Vistaril - Interstitial Cystitis Network Support Forum

02-13-2004, 05:49 AM

Hope somebody can help. Uro had me try Vistaril (sp?) this week. I took one pill before bedtime as prescribed and woke in such a flare I thought I would die. So . . . has anyone else had this experience? I have bombed out on every single med that has ever been given me for IC because they all cause a "burn." Uro says its impossible, that Vistaril soothes, not burns. What kind of reaction has everyone else had to it? I have to wait until I heal up before I try it again--thought I'd wait until early next week. Thanks, everyone!

vm · 02-13-2004, 08:55 AM

You might read this and see what you think:

Quote:

One of the more effective therapies for IC is the use of antithistamine, but it's a unique antihistamine - hydroxyzine (ATARAX OR VISTARIL). It is unique because it has four properties:

*Antihistamine
*Anticholinergic (reduces the urge to urinate)It is sedating (reduces nocturia)
*Slightly anti-anxiety (but not as good as valium) Atarax, in greek, means to calm down
*It blocks mast cell activation in about 40% in the bladder, as well as elsewhere.

Unfortunately, some patients are very sensitive to the fillers used to make up Atarax. So, you have four options:

1. Try Atarax or the Vistaril brand name. Unfortunately, Pfizer has stopped making Atarax pills through December 2003.
2. Try the different generics to see if it will bother you, but try them in small amounts.
3. You could also try the hydroxyzine elixir, which has a very small amount of alcohol in it but at least, there, you can take one teaspoon (5mg) while the smallest pill is 25 milligrams... and it doesn't have the fillers that irritate others.
4. The final approach to ask your pharmacy to take pure hydroxyzine powder and just put it into a little capsule in which case there will be no filler at all. A number of patients that have other problems have resorted, effectively, to that! You just have to have a pharmacist to help you!

It is from Dr. Theoharides' guest lecture transcript from 5/03.

liz2 · 02-13-2004, 02:46 PM

A number of the uros in Houston are using Zyrtec. I have had better luck with Allegro than anything else. I guess it is a personal thing with me.

02-14-2004, 02:37 AM

Thank you for taking the time to explain all this to me--I will send it to my uro and see what he says. You are lifesavers! I knew you would come to my rescue!

liz2 · 02-14-2004, 12:38 PM

Atarax or the Vistar, Zyrtec, and Allegro are used to counteract the histamines in the bladder, especially when stress occurs.

Melissa27 · 02-16-2004, 04:56 AM

Vistaril makes me have a flare-up too. Just thought I would add that!!!

Pristine · 02-22-2004, 01:08 PM

Oh my sakes i had no idea some folks flared to Visteril. It's the only thing that gets me by when i have a flare. The Visteril lessens all of the bad symptoms of the IC flare as well as my IBS flare ups. It makes my bladder relax and stop getting all tight and painful.

02-23-2004, 06:45 AM

I had such a flare from the pill form of Vistaril (actually, it was the generic) that I am waiting a few days to try the hydroxyzine elixir that the pharmacist gave me. All antahistamines that I have ever taken give me a bad flare, so I am hoping beyond hope that I can tolerate the liquid form. Pharmacist said there wasn't any way he could give me the straight powder in a capsule because only the drug labs have that stuff available. Wish me luck, as nothing I have ever tired has helped my bladder one iota.

ICB · 02-26-2004, 10:09 AM

Periactin 4mg daily can also be used instead of Vistaril or Atarax.

Gastrocrom is another very effective substitute. However, it is VERY expensive. It is usually prescribed for patients with IBS or Mastocytosis. However, it has helped many IC patients. It can be taken orally or instilled in the bladder.

I suggest that you consult with your healthcare provider if you believe that the information above may be helpful; your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate treatment regimen for you.

The contents in this post are provided for informational purposes only. The contents are not intended in any way to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition.

Best wishes,

ICB

dminton · 03-05-2004, 02:25 AM

I have tried many times to take hydroxizine; found that Vistaril is better-tolerated than Atarax. BUT, even tho it doesn't make me flare, I just can't sleep on the stuff. Even a small dose. I get restless, wake up during the night, have weird dreams, etc.

I think we can flare to just about anything, whether or not is supposedly good for IC or not. Very strange.