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Medications For Dizziness and Vertigo

Dizziness and vertigo can make you feel sick and unsteady. You may have nausea, vomiting, or trouble with balance. If your symptoms are new or severe, your provider may give you medication to help control them. These medicines can help you feel better by briefly reducing your symptoms but they will not fix the problem.

What Medications Are Used?

Rescue Medications (for sudden or severe symptoms)

These medicines may be used for short-term relief during a sudden episode of dizziness, vertigo, or nausea. They are not meant for daily, long-term use.

Antihistamines
Examples: Meclizine (Antivert), Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
May help reduce dizziness and motion sickness.

Antiemetics 
Examples: Ondansetron (Zofran), Promethazine (Phenergan), Prochlorperazine (Compazine)
May help reduce nausea and vomiting.

Benzodiazepines
Examples: Diazepam (Valium), Clonazepam (Klonopin), Lorazepam (Ativan)
May help calm the nervous system and reduce severe vertigo. These are used with caution due to side effects and risk of dependence.

Anticholinergics
Example: Scopolamine
May help reduce motion sensitivity.

Important to know

  • These medications can cause drowsiness. Use caution with driving or activities that require focus.
  • Using them too often may slow your recovery in some vestibular conditions.
  • Always follow your provider’s guidance on when and how to use these medications.

Preventive Medications (to reduce repeat attacks or ongoing symptoms)

Preventive medicines may be used when dizziness or vertigo attacks happen again and again. They are not usually used for quick relief during an attack. They are used over time to help lower how often attacks happen or how strong they are.

Medication to treat Ménière’s Disease
Diuretics, sometimes called water pills, may be used to help reduce fluid pressure in the inner ear. 

Medication to treat Vestibular Migraine
Preventive medicines may include beta blockers, anti-seizure medicines, antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, or CGRP medicines.

Medication to treat Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)
Some people with PPPD may benefit from medicines such as SSRIs or SNRIs. These may help reduce ongoing dizziness and motion sensitivity.

Important to know
Preventive medicines often take time to work. Do not stop or change them without talking with your provider. Your provider can help decide if medicine, lifestyle changes, vestibular therapy, or a mix of treatments is best for you.

Is It Safe to Take Medication for Dizziness?

Medications can have side effects and should be used with care. Common side effects include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Increased risk of falls
  • Slowed thinking
  • Lightheadedness
  • Confusion

Rescue medications should only be used when symptoms are strong and stopped once you feel better. If side effects concern you, talk with your provider.

Do Medications Cure Dizziness?

No. Medications do not cure dizziness. They only help control symptoms like nausea or spinning. It is important to find and treat the cause of your dizziness.

Is Medication Always Needed To Treat Dizziness?

No. Medication is only needed if symptoms are severe, especially nausea or vomiting.

Do Over The Counter Medications Help?

Products such as Vertisi, Vertigone, DizzyStop, Vertigo Comfort, and Vertigoheel are marketed for dizziness relief but are herbal or homeopathic supplements that are not supported by high-quality clinical evidence at this time. Because these products are not regulated as medications, their effectiveness, dosing, and safety are uncertain.

What Other Treatments Help Dizziness, Vertigo or Imbalance?

Medication is not typically the main way to treat dizziness. The most effective treatment depends on the cause of your symptoms.

Repositioning Maneuvers 

Some types of positional vertigo, like BPPV, are treated with specific head movements. These movements help move inner ear crystals back where they belong. Medication cannot do this. Learn more about Repositioning Maneuvers. 

Vestibular Therapy

Vestibular therapy uses exercises to help your brain and body adjust. This may include eye, head, walking, balance, and motion-sensitivity exercises. Learn more about Vestibular Therapy. 

Lifestyle Changes

Healthy habits can support recovery, especially for some types of dizziness. These may include good sleep, regular movement, staying hydrated, managing stress, and eating regular meals.

The Bottom Line

Many people improve with the right treatment plan. Your provider can help decide what is best for you.

When Should I Call My Provider?

Call your provider if you have:

  • A severe or worsening headache
  • Severe neck pain
  • New hearing loss, ear pain, or drainage
  • Severe vomiting that will not stop
  • Vision changes that do not go away

Call 911 if you have:

  • Chest pain or trouble breathing
  • Fainting
  • Weakness or numbness
  • Slurred speech
  • New confusion
  • Trouble walking

Key Things to Remember

  • Medication does not cure dizziness
  • Medication helps symptoms only
  • Medication is not always needed
  • Medication should only be used for a short time
  • Finding the cause is important
  • Vestibular therapy is often helpful
  • Healthy habits can improve symptoms

Additional Resources