how long before results are seen?

[kittykitty]

Hi all -
My uro is on the fence as to whether or not I have IC (my cysto/hydro came back clear and many of my symptoms don't match the "typical" IC paitent.)

Regardless, we've decided to go ahead w/meds just in case to see if they are helpful.

Part of the regimen is vistaril (25mg at night) and atarax (10mg at night).

For those of you who have taken these drugs, how long before you've seen improvement?

(I'm also on elmiron I know that will be 3mos or so unless I get lucky)

[redmowii]

Kittykitty, Are your drugs under genaric names? If they are than most people won't know them by that name. I work in the medical field and don't know those names at all. Maybe see if it says they are genaric on the bottle. Then people will be able to tell you more info.
Sorry not much help.
Redmowii

[JAMIEL]

From my understanding both of the drugs that you are taking are from the same class of drugs: Hydroxyzine. So I guess that means they are basically the same drug. I am not sure why your doc would prescribe both but maybe someone else can shed some light on that. A typical regime for meds for IC are an antihistimine (like atarax or vistaril), an tricyclic antidepressant like elavil, pamelor, or tofranil), elmiron, and possibly some pain meds for breakthrough pain. There are so many other approaches to treating IC so many patients are some or all of these meds plus maybe something else. I talke valium for PFD and Flomax which helps the urine flow. A good resource is the info on this website and a book called The Interstitial Cystitis Survivial Guide which is by Dr Robert Moldwin. It is an excellent book and he is MY doctor!!! Also, the diet is an important part of treating IC. Good Luck and I hope someting helps for you soon.

Jamie

[theclownster]

Hello! I take atarax and it's been a while since I first started them, but I seem to remember that I started to notice a difference pretty quickly. I'm not sure I got the complete benefit for a few weeks. One of the things atarax has helped me with is getting a good night's sleep - which back in the day was unheard of for me.

Atarax and vistaril are the same medication (except in a different format - I think). I'm not sure why your doctor would write you a script for both of them either - you might want to double check on that.

I will say atarax made me very groggy when I wake up - especially at first. I usually take it a couple hours before bed to help with that side effect. I will say that once I'm up and functioning I do quite well and don't feel tired - it's just getting out of bed that is hard.

I hope that you feel some relief soon and that someone else can help with your questions.

Best wishes!
Jennifer

[Julie B]

Everyone has already said what I want to say, that they are the same drugs (and they are the brand name, not the generic names). I am curious why he would prescribe both?

Atarax saved me.........it helped right away............smiles