How Long After Taking Meclizine Can I Drink Alcohol?

Notes for Consumers: Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.

Can you drink alcohol after taking meclizine?

Adverse Effects – Common adverse effects of patients taking meclizine include drowsiness, urinary retention, dry mouth, headache, fatigue, and vomiting. On rare occasions, there have been reports of blurred vision and anaphylactic reactions. Due to the potential to cause drowsiness, the prescriber should caution the patients against driving and using heavy machinery.

How long does it take for meclizine to wear off?

Elimination. Meclizine has a plasma elimination half-life of about 5-6 hours in humans.

How long should I wait to drink alcohol after taking medicine?

You may have heard that mixing alcohol and medication can be a bad, even dangerous combination. But when healthcare providers say not to mix drinking with drugs, are they really talking about one beer or glass of wine? Determining whether you can take medicine before or after drinking alcohol can depend on several factors.

1. For example, the type of medication as well as the type and amount of alcohol can make a difference in how safe or unsafe it is to combine them.
2. Timing is also important.
3. Alcohol and medicines can cause harmful effects even if they’re not taken at the same time.
4. Age is another factor.
5. As we get older, alcohol stays in our system longer.

That’s because we metabolize alcohol more slowly as we age. In addition, the older we get, the more likely we are to be taking one or more medications that could interact with alcohol. How well we metabolize alcohol is also determined by our sex. Since males and females have differences in body chemistry, they can absorb and metabolize alcohol at different rates.

• After drinking the same amount, females tend to have higher blood alcohol levels than their male counterparts.
• Here’s a list of medications that can negatively interact with alcohol along with descriptions of what those interactions may look like.
• The following medications are all antihistamines,
• This class of drugs can cause excessive drowsiness and may put you at risk if you’re driving a car or operating machinery—and that’s without alcohol.

When you combine these drugs with alcohol, you’re even more at risk. They also pose an increased risk for overdose.

Loratadine (found in Alavert, Claritin, Claritin-D)Diphenhydramine (found in Benadryl)Desloratadine (found in Clarinex)Brompheniramine (found in Dimetapp Cold & Allergy)Chlorpheniramine (found in Sudafed Sinus & Allergy, Triaminic Cold & Allergy, Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Tylenol Cold & Flu)Hydroxyzine (found in Vistaril)Cetirizine (found in Zyrtec)

Bottom line: Don’t drink alcohol when taking antihistamines. However, if you do choose to have a drink, do so in a safe setting in which you don’t have to drive or otherwise put yourself at risk. A healthcare provider will likely warn you about drinking when you’re prescribed certain medications for bacterial and fungal infections—and for a good reason.

Alcohol can make some of the unpleasant side effects of these drugs worse. Side effects of mixing antibiotics and antifungals with alcohol can range from fast heartbeat and sudden changes in blood pressure to stomach pain, upset stomach, vomiting, headache, or redness in the face. Mixing isoniazid and ketoconazole with alcohol can also cause liver damage,

Here are some common antibiotic and antifungal medications that can potentially have worse side effects when mixed with alcohol. Antibiotics:

Macrodantin (nitrofurantoin)Flagyl (metronidazole)IsoniazidCycloserineTindamax (tinidazole)Zithromax (azithromycin)

Antifungals:

GriseofulvinKetoconazole

Bottom line: Don’t drink if you’re taking one of the antibiotics or antifungals listed above. Ask a healthcare provider when it’s okay to start drinking again. Sometimes you may need to wait 48 to 72 hours after your last dose before it’s safe to have an alcoholic beverage.

Remember, you’ll be taking the antibiotic or antifungal medication only for a matter of days or weeks. Abstaining from alcohol until you’re entirely done with your meds will also support your body as it heals. Antidepressants can cause drowsiness and dizziness that can be made worse with alcohol. This can raise your risk for falls and car accidents.

Mixing any of the antidepressants below with alcohol can also increase feelings of depression or hopelessness.

