G. R. Johnson
Mar 1, 1982
Citations
0
Influential Citations
20
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Journal of analytical toxicology
Abstract
Hydroxyzine (Vistaril, Pfizer), 2-[2-[4[(4-chlorophenyl) phenylmethyl]-I-piperazinyl]ethoxyl]ethanol, is prescribed primarily for treatment of anxiety and as a sedative/hypnotic (1). It induces a calming effect in anxious, tense, and psychoneurotic individuals without impairing mental acuity. It does not depress the cerebral cortex, but its action may be due to suppression of activity in certain key regions of the subcortical area of the central nervous system (CNS) (2,3). This case involved suicidal ingestion of the drug. A search of the literature failed to reveal any other fatal cases.