Vertigo is a widespread condition that triggers feelings of spinning, unsteadiness and disorientation.
It may be attributed to different factors like inner-ear issues, infections or medications.
Over-the-counter drugs are available to help attempt to alleviate the symptoms related to vertigo.
These remedies aim at stopping histamine from inducing nausea and dizziness.
Some of the most common over-the-counter medications for vertigo include:
- Meclizine (Antivert)
- Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
- Promethazine (Phenergan)
Over-the-counter medications can be used to treat vertigo, relieve symptoms and potentially prevent serious underlying conditions from developing.
However, these medications come with the risk of side effects such as drowsiness and dry mouth.
It is always important to consult your medical professional if you are experiencing vertigo in order to have an accurate diagnosis of the cause.
This blog post analyses the available options for over-the-counter medications that can help with vertigo.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a type of dizziness that manifests as feeling like you’re spinning or whirling, even when you are stationary.
It can be an indicator of a more serious health issue, like Meniere’s disease or vestibular neuritis.
Additionally, it may be caused by pregnancy, specific drugs, or head trauma.
When trying to find the best over-the-counter medicine for vertigo, look to the underlying cause.
If symptoms are from Meniere’s disease, diuretics may be suggested to reduce fluid buildup in the inner ear.
For vestibular neuritis, anti-inflammatory drugs have been known to reduce swelling and pain.
Pregnant women should speak with their OB/GYN about safe ways of managing their symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Vertigo?
Vertigo is an unsettling feeling of spinning or unsteadiness, which can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sweating.
It’s usually due to problems in the inner ear, although it could also stem from issues with the brain or the blood supply to the ear.
The symptoms of vertigo can vary depending on the cause. Some common symptoms include:
- Sensation of spinning
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Unsteadiness
- Blurred vision
- Ear fullness
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Hearing loss
If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is crucial to consult a doctor to obtain a diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment.
The common causes of vertigo:
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a fairly common culprit of vertigo, which stems from an issue with the inner ear.
Moving the head abruptly, such as when going to lie down or rising quickly, can often set off its effects.
- Meniere’s disease is an illness of the inner ear that causes vertigo, hearing impairment, and tinnitus.
- Vestibular neuritis is an inflammation of the vestibular nerve, leading to a disruption of balance. This disorder can bring on vertigo, nausea and vomiting.
- A stroke can cause dizziness, if it impacts the area of the brain that regulates equilibrium.
- Multiple sclerosis is a chronic illness that impacts the central nervous system, producing vertigo and other indications like numbness, debility and fatigue.
Treatment for vertigo depends on the cause. If it’s BPPV, a repositioning maneuver called the Epley maneuver can provide relief.
In other cases, medication, surgery or vestibular rehabilitation therapy may be needed. In some instances, however, no treatment is necessary.
It is vital to consult a physician if you suffer from vertigo, so a diagnosis and suitable treatment can be provided.
Experiencing vertigo can be disabling, but there are generally effective remedies.
What Over the Counter Medicines Can Treat Vertigo?
Vertigo is a sensation of spinning that some people experience at least once in their lives.
It can have many potential sources, such as Meniere’s disease or vestibular neuritis; however, often it is due to benign positional vertigo (BPV).
This happens when calcium crystals detached from the inner ear make their way into the fluid-filled canals in the ear.
Causes may include head trauma, viral infections, or even aging.
Several medicines which can be obtained without a prescription are available to deal with vertigo, dependent on its origin.
For instance, if the cause of your vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPV), you might get a recommendation from your doctor to take diuretics to decrease the amount of liquid in your inner ear.
If Meniere’s disease is what puts you at risk for dizziness, medication like betahistine may be prescribed to reduce accumulation of fluid in your inner ear.
And if vestibular neuritis is behind your vertigo, steroidal treatment could be an option to lessen inflammation in your inner ear prescribed by your doctor.
No matter the source of your vertigo, there is probably an over-the-counter medication that can provide some relief.