Abilify (aripriprazone)Anafranil (clomipramine)Celexa (citalopram)Clozaril (clozapine)Cymbalta (duloxetine)TrazodoneEffexor XR (venlafaxine)AmitriptylineGeodon (ziprasidone)Invega (paliperidone)Lexapro (escitalopram)FluvoxamineNardil (phenelzine)Norpramin (desipramine)Parnate (tranylcypromine)Paxil (paroxetine)Pristiq (desevenlafaxine)Prozac (fluoxetine)Remeron (mirtazapine)Risperdal (risperidone)Seroquel (quetiapine)NefazodoneSymbyax (fluoxetine/olanzapine)Wellbutrin (bupropion)Zoloft (sertraline)Zyprexa (olanzapine)St. John’s Wort herbal preparation

Some of these antidepressants come with additional side effects when mixed with alcohol. Seroquel and Remeron can impair motor control. Wellbutrin can intensify the effect of alcohol. Cymbalta can cause liver damage. Antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), like Parnate and Nardil, can cause serious heart problems when combined with alcohol.

When mixed with beer or wine, they can also cause dangerously high blood pressure due to an alcohol byproduct called tyramine. Bottom line: If you’re on MAOIs, avoid alcohol completely. If your depression is well managed, having an occasional alcoholic beverage shouldn’t be a problem. Before you indulge in that happy hour drink, however, talk to a healthcare provider about the risks of drinking with your antidepressant.

Drowsiness, dizziness, and slowed or labored breathing can all be side effects of mixing certain anxiety and epilepsy drugs with alcohol. A person may also have problems with motor functions, behavior, and memory. Plus, mixing these meds with alcohol increases the risk of overdose.

Ativan (lorazepam)BuspironeKlonopin (clonazepam)ChlordiazepoxidePaxil (paroxetine)Valium (diazepam)Xanax (alprazolam)

Kava Kava, an herbal preparation, is sometimes used to treat these conditions. It, too, should not be used with alcohol due to liver damage and drowsiness risk. Bottom line: Don’t drink on these meds. This mixture can be dangerous and even deadly. Some arthritis medicines, when combined with alcohol, can cause ulcers, stomach bleeding, and liver damage.

Celebrex (celecoxib)Aleve/Naprosyn (naproxen)Voltaren (diclofenac)

Bottom line: Drinking on these meds should be done in moderation, if at all. When combined with alcohol, medications for attention and concentration disorders can make a person dizzy and sleepy.

Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) Concerta, Ritalin (methylphenidate) Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) Strattera (atomoxetine) Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

Combining alcohol with Concerta, Ritalin, or Focalin can worsen concentration. Adderall, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse can increase a person’s risk for heart problems. Liver damage can occur with Strattera. Bottom line: Toasting on occasion shouldn’t be a problem.

Drinking regularly could be. The effectiveness of oral contraceptives (and other forms of hormonal birth control) isn’t affected by alcohol, so it’s OK to enjoy a drink here and there when taking the pill. An important note: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises people trying to get pregnant (and, therefore, not using birth control) to steer clear of alcohol due to the dangers of drinking in the early stages of pregnancy,

Bottom line: Raise a glass and enjoy alcohol in moderation. For females, that’s no more than one drink a day. Be cautious about imbibing too much—which can cloud your judgment and lead to vomiting up a recently taken pill. When mixed with alcohol, these blood pressure medications can cause dizziness, fainting, and drowsiness.

Accupril (quinapril)Calan SR (verapamil)HydrochlorothiazideCardura (doxazosin)Catapres (clonidine)Cozaar (losartan)TerazosinHydrochlorothiazide (found in Lopressor HCT among other products)Lotensin (benazepril)Minipress (prazosin)Norvasc (amlodipine)Zestril (lisinopril)Vasotec (enalapril)

Bottom line: It’s best not to combine alcohol and blood pressure meds. Plus, limiting alcohol consumption can help manage and prevent high blood pressure, Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of drinking based on the specific drugs you’re taking.

Warfarin is a commonly used medication to prevent blood clots, sold under the name Coumadin. People who drink occasionally may have internal bleeding on this medication. People who drink heavily may also experience bleeding or the opposite effect: blood clots, strokes, or heart attacks. Bottom line: Don’t drink if you’re taking this med.

Mixing Coumadin (warfarin) with alcohol—whether it’s an occasional or daily drink—poses serious health risks. Drinking large amounts of alcohol with cholesterol-lowering drugs may increase your risk of liver damage. Niacor can cause increased flushing and itching, and Pravigard can cause increased stomach bleeding.

