Nausea and vomiting combined with a spinning sensation are typical symptoms of dizziness. Dizziness can sometimes cause unsteadiness, which can lead to injury. Dizziness can occur as a result of taking certain medications or because of certain medical problems such as a brain tumor or inner ear problem. Several medications can help manage the condition.
Dimenhydrinate
Dimenhydrinate is a tablet that is taken four to six hours as needed. It is used to treat dizziness, nausea and vomiting, all of which are symptoms of motion sickness. Dimenhydrinate's side effects include drowsiness, restlessness, trouble sleeping and trouble urinating. Double vision (diplopia), blurry vision, a fast or irregular heartbeat and a dry mouth, nose or throat are also side effects of the medication. Note that dimenhydrinate can paradoxically lead to dizziness, even though it is supposed to treat it. The reason for this is unclear. The previously mentioned side effects are not serious and they typically go away after the body becomes acclimated to the medication. Call a physician, however, if these effects last for more than a week.
Drugs.com says that people may not be able to take dimenhydrinate when suffering from asthma, an enlarged prostate, bladder problems, kidney or liver disease or if they have difficulty urinating. In some cases, a physician can adjust dimenhydrinate's dosage so that it can be taken despite the previously mentioned problems.
Dimenhydrinate contaminates breast milk, so tell a physician if you are breast-feeding so that another anti-dizziness medication can be provided. Alcohol can also increase drowsiness and dizziness when combined with dimenhydrinate.
Diazepam
Diazepam is used to reduce vertigo as well as anxiety, seizures, agitation during alcohol withdrawal and muscle spasms, MedlinePlus says. It is available as a liquid, regular tablet or extended-release capsule and is taken one to four times daily.
Diazepam's side effects include drowsiness, weakness, nausea, appetite changes, dry mouth, fatigue and restlessness. Frequent urination or trouble urinating, blurry vision, yellowing of the eyes or skin, trouble breathing or swallowing and an irregular heartbeat are diazepam's other side effects. Diazepam, like dimenhydrinate, may also lead to paradoxical dizziness. Call a doctor when these symptoms last for more than a week.
Combining diazepam with medications such as probenecid, isoniazid, propranolol, propoxyphene and cimetidine may increase drowsiness. Cigarette smoking may also decrease diazepam's effectiveness, MedlinePlus says.
Meclizine
Meclizine is an antihistamine that treats symptoms of motion sickness, nausea and vomiting. It is a tablet taken as needed before traveling. According to Drugs.com, meclizine's side effects include blurry vision, constipation, drowsiness, dry mouth and paradoxical dizziness (as with the other medicines above).
An allergic reaction to meclizine leads to difficulty breathing, hives and swelling of the throat or face.
Drugs.com says that taking meclizine while having asthma, glaucoma (eye disorder), an enlarged prostate or problems urinating may require dosage changes. Depending on the severity of these medical problems, meclizine might not be prescribed at all.