Consult with your doctor to determine which option is best for you.
How to Take Over the Counter Medicine for Vertigo
If you’re dealing with vertigo, there are a few over-the-counter medications that can give you some relief.
Antihistamines such as meclizine or dimenhydrinate can help by reducing the nausea and vomiting associated with the condition.
If your dizziness continues, try taking a vestibular suppressant like diazepam or lorazepam; these drugs act to calm the central nervous system and should provide relief in minutes if taken properly.
Still having issues? Make sure to seek medical advice from your doctor.
Take an antihistamine, such as meclizine or dimenhydrinate, at the prescribed amount.
If necessary, consider taking a vestibular suppressant such as diazepam or lorazepam.
Make sure to read and strictly follow the instructions on the packaging for the correct dosage.
Be sure to keep an eye out for any adjustments in your signs and symptoms, and reach out to your physician if the issue continues or deteriorates.
How Effective Is this Treatment Method?
Over the counter medications can be used for battling vertigo, but it can be difficult to know what would work best.
It is advisable to talk to a medical professional before initiating any treatment, as the most successful option may vary from person to person.
When looking for an over-the-counter medicine for vertigo, it is important to select a product containing antihistamines as these can reduce associated symptoms.
Furthermore, one should consider those with ginger, as it can help lessen nausea and vomiting, while echinacea may be effective in boosting the immune system and shortening vertigo episodes.
Alternatives to Over-the-Counter Medication for Vertigo
If you’re seeking an alternative to over-the-counter medication for vertigo, there are options.
Consider vestibular rehabilitation therapy– a form of physical therapy that assists in retraining your brain and inner ear so they can more efficiently interpret signals from your equilibrium system.
This technique has shown promise in helping people with persistent dizziness or vertigo.
Acupuncture may be a worthwhile option, as studies have demonstrated its efficacy in treating dizziness.
It is often used in conjunction with vestibular rehabilitation therapy.
Other home remedies may be useful in alleviating dizziness and vertigo-related symptoms.
Drinking ginger tea, lying with your head raised, and avoiding abrupt movements of the head or neck are all viable options.
If you find yourself feeling lightheaded, it is best to lay down and let the sensation pass.
Conclusion
Living with vertigo can be challenging, but thankfully there are many OTC medications to help manage the symptoms.
We hope the advice we provided helps you find relief from your vertigo. If dizziness or other symptoms become too overwhelming, make sure to consult your doctor.
With treatment, vertigo can be managed successfully and quickly. The best way is to make sure that you consult a doctor before opting for over the counter medicines to treat vertigo.
FAQs
1. Which over-the-counter medicines are the most effective for vertigo?
A number of over-the-counter medications, such as meclizine, dimenhydrinate, and ginger, are effective in treating vertigo.
These drugs work by helping to stabilize the equilibrium pathways in the inner ear, allowing for a reduction in symptoms.
2. Which adverse reactions are commonly linked to these drugs?
Common side effects of these drugs are drowsiness and dry mouth.
Taking the medication with food or milk may help reduce symptoms, while adequate hydration is essential to avoid dehydration.
3. Are there any further steps to take when using these drugs?
It is important to consult a physician before using any over-the-counter medication for vertigo, as they may interact with other medicines taken simultaneously.
Individuals with medical issues such as heart disease or hypertension should also discuss the use of these medicines with their doctor.
4. What is the typical length of time for these medications to be effective?
The effects of these medications can depend on the person and the intensity of their vertigo.
In most cases, people start to experience relief from their symptoms after one or two hours.
5. Can anything be done to alleviate the signs of vertigo? Are there any lifestyle modifications that might help to minimize its effects?
Changing one’s lifestyle can help reduce the symptoms of vertigo. To limit exposure to light or loud sounds, reduce stress and get enough restful sleep, physical activities like yoga or tai chi may be beneficial.
Additionally, be mindful of sudden head movements and excessive neck flexion. Caffeine should also be reduced.