Vistaril (Hydroxyzine)

Dr. Pagnani of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates discusses Vistaril (Hydroxyzine) and its use in anxiety disorders. Vistaril is structurally similar to benadryl (diphenhydramine) and is also used for some patients for pruritis (itching), seasonal allergies, insomnia and other conditions. Vistaril may be a preferred medication for individuals wanting to avoid benzodiazepines for anxiety (which have abuse potential) and daily medications like SSRIs or SNRIs, which have their own list of side effects. With that said, Vistaril has its own side effects, and they include (but are not limited to) sedation, dry mouth, dry eyes, constipation, urinary retention, incoordination, and even seizures or renal failure in overdose.

Dr. Pagnani is the founder and medical director of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, an Instructor at The Johns Hopkins Hospital for the Department of Psychiatry, he supervises psychiatric residents at Jefferson Hospital, he serves on the Young Professional Board of Uplift, the Center for Grieving Children and he maintains a private practice of Psychiatry in Philadelphia where he sees patients for one-time psychiatric evaluations and second opinions. He is a licensed physician and surgeon in NJ, PA, NY, MD, DE, FL and CA and can provide consultations to individuals via HIPAA compliant Telehealth visits living in these locations.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a private practice of psychiatry consisting of about 25 psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychotherapists with physical locations in Philadelphia and Paoli, PA and serving all of PA, NJ, NY and FL virtually via HIPAA compliant tele-psychiatry. Individuals seeking not only evaluations but long-term psychiatric care, can contact Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates directly.

These videos aim to increase awareness and discussion of mental health topics and to encourage struggling individuals to schedule an appointment directly with a mental health provider. Mental health needs to be normalized, and simply speaking about mental health topics openly, is an important first step.

Dr. Pagnani and Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates are NOT advocating for or against the use of any mentioned psychiatric medications for any specific individual. Additionally, any side effects mentioned are not a complete list of potential side effects or contraindications to taking any mentioned medications, and all risks and benefits of a medication should be discussed with an individual’s provider at an appointment, before starting, stopping or making changes to a medication regimen.

This video is INFORMATIVE ONLY - NOT MEDICAL ADVICE.

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www.RittenhousePA.com
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