Does hydroxyzine (Vistaril®, Atarax®) have advantages over diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)?

By Vimal Aga, MD (bio)

Any reasons to prefer hydroxyzine (Vistaril, Atarax) among the antihistamines sometimes used off-label by mental health clinicians? For example, is hydroxyzine “safer” than diphenhydramine (brand name Benadryl), which is commonly used antihistamine?