Vistaril while pregnant

randj1986

What are your opinions or experiences with taking Vistaril for anxiety while pregnant?

mar101483

I'd say no. Vistaril  is a category C medication, meaning it has been known to cause harm in animal fetus or there is not enough testing on human babies to declare it safe. I would try maybe benadryl 25mg or even 50mg. It's an antihistamines and very similar to Vistaril.

goldie987

What does your doctor say?  I would be wary of taking anything not on my doctors list of "pregnancy safe" meds without their knowledge.  Depending on the situation, potential benefits could outweight potential risks but only a medical professional familiar with your health history can make that assessment. 

purplefan1

Agree with PP. Benadryl would be a safer option possibly and do the same thing. Also using deep breathing, positive imagery, and muscle relaxation to help control anxiety. Meet with a therapist to see if they can give you nonmedication tools to help reduce anxiety.

TunieBee

Vistaril (hydroxyzine) if often used in pregnancy for depression and anxiety. Benadryl is not really used for these indications.  Vistaril is contraindicated/cautioned in the first trimester due to reports of cleft palate. It is generally considered "safe" in the second and third. 

mar101483

Benadrly is actually, quite frequently prescribed for anxiety. I know this from my education and years of experience working as a mental health professionals. Regardless, you should ask your OB what is safe to take and if you can safely take any medications for anxiety. Don't rely on google or us.

TunieBee

@mar101483 I guess what I should have said is Benadryl isn't used as frequently for anxiety as hydroxyzine. Anxiety is actually an indication for hydroxyzine and in my understanding is not for diphenhydramine although diphenhydramine can also be used for this purpose.  But yes, always check with your OB.

BakerBird525

No personal experience with that particular medication but did want to share - sometimes prescription medication is necessary (I tried everything including therapy before very hesitantly moving to medication for anxiety) but that is best discussed with the prescribing doctor who is familiar with your situation whether that be your PCP or your OB.

I am currently taking the lowest dose (30 mg) of Cymbalta, which is Class C, for anxiety. My doctors and I decided that it would be best for me to stay on the medication during pregnancy and everything has been going well so far.

You need to evaluate if the benefits outweigh the risks with your doctor.