Examples
|
| dimenhydrinate | Dramamine |
| diphenhydramine | Benadryl |
| hydroxyzine | Vistaril |
| meclizine | Antivert |
How It Works
Antihistamines block parts of your brain that make you feel sick to your stomach when you have vertigo or motion sickness.
How Well It Works
These medicines do give some people
relief from nausea and vomiting caused by vertigo. But there is no scientific evidence to show
that these medicines help with symptoms of vertigo.1
These medicines may help with mild forms of motion sickness.2
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Seizures.
Call your doctor if you have:
- Hives.
- Fast or irregular heartbeat.
- Fever.
- Belly pain.
- Unusual tiredness or weakness.
Common side effects of this medicine include:
- Drowsiness.
- Dry mouth, nose, or throat.
- Stomach upset.
- Irritability.
- Difficulty urinating.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Don't give
antihistamines to your child unless you've checked with the doctor first.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- Fife TD, et al. (2008). Practice parameter: Therapies
for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (an evidence-based review). Report of
the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology.
Neurology, 70(22): 2067–2074.
- Advice for travelers (2012). Treatment Guidelines From The Medical Letter, 10(118): 45–56.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Last Revised | December 19, 2012 |
|---|
Fife TD, et al. (2008). Practice parameter: Therapies
for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (an evidence-based review). Report of
the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology.
Neurology, 70(22): 2067–2074.
Advice for travelers (2012). Treatment Guidelines From The Medical Letter, 10(118): 45–56.
