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diazepam in Meniere's?

Posted , 3 users are following.

sandy67
sandy67

Anybody find it helps? And if so, what dose?

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • JMJ
    JMJ sandy67

    Posted

    Hi Sandy

    ,

    Diazempam (aka Valium) is an anti-anxiety and sedative drug, that also happens to have some vestibular suppressant effect.  

    In the U.S. It is not typically prescribed for MD, for long term use.  It's sometimes prescribed as part of a "rescue med" regimen, for someone who has his/her vertigo fairly under control, but needs to have medications with them in case they get an unexpected attack. 

    Diazempam isn't used as a daily preventive med for MD attacks because 1) that's not it's primary mechanism of action, and there are better drugs for that, 2) it's very sedative  3) it's supposed to be fairly addictive if used on a regular basis and 4) it doesn't mix well with a lot of other drugs, especially alcohol.  Still, there's a place for it as part of a set of rescue meds.  Also, Valium tends to be a depressant, so if you're already depressed or on an anti-depressant, it's not a great choice of medication.

    Here, a similar drug called Clonazepam is more frequently used as a rescue med.  It works slightly better as vestibular suppressant, and is just a little less sedating.

    For my rescue meds, I take Meclizine, Clonazepam and Glycopyrrolate.  They're very effective after about 45 minutes, in helping me to get through an acute episode of vertigo.  After an acute episode of vertigo, I'm so sick that I really just need to sleep, and the drowsiness from the rescue meds helps that along.  However, I could never take them on a regular basis, as I couldn't function, feeling that drowsy.

    Once MD is brought under control via a low sodium diet, diuretics, meclazine, (betahistine in the UK), inner ear injections with steroids or gentamycin, or whatever combination of methods you use, then something like Diazepam or Clonazepam is typically helpful as one of the rescue meds you might use for "breakthrough episodes" of vertigo. 

    Hope this helps!

    Sincerely,

    J-

    • sandy67
      sandy67 JMJ

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply. I haven't seen a specialist yet, was diagnosed last august, so am.only taking Betahistine and only relatively low doses as doc said he is.only licenced to prescribe low doses so have to.wait till I are specialist. In the meantime I am struggling and feel I may have to go off work sick. Can't wake up properly in the morning and in my days off I don't wake till after midday. I only work 3 days, 10 till 4 but even getting in at 10 is proving extremely difficult and I'm.yawning my way through the day as well as constantly falling to my right side. I just read that diazepam had really helped some people and a friend had mentioned it

    • JMJ
      JMJ sandy67

      Posted

      HI Sandy,

      I can understand your situation.  Feeling that way is terrible, and we  just want to feel better now, no matter what!   And, as  I said in another post...It never hurts to try!  It might be just the thing to get you through till you see an ENT who can offer you a more comprehensive plan.  

      Best of luck,

      J-

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