Altoprev (lovastatin)Crestor (rosuvastatin)Lipitor (atorvastatin)Niacor (niacin)PravastatinPravigard (pravastatin + aspirin)Vytorin (ezetimibe + simvastatin)Zocor (simvastatin)

Bottom line: Due to the risk of liver damage and other negative health and side effects, it’s best to avoid heavy drinking while taking many cholesterol-lowering medications. Alcohol and diabetes medications can cause a person’s blood sugar to go too low.

Glucotrol XL (glipizide)Glumetza (metformin)Glynase (glyburide)

Bottom line: Avoid alcohol when possible. If you do have a drink, make sure to keep an eye on your blood sugar, Medications used to manage pain can also interact with alcohol. The effects vary depending on the type of pain pill.

Does meclizine really last 24 hours?

Dosing – The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

For oral dosage form (tablets):

For nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness:

Adults—At first, 25 to 50 milligrams (mg) taken 1 hour before travel. You may take another dose once every 24 hours while traveling. Children 12 years of age and older—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. Children younger than 12 years of age—Use is not recommended.

For vertigo:

Adults—25 to 100 milligrams (mg) per day, taken in divided doses. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

What to avoid when taking meclizine?

You shouldn’t drive, use machinery, or do other tasks that require alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Alcohol use warning: The use of drinks that contain alcohol can make drowsiness caused by meclizine worse. You should limit or avoid drinking alcohol while you take this drug.

Is meclizine hard on the liver?

Introduction – Meclizine is a first generation antihistamine that is used largely to treat vertigo and motion sickness. Meclizine has not been linked to instances of clinically apparent acute liver injury.

Can you still feel dizzy after taking meclizine?

Warnings for other groups – For pregnant women: Meclizine is a category B pregnancy drug. That means two things:

1. Research in animals hasn’t shown a risk to the fetus when the mother takes the drug.
2. There aren’t enough studies done in humans to show if the drug poses a risk to the fetus.

Talk with your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Animal studies don’t always predict the way humans would respond. Therefore, this drug should only be used in pregnancy if clearly needed. For women who are breastfeeding: It isn’t known if meclizine passes into breast milk.

• If it does, it may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed.
• Talk with your doctor if you breastfeed your child.
• You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.
• For seniors: The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to.
• This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly.

As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects. For children: This medication hasn’t been studied in children. It shouldn’t be used in people younger than 12 years. When to call your doctor If you’ve been taking this drug and it isn’t helping to control your symptoms of vertigo, call your doctor.

• Taking this drug for a long period of time can cause problems with the system in your body that controls balance.
• Call your doctor if you still have nausea, vomiting, or dizziness after you stop taking the drug.
• This dosage information is for meclizine oral tablet.
• All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here.

Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:

• your age
• the condition being treated
• the severity of your condition
• other medical conditions you have
• how you react to the first dose

Does meclizine work immediately?

It takes about 1 hour for meclizine to start working. This is why if you’re taking meclizine for motion sickness, you should plan to take it about an hour before the activity that might cause motion sickness.

How long after taking antihistamines can I drink?

When can I start drinking after taking Benadryl, Claritin, or Zyrtec? It’s best to wait to drink alcohol until an allergy medication has fully left your system. Benadryl, Claritin, and Zyrtec are likely cleared from your body about 2 days after your last dose.

Is 25 mg of meclizine a lot?

For meclizine –

For oral dosage forms (tablets and chewable tablets):

To prevent and treat motion sickness:

Adults and children 12 years of age or older—The usual dose is 25 to 50 milligrams (mg) one hour before travel. The dose may be repeated every twenty-four hours as needed. Children up to 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

To prevent and treat vertigo (dizziness):

Adults and children 12 years of age or older—The usual dose is 25 to 100 mg a day as needed, divided into smaller doses. Children up to 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

How fast does meclizine 25 mg work?

4. Bottom Line – Meclizine may be used to treat vertigo or nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness; however, it takes approximately an hour to start working and may cause drowsiness, although it is less likely than some other antihistamines to cause drowsiness.

Can meclizine make you feel weird?

