Sedatives & Hypnotics
Hydroxyzine (Vistaril / Atarax)
Street names: Vistaril, Atarax, Hydroxizine
Overdose? Act now. Call emergency services — say "unresponsive, not breathing". Give naloxone for opioid-like signs. Hotlines
⚡What it does
- Prescription antihistamine-anxiolytic: sedation, anxiety relief without addiction — the 'clean benzo alternative' doctors reach for
⚠Key risks
- Not euphoric — dependence rare; the harm is oversedation and combos
- QT-prolongation caution (heart rhythm)
- Potentiates opioids, alcohol, benzos — the same combo deaths apply
- Chronic use: dry mouth, weight gain, tolerance to sedation
✚Overdose signs
- Severe sedation
- Dry mouth, dilated pupils
- Heart rhythm changes (rare)
Category comparison — Sedatives & Hypnotics
| Substance | Class | Top risks | Street price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydroxyzine (Vistaril / Atarax) | Rx-only — not controlled | Not euphoric — dependence rare; the harm is oversedation and combos; QT-prolongation caution (heart rhythm) | ~$0.20–$1 per tablet |
| Zolpidem (Ambien/Stilnox) | Schedule IV | Sleep-walking, sleep-driving, hallucinations; Dependence and rebound insomnia | ~$2–$10 per 10 mg tablet |
| Secobarbital (Seconal) | Schedule II | Barbiturates: tiny margin between dose and death; Fatal in overdose, brutal withdrawal (seizures) — replaced by benzos in medicine | ~$15–$40 per capsule where diverted |
| Carisoprodol (Soma) | Schedule IV | Converts to meprobamate (Miltown) — dependence; Popular 'Soma Coma' mix with opioids — deadly | ~$1–$8 per 350 mg tablet |
| Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) | Not scheduled | Overdose causes hallucinations, seizures, heart rhythm problems; Abuse usually in combination (potentiates opioids) | ~$1–$5 per 10 mg tablet |
| Pentobarbital (Nembutal) | Schedule II | Veterinary euthanasia drug — overdose is usually fatal; Narrow safety margin (barbiturate) | ~$30–$100+ per vial/capsule-equivalent |
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.
?Frequently asked questions
What does Hydroxyzine (Vistaril / Atarax) look like?
10–100 mg tablets/capsules; syrup
What are the signs of a Hydroxyzine (Vistaril / Atarax) overdose?
Severe sedation; Dry mouth, dilated pupils; Heart rhythm changes (rare) Call emergency services immediately.
How addictive is it?
Not euphoric — dependence rare; the harm is oversedation and combos Dependence can develop with regular use.
🔗Sources & further reading
Facts on this page are compiled from these primary sources. External links open in a new tab.