Vertigo is a common sensation of spinning dizziness. A person may feel as though the room or surrounding environment is spinning in circles around them. Many people use the term to describe a fear of heights, but this is inaccurate.
Vertigo can happen when a person looks down from a great height, but the actual term vertigo usually refers to any temporary or ongoing spells of dizziness due to problems in the inner ear or brain.
The main symptom is a sensation that you or the room is moving or spinning. The spinning sensation may cause nausea and vomiting.
Depending on the cause, other symptoms can include:
• Problem focusing the eyes
• Dizziness
• Hearing loss in one or both ears
• Loss of balance (may cause falls)
• Nausea and vomiting, leading to loss of body fluids
If you have vertigo due to problems in the brain (central vertigo), you may have other symptoms, including:
• Difficulty swallowing
• Double vision
• Eye movement problems
• Facial paralysis
• Slurred speech
• Weakness of the limbs
Drug-induced vertigo
Drug-induced vertigo is a type of dizziness that can be caused by certain medications. In some cases, drug-induced vertigo can be mild and go away on its own once the medication is stopped, but in other cases, it can be more severe and require additional treatment.
There are many medications that can cause vertigo but the specific mechanism by which these medications cause vertigo is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to their ability to interfere with normal nerve function and disrupt the communication between nerve cells.
Symptoms of drug-induced vertigo may include dizziness, spinning or swaying sensations, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty maintaining balance. In some cases, the symptoms may be mild and go away on their own once the medication is stopped or the dosage is reduced. In other cases, the symptoms may be severe and require additional treatment, such as vestibular rehabilitation therapy or medication to manage the symptoms.
List Of Medications That Can Cause Vertigo
Here is a list of some of the medications that are known to cause vertigo:
1. Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants, can cause vertigo as a side effect.
2. Antihistamines: Antihistamines, which are commonly used to treat allergies, can cause drowsiness and dizziness, which can lead to vertigo.
3. Blood pressure medications: Some blood pressure medications, such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, can cause vertigo as a side effect.
4. Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics, such as aminoglycosides and macrolides, can cause vertigo as a side effect.
5. Anticonvulsants: Some anticonvulsant medications, such as phenytoin and carbamazepine, can cause vertigo as a side effect.
6. Diuretics: Diuretics, which are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, can cause dehydration, which can lead to vertigo.
7. Pain medications: Opioid pain medications, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, can cause dizziness and vertigo as side effects.
8. Chemotherapy drugs: Some chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin and carboplatin, can cause vertigo as a side effect.
It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list and that other medications can also cause vertigo. If you are taking a medication and experiencing symptoms of vertigo, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. Your doctor or healthcare provider may be able to adjust your medication dosage or switch to a different medication if necessary.
How To Prevent Drug-Induced Vertigo
Drug-induced vertigo may not always be preventable, nevertheless, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing drug-induced vertigo:
1. Take medications as prescribed: It is important to take medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip doses or change the dosage without consulting your doctor or healthcare provider.
2. Be aware of potential side effects: Before starting a new medication, ask your healthcare provider about the potential side effects, including the risk of vertigo. If you experience symptoms of vertigo while taking a medication, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider right away.
3. Avoid alcohol and other triggers: Certain triggers, such as alcohol and certain foods, can increase the risk of vertigo. Avoiding these triggers can help to reduce your risk of drug-induced vertigo.
4. Stay hydrated: Certain medications, such as diuretics, can cause dehydration, which can lead to vertigo. It is important to drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated while taking these medications.
5. Avoid abrupt changes in position: Sudden changes in position, such as standing up quickly or bending over, can cause vertigo. It is important to move slowly and avoid sudden movements.
6. Monitor blood pressure: Certain medications used to treat high blood pressure can cause vertigo as a side effect. It is important to monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking these medications and report any changes to your doctor or healthcare provider.
7. Manage stress: Stress can exacerbate vertigo symptoms. It is important to manage stress through techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga.
In conclusion, drug-induced vertigo can be a potential side effect of certain medications. However, by taking medications as prescribed, being aware of potential side effects, avoiding triggers, staying hydrated, moving slowly, monitoring blood pressure, and managing stress, you can reduce your risk of developing drug-induced vertigo. If you experience symptoms of vertigo while taking a medication, it is important to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider right away.
