Dizziness is primarily attributed to inner ear conditions. Medications that improve vestibular function are recommended by doctors to treat dizziness.If Meniere’s disease is responsible for dizziness, treating the condition with medications that reduce fluid build-up in the inner ear helps to keep dizziness under control.
Medications are also available for alleviating dizziness caused by migrainous vertigo. Dizziness associated with anxiety disorders are treated with anti-anxiety drugs.
Medications To Treat Dizziness
Meclizine
Meclizine, also known as meclozine, is widely used for managing vertigo occurring due to problems of the vestibular system. In addition to treating dizziness, it also helps to prevent nausea and vomiting in people susceptible to motion sickness. Meclizine is an antihistamine. It is still unclear how it works to prevent vertigo.
Researchers speculate that by suppressing vestibular stimulation, it provides relief from dizziness. For treating dizziness caused by an inner ear problem, doctors usually prescribe 25 to 100 mg of a meclizine drug each day that is taken in separate doses at specific intervals. Drowsiness, dry mouth and fatigue are possible side effects of meclizine drugs. Blurred vision, although rare, is a serious side effect of the drug that requires emergency medical care.
Dimenhydrinate
Dimenhydrinate is an antihistamine widely used for keeping dizziness under control. It is frequently recommended to treat dizziness caused by Meniere’s disease. It works in the same way as meclizine in healing vertigo and nausea associated with it. 25 to 100 mg of dimenhydrinate can be taken orally, three to six times a day. It may cause drowsiness, headache, ringing in the ear, dry mouth and blurred vision.
Diazepam
Diazepam belongs to the class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines treat dizziness by stimulating the activity of the neurotransmitter Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA), which inhibits abnormal functions of the vestibular system, thereby providing relief from vertigo or dizziness caused by inner ear problems.
Moreover, benzodiazepines alleviate anxiety, reducing dizziness induced by anxiety disorder. Diazepam should be used only for a short time for treating dizziness. To prevent addiction, it should not be taken for more than four months. Drowsiness, dry mouth, tiredness, nausea, diarrhea and appetite change are common side effects of diazepam. Usually 2 to 10 mg of diazepam is taken orally three to six times a day or as directed by the physician.
Lorazepam
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine. Just as diazepam, it provides relief from dizziness by increasing GABA activity in the central nervous system. It is effective in treating both vertigo and anxiety. Lorazepam is a highly potent benzodiazepine. Only 0.5 to 2 mg of the drug is taken three to six times a day to heal dizziness. However, it is not recommended for prolonged use. Drowsiness, weakness, diarrhea or constipation, dry mouth, appetite change, frequent urination urge, blurred vision and poor sex drive are possible side effects of the drug.
Prochlorperazine
Prochlorperazine belongs to a class of drugs called phenothiazines. Phenothaizines work as dopamine antagonist. They suppress the activity of the neurotransmitter called dopamine.Prochlorperazine is widely used for treating dizziness, especially dizziness associated with migraine. 5 to 10 mg of the drug is taken orally, three to four times a day. Drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, blurred vision and constipation are common side effects of the drug.
Promethazine
Promethazine belongs to the phenothiazine drug group. It works in the same manner as prochlorperazine and shares similar side effects. 12.5 to 25 mg of the drug can be taken two to six times a day.
