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Betahistine reduction

Posted , 6 users are following.

Dadlew
Dadlew

Hi all, have been taking betahistine 48mg x 3 daily for about 6 months and really seemed to have helped with the vertigo but not so much with the tinnitus but that I can suffer, anyway I decided it was time to reduce the betahistine to 32 x 3 daily as it seemed under control but within 48hrs the vertigo has reared it’s ugly head again, has anyone else reduced their dose and had negative effect so quickly or could it be just coincidence as any info would be great to share with my consultant as she’s really not happy with me being on such a high dose so would like to share with her any similar stories thanks for any input you can give

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • christine_35821
    christine_35821 Dadlew

    Posted

    Hi Dadlew. The same thing happened to me when my gp told me to decrease my dose from 16 x 3 to 8 x 3 so I made a private appointment with a neurotologist. I had previously done my research into who I would like to see. He took photos of my eardrums and did balance checks then increased my distortion 24 x 3. I have been on this for 3 months and today I have a follow up appointment. From what he said last time I saw him it seems that size and weight is a factor in the dosage and I am quite small and weigh under 9 stone. Since I have only had Meniere’s for a year I was probably not stable enough to reduce dosage. I’ll see what happens today. Have you seen a neurotologist?  Mine is a specialist in vestibular disorders and also a surgeon. I’ll post again after I’ve seen him this afternoon. 
    • Dadlew
      Dadlew christine_35821

      Posted

      Hi Christine 

      Will be interesting to see the outcome later today I wish you luck but no not seen a neurologist it’s seems the ent consultants just go by the book all the time even though I showed her some posts from this group about people being on the much higher dose of betahistine than recommend and it’s was working for them was still very reluctant to up my dose, look forward to hearing how you get on today and maybe a route I could go down aswell

    • christine_35821
      christine_35821 Dadlew

      Posted

      Hi. Just back from Addenbrooks appointment and am very happy. No symptoms and tinnitus so quiet I can hardly hear it so I’m staying on 24 x 3 and the neurotologist will write to my gp. I will have another review in 3 months but now I’m under their care this will continue. It’s very reassuring and a great stress reliever. I had to pay for my first consultation but it was worth it. My gp will follow their instructions regarding dosage. Could you get a referral to a Meniere’s specialist before having any form of surgery?  
    • Dadlew
      Dadlew christine_35821

      Posted

      Hi

      That’s great news so pleased for you I will certainly look into seein a neurologist even at own expense as my consultant doesn’t seem much help to be honest will keep posted on how I get on

  • NeddyO
    NeddyO Dadlew

    Posted

    By contrast my consultant is happy for me to go to even higher doses if necessary to gain full control. In my case I upped it to 64mg tds. Once free of any symptoms(vertigo, vommitting) for 5 - 6 months then weaned off gradually. I am left with background tinnitus which does not bother me and about 35% hearing loss in the effected ear.

    My consultants guidance is that if symptoms start to return at any time do not wait for a full blown attack but go straight back on highest prevous dose and if full control not re-established to up the dose further then after 5- 6 months wean etc.

    I am currently in my second  remission period and off medication for 10 months but with betahistine to hand in case of problems.

    Betahistine is a remarkably safe drug with minimal side effects so I wonder why your consultant is concerned. Presumably she is aware of the clinical studies on very high doses done in Munich!

    Hope this helps.

    • Dadlew
      Dadlew NeddyO

      Posted

      Hi, yea I did explain about the studies but seemed oblivious to what I was sayin even phoned the hospital pharmacy to see if such high doses were safe and whether had been prescribed before, like I said it’s as though they will only go by the book and not look at the wider picture, I’m also on the list to have a grommet fitted anytime now not sure if that will help but willing to try anything to be honest 
    • NeddyO
      NeddyO Dadlew

      Posted

      My consultant is an Auralphysiologist, a relatively rare breed it seems. He tells me there are only about 6, all in the London area who see adults so if you want to get better informed advice that is probably the place to look! Unfortunately the NHS lists them within Ear,nose and throat so that is not much help but you might get somewhere if you enquire of the London teaching hospitals ENT departments.
  • paul44839
    paul44839 Dadlew

    Posted

    Hi, I was on betahistine 32mg 3 times per day with no symptoms in January, consultant reduced to 16mg and vertigo attacks returned within 24hrs. Increasing the dose again stopped them.
    • Dadlew
      Dadlew paul44839

      Posted

      Hi Paul 

      That’s good to know the higher dose must be what I need then thanks for input

  • Blazey09
    Blazey09 Dadlew

    Posted

    I would not drop from 48 to 32 over night. Thats a huge jump on any meds. If you could do a 0.5ml less over a week. Then see how you feel. If it works then another -0.5ml. I work at a vet hospital. This is how I would reduce. If the meds don't come in doses like this. Get a pill splitter. N try to divide the smallest dose yourself. Blessings, Blaze

    • Dadlew
      Dadlew Blazey09

      Posted

      Hi

      Yea your most certainly right it probably was to big of a cut in one go I shall make sure I’m back up to speed with the higher dose for a while before I try what you suggest it does make sense

      Thanks

  • david2salsero
    david2salsero Dadlew

    Posted

    Hi Dadlew. One theory regarding tinnitus is that it a brain feedback mechanism responding to the inner ear hair cells that have been damaged permanently. You could try sound therapy using hearing aids.
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