In addition, corticosteroids such as dexamethasone or methylprednisolone, which suppress the immune system, may also be employed Hillman et al (2003). These drugs act as antagonists at the dopamine (D2) receptors and reduce the neural signals to the vomiting center.įrequently, benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam are used to increase GABAergic activity and to decrease anxiety associated with an attack. Several phenothiazines, such as promethazine and compazine, are also useful in treating nausea Gahlinger (1999). These drugs target the histamine H1 receptors located in the vestibular nuclei and chemoreceptor trigger zones and also act as antagonist at muscarinic receptors to reduce the sensitivity to the vestibular response and control nausea. Vestibular suppressants such as, meclizine (Antivert) and dimenhydrinate, display both antihistaminic and anticholinergic properties Barrs (2003). They may also be involved in reducing stress and anxiety associated with this condition Hain and Uddin (2003).īoth antihistamine and anticholinergic medications may reduce symptoms of vertigo and provide an antiemetic effect. These drugs target the histamine, muscarinic, dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter receptors that are involved in modulating the vestibular system and emesis center. During an attack, vestibular suppressants and antiemetic medications may be prescribed to control vertigo and ease symptoms of nausea Barrs (2003).ĭrugs that provide symptomatic relief for Meniere's disease fall into four main categories: antihistamines, anticholinergics, phenothiazines, and benzodiazepines. Initial management usually involves a low-salt diet and potassium-sparing diuretics to lessen the severity of symptoms due to fluid retention Thai-Van et al (2001). Treatment generally focuses on alleviating episodes of vertigo and decreasing the amount of fluid in the inner ear. Laura Barritt, in xPharm: The Comprehensive Pharmacology Reference, 2008 Standard TherapiesĪlthough there is no cure for Meniere's the symptoms may be treated. Other side effects of antihistamines include palpitations and arrhythmias, hypotension, hypersensitivity reactions (including bronchospasm, angioedema, and anaphylaxis, rashes and photosensitivity reactions), extrapyramidal effects, dizziness, confusion, depression, sleep disturbances, tremor, convulsions, blood disorders, and liver dysfunction. Other side effects include headache, psychomotor impairment, and antimuscarinic effects such as urinary retention, dry mouth, blurred vision, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Adverse Effectsĭrowsiness is a significant side effect, although it may diminish after a few days of treatment. Children and the elderly are more susceptible to side effects, but it is used in the elderly. It should also be used with caution in hepatic disease, and dose reduction may be necessary in renal impairment. Similar dose can be given rectally.ĭue to its antimuscarinic activity, meclizine should be used with caution in prostatic hypertrophy, urinary retention, glaucoma, and pyloro-duodenal obstruction. I seem to recall that you CAN get Serc (Betahistine) in the states but it must be compounded by a compounding pharmacy.Duration is 8–24 h. Meclizine is basically stronger Dramamine. Also if you want to carry it on your person it MUST be in the prescription bottle or you'll face a felony. I honestly never found it addictive because if I took it recreationally and then I had a vertigo attack I was totally fucked so it never became a problem. Valium is a controlled substance in the US and is addictive and it's probably what your doc would prescribe next. I used to have 10mg pills when I was having attacks 3x a week, bt now I just carry around 2mg pills in my briefcase as insurance. It'd take 15-20mg for it to totally calm down - and then I'd fall asleep for about 12 hours. When I was at my worst I'd have to take a LOT to get it to simmer down, though. Like other medications, it doesn't treat the vertigo but instead it kinda slows down your nervous system and kinda numbs the vertigo instead.
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