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? Comparing hydroxyzine to diphenhydramine 1. Anticholinergic activity The anticholinergic activity of hydroxyzine is much lower than that of…