Vertigo is characterized by a sensation of spinning or dizziness and nausea that occur due to a disturbance in the body's equilibrium. Vertigo is not a disease in itself but rather the symptomatic manifestation of an imbalance of the vestibular system, primarily the bony labyrinth in the ear that contains sensors that control balance. According to HealthCommunities.com, the vestibular system integrates sensory stimuli and movement for the brain and keeps objects in visual focus as the body moves. Patients with vertigo may take prescription drugs such as meclizine hydrochloride, diphenhydramine and scopolamine to reduce the symptoms associated with vertigo.
Meclizine Hydrochloride
Meclizine hydrochloride is an antihistamine and anticholinergic medication, that according to Drugs.com, is prescribed for the treatment of vertigo. While the exact mechanism or how meclizine reduces the spinning and dizziness associated with vertigo is unknown, scientists believe it is related to its anticholinergic actions, which diminish the stimulation of the vestibular system and depresses the function of the bony labyrinth in the ear.
Diphenydramine
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that is effective in the treatment of nausea, vomiting and motion sickness due to vertigo, notes Flexyx.com. As opposed to other types of antihistamines that prevent the release of histamine, diphenhydramine competes with released histamine for cell receptors. Additionally, diphenhydramine is believed to have anticholinergic activity.
Scopolamine Transdermal Patch (Transderm-Scop)
Scopolamine, a transdermal patch placed on the skin behind the ear, is prescribed for the prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by vertigo. Scopolamine reduces the activity of the vestibular nerve, which reduces the nausea and vomiting caused by vertigo.
