Vertigo medications at Lucas Clinic include H1 antihistamine vestibular suppressants that relieve the sensation of spinning (vertigo), associated nausea, and dizziness caused by inner ear disturbances. Meclizine (Antivert, Bonine) is the most commonly used agent for vertigo and motion sickness, available both OTC (12.5 mg and 25 mg) and by prescription (25 mg and 50 mg). By blocking histamine H1 receptors in the vestibular apparatus of the inner ear, these medications reduce the hypersensitive vestibular signalling that produces vertigo symptoms.
Pharmacological vestibular suppression treats the symptom of vertigo but does not cure the underlying vestibular disorder. The most effective long-term approach for conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is vestibular rehabilitation and canalith repositioning manoeuvres (e.g., Epley manoeuvre). Medication is most appropriately used for acute vertigo episodes — particularly during flares of labyrinthitis, Menière's disease, or severe motion sickness. A physician should evaluate persistent or recurrent vertigo to exclude central causes (such as cerebellar or brainstem lesions).