dizziness, and poor movement control. Before stopping clonazepam (Klonopin), speak with your prescriber to come up with a plan to lower your dose slowly over time to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

  • Indications of Vistaril vs. Klonopin

    Indications for
    •Anxiety
    •Itching from allergic skin conditions (e.g., hives, eczema, etc.)
    •Sleep aid (sedative) while receiving general anesthesia for surgery
    Indications for
    •Panic disorder
    •Seizures

  • Pros and Cons of Vistaril vs. Klonopin

    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 Benzodiazepine
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Less likely to cause rebound anxiety (in people with panic disorders) when stopping compared to some other benzodiazepines
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Available as orally disintegrating tablet (ODT)
    Cons
    •Taken 2 to 3 times daily
    •Can be habit-forming, so isn't typically used for long-term treatment
    •Can cause memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion
    •Might not work as well for seizure control over time

  • Common Side Effects of Vistaril vs. Klonopin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dry mouth
    •Headache
    Common Side Effects for

    Seizures:

    •Drowsiness (50%)
    •Poor movement control, clumsiness (30%)
    •Behavior problems (25%)

    Panic Disorder:

    •Drowsiness (up to 50%)
    •Dizziness (up to 12%)
    •Runny nose, sore throat, and other symptoms of a respiratory infection (up to 10%)
    •Extreme tiredness (up to 9%)
    •Poor movement control, clumsiness (up to 9%)
    •Depression (up to 8%)

  • Warnings of Vistaril vs. Klonopin

    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
    •Sedation and difficulty breathing
    •Potential for misuse, addiction, dependence, and withdrawal
    •Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Harm to babies
    •Worsening of seizures

  • Prices with our coupons for Vistaril vs. Klonopin

    Learn more about Hydroxyzine pamoate
    Learn more about Clonazepam

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