These conditions often are misunderstood. Here are some common misconceptions about vertigo and dizziness: –

Dizziness is always related to ear crystals. While benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a common cause of vertigo, it is not associated with symptoms of dizziness. There are many other potential reasons for spells of dizziness. Home remedies, like performing the canalith repositioning procedure or flushing your ears, will fix the problem. Not only can this be harmful, it can cause more problems. Attempting to reposition crystals without instruction from your health care provider can cause the crystals to be moved incorrectly. There have been instances where patients have given themselves a concussion during the process or damaged their eardrums from flushing liquid into their ears. Dizziness is all in your head. Unfortunately, some people are told that their symptoms of dizziness or vertigo are not real or a result of mental illness. They are given advice to ignore it, and it will go away. Long-term dizziness and vertigo should not be ignored. Rather, a health care provider should treat these conditions. Antihistamines, such as meclizine, solve dizziness. Meclizine is used to prevent and control nausea, vomiting and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It works to block the signals to the brain that cause these symptoms. However, if you have recurring vertigo or dizziness, taking antihistamines is not a good long-term solution. Meclizine can make you feel drowsy, which results in many people falling asleep until the episodes are over. In this situation, the medication is covering the symptoms, but it is not treating the condition. You just need to deal with this because there are no long-term treatment options. Recurring vertigo or dizziness can significantly affect your life, such as missing social activities, or disrupting your abilities to drive or work. There is hope. Work with your health care team to identify the correct treatment option for you.

If you experience sudden vertigo with a decrease in hearing or ringing in your ear, seek emergency medical treatment. These are symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss, an inflammatory disorder probably caused by a virus that affect the nerves in the balance and hearing portions of your inner ear.

Can I drink coffee while taking meclizine?

How does MECLIZINE+CAFFEINE work? – MECLIZINE+CAFFEINE contains Meclizine and Caffeine. Meclizine is an antihistamine. It works by blocking the chemicals in the brain that cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of balance. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant.

Is meclizine a high risk medication?

Meclizine prescriptions in the Emergency Department and return visits in the elderly population Dizziness is a common presenting complaint in the ED, especially in the elderly population, In one recent estimate, dizziness and vertigo accounted for approximately 4% of complaints in the emergency department (ED) and cost estimates exceed $4 billion in health care spending per year,

1. Dizziness is a general term often used to describe various symptoms such as vertigo, lightheadedness, presyncope and disequilibrium.
2. Dizziness in elderly people is especially concerning given the heightened risks of falls, and subsequent decreased functional and psychosocial outcomes,
3. Dizziness has many different causes and is often multifactorial; commonly symptoms can be the result of peripheral causes (vestibular neuritis, otitis media, labrynthitis, Meniere disease, acoustic neuroma, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) or central etiologies (migraine, brainstem or cerebellar infarction, multiple sclerosis, mass lesions).

Other causes of dizziness can be related to cardiac pathology, electrolyte abnormalities, or medication side effects (particularly polypharmacy that is often common in elderly patients). One national health care survey evaluating balance disorders in the elderly, reported over 40% were related to unclear causes.

1. Of those with formal diagnoses the greatest percentage (11.3%) were related to medication side effects,
2. The diagnosis of benign versus life-threatening causes of vertigo and dizziness is beyond the scope of discussion here, however most complaints of dizziness presenting to the ED are found to be due to peripheral causes and not life-threatening.

Once emergent etiologies of dizziness have been ruled out, the challenge becomes how to best manage benign but bothersome symptoms. Several classes of medications are used in the management of peripheral vertigo including antihistamines (meclizine, diphenhydramine), antiemetics (ondansetron, prochlorperazine, promethazine, metoclopramide), or benzodiazepines.

All of these medications are used for their ability to suppress the vestibular system however they have differing mechanisms of action and side effects. All of the above classes include drugs that have been identified on the Beers list of medications to avoid in elderly patients (older than age 65) which makes symptomatic treatment in this population difficult,

The Beers Criteria were created by the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) as a list of potentially inappropriate medications to be avoided in older adults. The criteria are applicable to older adults with the exception being those in palliative or hospice care.

1. By some estimates, up to 30 percent of hospital admissions in elderly patients may be linked to drug related complications or side effects and so the choice to use these medications identified as higher risk must be weighed against possible harms,
2. As a result of this, therapeutic options for treatment of dizziness in the elderly population are limited.

