Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Medications
Medications do not cure benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). However, they may be used to control severe symptoms, such as the whirling, spinning sensation of vertigo and the nausea and vomiting that may result.
Medication Choices
Medications to reduce the whirling sensation of vertigo are called vestibular suppressants. They include:
- Antihistamines, such as dimenhydrinate, Bonamine (meclizine), or Benadryl (diphenhydramine).
- Scopolamine, also known as Transderm-V.
- Sedatives, such as Valium (diazepam) or Clonazepam.
Antiemetic medications may be used if you have nausea or vomiting along with the vertigo.
What To Think About
Medications that calm the inner ear (vestibular suppressants) may also slow down the brain's ability to adjust to the abnormal balance signals triggered by the particles in the inner ear. They should be taken only for 1 to 2 weeks to control severe symptoms.
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| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW | Last Updated: March 9, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Barrie J. Hurwitz, MD - Neurology Donald Sproule, MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine | |
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