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Vertigo - has anyone resolved the sudden onset of vertigo
I've recently acquired a case of apparent vertigo, and my ENT doctor offered no help other than physical therapy as treatment. I'm taking meclizine (aka Antivert) which helps somewhat, but I have significant imbalance even so. My loss of balance and dizziness lasts from the time I get out of bed, for about 90 minutes, after which it diminishes in effect, but I feel unsteady all day. Ginko biloba? Dramamine? TIA!
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Thank you for the detailed info. It is very interesting and educational as well. My dizziness has all but disappeared on its own, through modest exercises on my own and some OTC anti-nauseous meds. But I first went to 2 separate ENTs who specialize in hearing issues, but who were very uninterested in helping me out by even doing an experimental trial of the Epley maneuver. They just told me to go to physical therapy and never bothered giving me a referral, thinking my PCP should do that. Oh well, I have sincere regrets for those who must suffer with vertigo. My older sister just picked it up and now must wait 90 seconds before getting out of bed in the AM. I need to talk over the details you gave with her and see how far she needs to go with it. I never forget that first experience with my vertigo, a pretty wild experience. Thank you again!
Have they checked for off balance of crystals? There is simple positional therapy to rebalance. My dizziness came and went randomly so may be different. I also had MRI to rule out a tumor. Good luck!
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1 Reaction@laughlin1947 my husband suffers from vertigo from time to time, but not it appears as you are. Try ginger tablets it’s a non-invasive treatment. And it has no bad side effects. If you’d like to taste of ginger, you might also try ginger tea. Good luck.
@judyteresa there is a movement called the Epley movement. Google it. Sometimes it works with my husband. And the ginger is also very effective. It stops the dizziness. Although sometimes he has to take a second dosage hours later for it to work.
In addition to trying the therapy like the Epley movement, you can take motion sickness "over the counter" meds. One I used and worked for s full 24 hours is meclizine. The other is Dramamine but it has the side effect of drowsiness. It's an antihistamine but also a sleep aid.
The meclizine has no common side effects. Buy at common drug stores.
@laughlin1947 Common Side Effects
Drowsiness/Sedation: The most frequently reported effect.
Dry mouth.
Fatigue.
Headache.
Blurred vision.
Constipation.
Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic
+6
Warnings and Serious Effects
Allergic Reactions: Seek medical help for rash, hives, or swelling of the face/throat.
Coordination Issues: Impaired alertness similar to alcohol consumption.
Elderly Risk: Increased risk of falls, confusion, and dizziness. Long-term use in older adults may lead to increased risks of dementia, according to.
Urinary Retention: Can cause issues with urination, especially in those with BPH.
Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic
+4
Drug Interactions & Contraindications
Alcohol/Sedatives: Alcohol, tranquilizers, and sedatives can intensify drowsiness.
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before use.
Other meds: Avoid other antihistamines and sedating medications, as listed in.
Healthline
Healthline
+3
Important Tips
Avoid driving or hazardous tasks until you know how you react.
If you experience severe vomiting or a very dry mouth, contact a doctor.
It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.
@phylliscorella I had vertigo for many months, but it finally just went away. I didn't take meclizine except for a few days when it first hit me, which was a hard hit. That was for a few days. Then, after it began to fade after many days, I'd need to sit on the edge of the bed for a short time until the dizziness went away, then I could stand up and carefully move about. Still, when I wake up these days, I raise up, and I sit on the edge of the bed to make sure I'm not dizzy. Then I stand up.
@laughlin1947 that’s funny because my husband does the same thing. Glad you are better.
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1 Reaction@fever1 I would agree with those potential side effects for meclizine, but there are no effects reported on major organs or skin reactions. Clearly there are fewer side effects with it than Benedryl. Having vertigo is no picnic and having it immobilizes the patient.
Do sleep on your back? If so try sleeping on your side. If I sleep or lay on my back or on my left side I get a mild return of a former bout of vertigo. I must sleep on my right side to avoid the nausea and vertigo. Weird.