One of the most effective and commonly prescribed medications for benign dizziness is meclizine, a first-generation antihistamine. Meclizine is an H-1 piperazine-derivative sedating antihistamine. It is well absorbed after oral administration with maximum plasma concentrations reached between 1.5 and 6 hours post oral dose and has a plasma elimination half-life of 5 to 6 hours.

• An in vitro metabolic study found CYP2D6 be the dominant enzyme for metabolism of meclizine.
• It is excreted in the urine as metabolites and in the feces as unchanged drug.
• The onset of action of meclizine is about 1 hour, with effects lasting between 8 to 24 hours,
• Meclizine has anticholinergic, central nervous system depressant, and sodium-channel blocking properties.

It is used therapeutically to treat dizziness, nausea, and vomiting due to motion sickness as well as vertigo associated with vestibular system diseases. While the mechanism of action of meclizine is not fully known, the drug’s central anticholinergic action depresses both labyrinth excitability and vestibular stimulation.

It is also thought to modulate the medullary chemoreceptor trigger zone and to reduce or inhibit vomiting, Meclizine is on the BEER’s list and it is not recommended for use in geriatric patients. Meclizine is highly anticholinergic; its clearance reduced with advanced age, and tolerance develops when used as hypnotic.

Its use in geriatric patients increases the risk of confusion, dry mouth, constipation, and other anticholinergic effects or toxicities, Results of this study found there was no increased rate of return visits in geriatric ED patients discharged with a prescription for meclizine after a diagnosis of peripheral vertigo or dizziness.

In fact, meclizine prescriptions were associated with fewer overall return visits to the ED within 1 week. A return visit within one week was used as a surrogate for adverse events prompting return to the ED for further evaluation. The 72-hour unscheduled return visit of an ED patient are frequently used as an emergency medicine performance measure and have been proposed as a measure of provider performance,

A 7 day window for return visits was chosen as a more appropriate surrogate for medication-linked adverse outcomes for a number of reasons. The longer time period allowed for capture of patients who delayed filling prescriptions after initial discharge, gave time for the drug effects of meclizine to reach therapeutic threshold, and allowed for delays in representation to the hospital.

1. As the most frequently reported side effects of meclizine usage are dizziness, fatigue/weakness, and gastrointestinal distress we focused on those presenting chief complaints as measures of adverse effects of meclizine usage.
2. The results showed that ongoing dizziness was the most common reason for return visits among all groups.

In the meclizine prescription group there were no documented chief complaints of weakness, syncope/falls or hypotension, however those complaints were commonly reported among the non-meclizine groups. Falls or reported syncope/hypotension that could increase the risk of falls would be among the more concerning side effects that would limit use in an elderly population.

Falls have been linked to serious adverse events (including fractures, hospitalization and death) within 6 months in up to 50% of elderly patients who presented to the ED for a fall, The risk of these adverse events was increased with use of medications that exhibited sedative properties. Discharge of the elderly patient with benign dizziness or vertigo is challenging and there may be underlying issues or comorbidities that may contribute to ongoing symptoms of dizziness or vertigo.

While our results show that meclizine was associated with fewer return rates to the ED, patients should be evaluated for factors that may impact management and likelihood of return visits, including mobility impairment, balance issues, CNS disorders, fall risk and availability home support,

Is meclizine good for anxiety?

Meclizine for anxiety – Meclizine, also an antihistamine, is most often used to treat motion sickness and dizziness. The drug, sold under the brand name Antivert, can also treat nausea and dizziness during panic attacks. However, there is no evidence that meclizine decreases anxiety long term.

Is meclizine bad for the brain?

“Very Credible Data” – Coauthor of an accompanying editorial, Noll L. Campbell, PharmD, Purdue University College of Pharmacy, West Lafayette, Indiana, told Medscape Medical News that this study provided “the strongest evidence to date that anticholinergic drugs cause dementia.” His coathor is Malaz A.

Boustani, MD, MPH, from the Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr Campbell, who has also authored some studies showing similar findings, explained that the current study had the longest record of medication history. This history was measured from dispensing records and so provided “very credible data,” which is “probably the best that can be done in an observational study.” “Even low doses of the drugs included in this study increased the risk of dementia when taken long term.

It looks as though it could be a cumulative effect. The more you use the higher your risk,” he noted. “We have several studies now all suggesting that these anticholinergic medications are associated with cognitive problems. But while many geriatricians and psychiatrists may be aware of these data, these medicines are often prescribed by family doctors who may not be aware of this issue.

