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1502797 
Journal Article 
Which medication do I need to manage dizzy patients? 
Huppert, D; Strupp, M; Mueckter, H; Brandt, T 
2011 
Yes 
Acta Oto-Laryngologica
ISSN: 0001-6489
EISSN: 1651-2251 
131 
3 
228-241 
21142898 
WOS:000287321800001 
Vertigo and dizziness are not independent disease entities,
but instead symptoms of various diseases. Accordingly, a variety of treatment approaches are
required. Here we review the most relevant drugs for managing dizziness, vertigo, and nystagmus
syndromes. It is important to differentiate symptomatic treatment of nausea and vomiting with,
for example, dimenhydrinate and benzodiazepines, and prophylactic treatment of motion sickness
with scopolamine from a causal therapy of the underlying disorders. Examples of such causal
therapy include aminopyridines for downbeat nystagmus and episodic ataxia type 2; carbamazepine
for vestibular paroxysmia, paroxsymal dysarthria and ataxia in multiple sclerosis, and superior
oblique myokymia; betahistine, dexamethasone, and gentamicin for Meniere's disease; gabapentin
and memantine for different forms of acquired and congenital nystagmus; corticosteroids for acute
vestibular neuritis and Cogan's syndrome; metoprolol and topiramate for vestibular migraine; and
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as paroxetine for phobic postural vertigo. The
clinical entities are briefly described, the various medications are discussed in alphabetical
order, and dosage, major side effects, contra-indications, and alternative medications of each
drug are displayed in boxes for easy reference. 
Vertigo; dizziness; pharmacological treatment; vestibular neuritis; vestibular migraine; Meniere's disease; vestibular paroxysmia; episodic ataxia type 2; phobic postural vertigo; downbeat nystagmus