Meclizine (Antivert)
Meclizine is dangerous because it works to reduce dizziness and vertigo by reducing the activity of a chemical called acetylcholine in the brain. Medications that are currently marketed to stop the progression of dementia increase the activity of acetylcholine in the brain. Hmmm… think about that for a minute - Kim Bell DPT
HWN Suggests
Meclizine – Does it help?
Considering how frequently Antivert (Meclizine) is prescribed for dizziness, its effectiveness has been measured in remarkably few studies. While there is general agreement among specialists that vestibular compensation is inhibited by the use of vestibular or central nervous system sedative medications, the literature suggests that these types of medications are used the majority of the time when a patient presents in the primary care setting with the complaint of dizziness, vertigo or imbalance. Well over half of these patients – 61 percent to 89 percent – receive some type of medication following their initial visit, Antivert being the most common. In one study, approximately 90 percent…
Articles of Interest
Bonine vs. Dramamine: Similarities & Differences
Orally administered Bonine (meclizine) and Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) are two of the most common over-the-counter (OTC) medications used to treat and prevent motion sickness. Both drugs belong to a drug class called antihistamines. Antihistamines prevent and treat symptoms associated with motion sickness, such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness
Is Meclizine Dangerous for treating Vertigo?
Meclizine is commonly prescribed for people with dizziness and vertigo, including older adults. In some cases, it may be needed but in other cases it is dangerous. Older adults are often frequently told that there’s nothing they can do about the vertigo because they are older. They are advised to take the meclizine as prescribed to reduce their discomfort. Frequently, no further care is recommended. Meclizine is on the BEERS criteria is “not recommended” for older adults, with moderate evidence to support that recommendation.
Meclizine Warnings, Risks, and Complications
Meclizine can cause serious side effects and/or worsening of certain medical conditions. This medication may not be right for people with medical conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, glaucoma, urinary conditions, and enlarged prostate gland.
Meclizine – Does it Hurt?
Long-term use of Antivert is inappropriate, and the drug may be overprescribed in the primary care setting.
Meclizine!!
Meclizine !! The med that seems all doctors prescribe for vertigo. But just like other meds it has side effects and doesn't work for everyone. I also talk about dementia that we hear Meclizine can cause too
Scopolamine vs Meclizine – Which Is Best for Motion Sickness?
For travelers, Scopolamine is likely the best option for preventing motion sickness. The choice between the two depends on various factors, including the severity of your symptoms, the duration of your trip, and your personal preferences.
The effects of meclizine on motion sickness revisited
Antihistamines make up the first line of treatments against motion‐sickness. Still, their efficacy and specific mechanism have come into question. The aim of this study was to try to give a better insight on the pharmacological effect of meclizine on motion‐sickness, which is still controversial. For this purpose, we have studied the effects of visual and vestibular stimulation on eye movement control, especially the effect of meclizine in relation to accelerating stimuli in the roll plane.
Resources
StatPearls
Meclizine is an FDA-approved first-generation antihistamine used to alleviate motion sickness. By acting as a non-selective H1 antagonist, meclizine addresses the symptoms associated with motion sickness, including dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Beyond its role in mitigating motion-related discomfort, meclizine demonstrates central anticholinergic actions, making it an option for managing vertigo symptoms induced by vestibular diseases, notably those affecting the inner ear, such as Mèniére disease.