• Publishing this study in JAMA Internal Medicine is a good idea as it will reach more family doctors that way,” he said.
• Dr Campbell added: “Maybe the best group to try to make aware of this issue is the patients themselves.
• Dementia is a much-feared condition.
• It would definitely be a priority for me not to take any medication that might increase my risk of this condition.” Dr.

Gray noted that future studies would focus on understanding the biochemical mechanism that might underlie this association, adding that a subset of patients from the current study have given permission for their brain tissue to be studied on autopsy, which could help shed light on this.

1. Dr Campbell suggested that the next step could be a randomized study looking at the risk for dementia in patients who have been taking these drugs and are assigned to continue or stop their medication.
2. His group is applying for funding for such a study.
3. The study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging and the Branta Foundation.

Dr Gray has disclosed no relevant financial relationships. Dr Campbell receives grant support from the National Institutes of Health and Astellas Pharma US. Source: Medscape, accessed 1/28/15 ) : Anticholinergic Drugs Like Meclizine Can Lead to Dementia – Vestibular Disorders Association

What does meclizine do to your brain?

Descriptions – Meclizine is used to prevent and control nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It is also used for vertigo (dizziness or lightheadedness) caused by ear problems. Meclizine is an antihistamine. It works to block the signals to the brain that cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

• Tablet
• Tablet, Chewable

Does meclizine affect the brain?

What is meclizine? – Meclizine is an antihistamine medication that belongs to the anticholinergic antiemetics drug class. This group of medications is used to treat motion sickness, nausea, and vomiting by blocking certain brain receptors and inhibiting the transmission of certain signals to the vomiting center in the brain.

1. This stops the person from vomiting.
2. Meclizine is a generic drug.
3. It is also sold under brand names, including Antivert, Bonine, Zentrip, and Dramamine Less Drowsy.
4. Some meclizine brands are available over the counter, such as Bonine and Dramamine Less Drowsy (these are mainly used for motion sickness).

Others, such as Antivert, require a doctor’s prescription, as they are often prescribed for treating vertigo.¹

Can you drink on vertigo medication?

8. Cautions with other medicines – Some medicines and prochlorperazine do not work well together. This can increase the chance of having side effects. Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you’re taking any medicine that:

makes you sleepy or drowsygives you a dry mouthcan affect your heart – taking prochlorperazine might make these side effects worse

When not to use meclizine?

You should not use meclizine if you are allergic to it. Meclizine should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Can meclizine make you feel weird?

These conditions often are misunderstood. Here are some common misconceptions about vertigo and dizziness: –

Dizziness is always related to ear crystals. While benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a common cause of vertigo, it is not associated with symptoms of dizziness. There are many other potential reasons for spells of dizziness. Home remedies, like performing the canalith repositioning procedure or flushing your ears, will fix the problem. Not only can this be harmful, it can cause more problems. Attempting to reposition crystals without instruction from your health care provider can cause the crystals to be moved incorrectly. There have been instances where patients have given themselves a concussion during the process or damaged their eardrums from flushing liquid into their ears. Dizziness is all in your head. Unfortunately, some people are told that their symptoms of dizziness or vertigo are not real or a result of mental illness. They are given advice to ignore it, and it will go away. Long-term dizziness and vertigo should not be ignored. Rather, a health care provider should treat these conditions. Antihistamines, such as meclizine, solve dizziness. Meclizine is used to prevent and control nausea, vomiting and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It works to block the signals to the brain that cause these symptoms. However, if you have recurring vertigo or dizziness, taking antihistamines is not a good long-term solution. Meclizine can make you feel drowsy, which results in many people falling asleep until the episodes are over. In this situation, the medication is covering the symptoms, but it is not treating the condition. You just need to deal with this because there are no long-term treatment options. Recurring vertigo or dizziness can significantly affect your life, such as missing social activities, or disrupting your abilities to drive or work. There is hope. Work with your health care team to identify the correct treatment option for you.

If you experience sudden vertigo with a decrease in hearing or ringing in your ear, seek emergency medical treatment. These are symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss, an inflammatory disorder probably caused by a virus that affect the nerves in the balance and hearing portions of your inner ear.