How does betahistine work?
When you have Ménière's disease, your symptoms such as feeling dizzy, a spinning sensation, hearing loss and ringing in the ears are probably caused by a build-up of fluid in the inner ear.
Betahistine is thought to work by increasing blood flow to this part of your ear and reducing the amount of fluid there. This helps to reduce the number of attacks you have and to make them milder.
How long does it take to work?
When you start taking betahistine, it may take a couple of weeks before you notice any improvements.
Even when you start feeling better, your doctor may want you to carry on taking the tablets for some time, to stop your symptoms from coming back.
Are there any long-term side effects?
Betahistine is unlikely to do you any harm, even if you take it for a long time. It's generally a very safe medicine.
Are there any other medicines to help with my symptoms of Ménière's disease?
Your doctor may prescribe a short course of prochlorperazine, or a drowsy antihistamine, to help if you're feeling dizzy or being sick (vomiting).
Prochlorperazine helps relieve severe nausea and vomiting. This medicine can make you feel sleepy.
Cinnarizine and cyclizine are types of drowsy (sedating) antihistamines. Drowsy antihistamines can help if you are feeling a little sick (mild nausea), being sick, or have vertigo.
It's important to take these medicines at the first sign of any symptoms.
You may need to try a few different medicines to find out what works best for you.
Is betahistine different to antihistamines?
Yes, it is. Betahistine is a type of medicine called a histamine analogue. It works by increasing the effect of a natural substance called histamine in your inner ear.
Antihistamines work by stopping histamine affecting the cells in your body. They’re often used to relieve symptoms of allergies, such as hay fever, hives, conjunctivitis and reactions to insect bites or stings.
They can sometimes be used to prevent travel sickness and as a short-term treatment if you have trouble sleeping.
Will it affect my contraception?
Betahistine does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.
Can I drive or ride a bike while taking betahistine?
Betahistine is not likely to affect your ability to drive or ride a bike.
However, do not drive or cycle if you feel dizzy or if you feel an attack of vertigo coming on.
It's important to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if you often get sudden attacks of vertigo without any warning signs.
It's likely that you’ll have to stop driving until your symptoms are under control.
Can I drink alcohol while taking betahistine?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking betahistine.
However, some people say that their Ménière's disease symptoms improve when they stop drinking alcohol.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
You can eat and drink normally while taking betahistine.
However, some people say their Ménière's disease symptoms improve by eating a low-salt diet and avoiding caffeine (found in chocolate and drinks like tea, coffee, cola and energy drinks).
Will recreational drugs affect it?
Recreational drugs are unlikely to affect betahistine.
However, taking some recreational drugs may make your symptoms worse when you have Ménière's disease.
You can find out more about the side effects of recreational drugs on the Frank website.