Meclizine, popularly known as Antivert, Meni-D, Bonine, D-Vert and Dramamine is essentially a motion sickness drug. It is usually prescribed when someone experiences spells of vertigo or dizziness. But, can Meclizine also help with Tinnitus? Let’s explore this potential off-label use.
Is Meclizine intended to treat Tinnitus?
Certainly not. Take a look at Antivert’s drug information at RxList here. Antivert is the most popular brand of Meclizine out there. The drug is classified as an antihistamine that is prescribed to reduce or eliminate nausea, dizziness, vertigo and vomiting that is caused by motion sickness. It is also prescribed as the medicine of choice to prevent nausea, vertigo, vomiting and dizziness that is caused by inner ear diseases like Meniere’s Disease.
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There is absolutely NO mention of it as being a suitable treatment drug for Tinnitus or ringing in the ears.
On the other hand, is Antivert good for Vertigo and Dizziness? Absolutely!
Why are people trying Meclizine for Tinnitus then?
People suffering from Tinnitus immediately tend to popularize a drug’s Tinnitus silencing capabilities, if they ever come across one. I do that myself at this site, on this page that talks about my Tinnitus success story. It is possible that Meclizine helped alleviate the intensity or intrusiveness of Tinnitus for them, like how some members have claimed in this Tinnitus Talk forum thread.
How Severe is Your Tinnitus?
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If Meclizine helps Tinnitus, it could be because;
It’s an antihistamine
Your body releases a chemical called histamine when it comes across an allergic reaction. Histamine is what essentially causes your sinuses to flare up when you have an allergy or sinusitis. And, allergies and sinusitis can make your Tinnitus worse. So, if you are suffering from an allergy or have an episode of Sinusitis, it is possible that Meclizine will help ease your Tinnitus by relieving your allergies or sinuses. This is why there is also a connection between Tinnitus and antihistamines, like Flonase. It could provide this relief by possibly opening up airways, with vasodilation and also by making blood vessels more permeable. All of this can possibly allow your inner ear to receive more blood and with it, more nutrients, to help quieten down your Tinnitus.
It suppresses your central nervous system
Drowsiness is a very common side effect of Meclizine. Take a look at the bottle of the drug and you will see that it advises you not to drive, operate machinery or engage in exercise. It’s because your nervous system is dulled down. The drug’s antiemetic and antispasmodic properties allow it to dull down your nervous system and also your muscles.
This dulling down effect could possibly be easing your stress and anxiety levels. Reduced stress and anxiety could possibly quieten down your Tinnitus. On a side note, managing your stress and anxiety levels is very crucial if you want to manage your Tinnitus well. Here’s a post we wrote about how to meditate for Tinnitus relief. It is something that is definitely worth exploring.
Should You Try Meclizine for Tinnitus?
Since Meclizine is not meant to treat Tinnitus, the simple answer is no. But, as mentioned earlier, there have been some people who have tried it and even enjoyed some relief. If it does work as a treatment, you will typically experience these signs before your Tinnitus reduces or goes away.
However, even those who enjoyed some success with it have said that the medicine’s effect wears off as soon as they stop taking it. In essence, you will have to take Meclizine for life, even if it helps quieten down your Tinnitus. Given that it is an antihistamine and antiemetic, taking it on a long term basis is definitely not advisable.
Even doctors who prescribe the drug for motion sickness, the drug’s original intended use, usually prescribe it for a course of only 5 days.
If you want to try a supplement to help you with your Tinnitus, try natural hearing health supplements or Ginkgo Biloba or Vitamin B12. These are not medications but rather nutrients that you would normally consume in the foods you eat. Speaking of foods, here are the worst foods that can make your Tinnitus worse.
I still want to try Meclizine for Tinnitus. What is a safe dosage?
Meclizine is usually available in 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 mg doses. The FDA advises 100 mg as max dosage in a day (24 hours). Typically, any daily dosage is broken up over three time intervals of eight hours each.
If one has to travel, the drug has to be taken an hour before travel for combating travel induced motion sickness. Since you are exploring Meclizine for Tinnitus, this is probably irrelevant to you.
