Drugs to Take for Vertigo

Vertigo can be caused by problems with the eyes, sensory nerves and inner ear. Some mild cases of vertigo can be controlled by avoiding certain foods, drinks and tobacco, but more severe cases often require medication. Drugs to control vertigo can help patients find relief from dizziness, though most vertigo drugs do not treat the underlying cause of the symptom.

Antibiotics

• Vertigo is often caused by inner ear infections due to bacteria. Antibiotics help fight bacteria and clear the infection. Common antibiotics used to treat ear infections include amoxicillin and ceftriaxone. Some people are allergic to certain antibiotics, so it is important for patients to advise their doctors about any known allergies before taking prescription antibiotics. Patients should also disclose any current medications to their health care providers to avoid problematic interactions.

Antivert

• Antivert is a common drug prescribed for patients suffering from vertigo from a variety of causes. Antivert is an antihistamine that can relieve vertigo symptoms, including nausea and vomiting. Patients who are allergic to meclizine should not take Antivert. Antivert can cause drowsiness, and painkillers, sleeping pills, depression medications and anxiety medications can intensify this effect. Patients with asthma, breathing disorders, enlarged prostates, urination problems or glaucoma should check with their doctors before taking Antivert.

Dramamine

• Dramamine is another antihistamine that can help reduce vertigo symptoms. As with Antivert, patients with breathing problems, urination problems or glaucoma should advise their doctors before taking Dramamine. Dramamine can cause drowsiness and changes in thinking and reaction time, therefore patients should wait to drive or operate heavy machinery until they know how Dramamine will affect them. Patients with an allergy to meclizine should not take Dramamine.

Phenergan

• Phenergan is an antihistamine often prescribed for patients who suffer from vertigo. Side effects of Phenergan include drowsiness, fatigue, insomnia and tremors. Older individuals are more likely to experience side effects from Phenergan. Patients should not drink alcohol while taking Phenergan or drive until they know how the medication will affect them. Patients who have a history of seizures, high blood pressure, liver problems, kidney disease, heart disease, breathing problems, stomach ulcers, sleep apnea, glaucoma, enlarged prostate or low blood calcium levels should advise their doctors of these conditions before taking Phenergan.

Klonopin

• Clonazepam medications such as Klonopin can help relieve vertigo symptoms. Klonopin is most often used in patients who are allergic to meclizine or for patients for whom meclizine is ineffective in controlling dizziness and nausea associated with vertigo. The most common side effects of Klonopin are drowsiness, confusion and loss of coordination.

Prednisone

• Patients who suffer from vertigo as a symptom of Meniere’s disease may undergo a short course of a corticosteroid, such as Prednisone, to reduce inflammation in the inner ear. Reducing the swelling can help stabilize pressure within the ear and normalize hearing to minimize the effects of vertigo.