Medications
Medicines do not cure
Ménière's disease, but they can reduce the severity of
some symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and the spinning sensation of
vertigo. Also, medicines can help you feel more
comfortable during an attack.
Medicines that reduce the spinning
sensation of
vertigo by calming the activity in the inner ear are
called vestibular suppressants. These include:
- Antihistamines, such as dimenhydrinate
(Dramamine), meclizine hydrochloride (Antivert), and diphenhydramine
hydrochloride (Benadryl). Don't give antihistamines to your child unless you've
checked with the doctor first.
- Scopolamine
(Transderm-Scop), which is a patch placed on the skin behind your
ear.
- Sedatives, such as diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam
(Klonopin).
Antiemetic medicines may be used to reduce nausea and
vomiting that can occur with vertigo.
Diuretics and a
low-salt diet may be used to reduce excess fluid and prevent future attacks of
vertigo.