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
The most commonly reported side effect
is drowsiness. Do not use a medicine that makes you drowsy if you will be
driving or operating dangerous equipment.
Antihistamines may also
cause blurred vision or a dry mouth.
See Drug Reference for a full
list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Most antihistamines should be
avoided during early pregnancy, if possible.
Don't give
antihistamines to your child unless you've checked with the doctor first.
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 (2009). Treatment Guidelines From The Medical Letter, 7(87): 83–94.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Barrie J. Hurwitz, MD, MD - Neurology |
|---|
| Last Revised | December 16, 2010 |
|---|
Last Revised:
December 16, 2010
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 (2009). Treatment Guidelines From The Medical Letter, 7(87): 83–94.