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Bethistine

Posted , 9 users are following.

chris48595
chris48595

hi, I see all of you are on bethistine to help your vertigo. What is it does it have side effects? Thanks, Chris

0 likes, 50 replies

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  • tanney
    tanney chris48595

    Posted

    Most common side effect is rash which usually goes away in a few weeks.  It's important to start on low dose and work up to maintenance dose.....this will minimize side effects.

    Betahistine works by increasing blood flow through inner ears.  MD vertigo is believed to be caused by fluid buildup (and subsequent pressure/leakage) in affected inner ear....better blood flow minimizes the fluid buildup by keeping things "moving"...so to speak.  If you have MD you should be on betahistine....at least until it is proven ineffective for you.  It is usually effective at the right dosage of at least 48 mg/day.  I take 16mg 4 times/day (plus diuretics and salt restriction) and have not had a vertigo attack in years....and I have bilateral MD (both ears).

    • chris48595
      chris48595 tanney

      Posted

      Thankyou Taney, I appreciate the info. I can’t figure out why my ent never mentioned this before. I asked him about he because I saw everyone here talking about it. I have had strokes so I wonder if that’s why. Thanks again.
    • sarah87228
      sarah87228 tanney

      Posted

      Hi I assume you got prescribed the 48mg TDS? 

      Has anyone increased their own dosage? 

    • tanney
      tanney sarah87228

      Posted

      It probably would not hurt to increase your dosage by one pill/day for a week or so to see if that makes a difference...after you have been on Betahistine for at least 6 weeks.  Betahistine has a very short effective period of about 5 hours (that's why most folks take 3 per day.  So if you took one pill every 4 hours (4 per day) it probably would be more effective.  But make sure you discuss with your ENT so they know what you are doing.  If 4 per day stops the vertigo then that's probably what you need. I take 4 16mg per day and it has eliminated vertigo for the past several years.  If you still have vertigo after taking 4 pills (16mg each) per day you probably need a stronger dose....possibly 24mg three times/day or even more.  But please discuss all changes with your doctor....keep them in the loop about what is and is not working for you.  Good luck.

    • sarah87228
      sarah87228 tanney

      Posted

      Thank you for that. 

      Problem is I live in the UK so I don’t have access to my ent other than at appointments. If you try to get hold of them it’s virtually impossible, plus my GP doesn’t want to touch my medication, which I understand. 

      So I have to do this for another 2 months before I can see anyone who can help me. 

      Thanks for your response 

    • judy2018
      judy2018 tanney

      Posted

      If your on high blood pressure like I am ask your doctor before taking anything because if your blood pressure drops too low that also can cause dizziness . Glad to live in the USA were we still ,fingers crossed it stays this way, can go see any doctor at anytime. You get I’m pretty quick. 
    • christine_35821
      christine_35821 sarah87228

      Posted

      Hi Sarah. I was in your position so I researched the best neurotologist I could find in my area and paid for a private consultation. My dosage was increased to 24 x 3 per day and this gradually stabilised me. I also paid for that first 3 months prescription. My gp then read the report and referred me to the university hospital where the neurotologist also has a clinic. I am now on that dose for another 6 months with my next appointment in January. I may start to reduce it then. 
    • sarah87228
      sarah87228 christine_35821

      Posted

      Thank you so much for your response. I have considered going private as this waiting time is just ridiculous. 

      My ENT has done no hearing tests or anything else, referred me to balance specialist a month and a half ago and I’ve heard nothing so far. It’s driving me insane and my poor daughter is suffering for it too. 

      I will have a look around and see what private specialists there are in my area. 

      Is is very expensive if you dont mind me asking? 

      Sarah

    • christine_35821
      christine_35821 sarah87228

      Posted

      I paid two hundred pounds for the consultation and fifty seven for three months supply of betahistine. I didn’t need to buy that I could have got it on prescription but my gp issues one month at a time and I was desperate to have the correct amount available for the first three months. My hearing was so distorted it was driving me crazy and it’s a precursor to an attack. I am in Essex and the nearest hospital is in Cambridge. The hearing and balance department. Life is so normal now and the hospital are so efficient. My next appointment for January arrived the next day. Very comforting. 
    • Questor
      Questor christine_35821

      Posted

      I am under the care of an upper cervical chiropractor for regular adjustments to help me get “my head on straight”! I have ably had one Dr ever help me with Meniere’s! He was at the University of Miami! Please watch tube videos by Dr Burcon and his research! No other Dr has done any research! Your Ménière is from a miss alignment in your neck!!’

    • sarah87228
      sarah87228 christine_35821

      Posted

      Ah ok, I’m in Sussex. The balance Centre is in Brighton, although I see my consultant in the community hospital in the next town.

      Oh really? my GP called to ask how many months I wanted done alongside my ondansatron when I requested them. 

      I just need something done, it’s luke you come to a standstill with the nhs sometimes. I understand completely working for the nhs the constraints but it’s not on leaving people like this. Got another 2 and a bit months before I’m seen again.

      Thanks for the info, so nice to talk to someone who knows the nhs struggles 

  • Bluesmann
    Bluesmann chris48595

    Posted

    you have to go to a compounding pharmacy and yes they will put you on a dose....then I've heard some folks wean off it once the dizziness subsides...I am on a small dose 16mg 2x per day I was on 8 the 8 was ok the 16 Paso far has worked wonders...

  • dbmarie3
    dbmarie3 chris48595

    Posted

    Hi Chris,

    I've been on Betahistine for 3 months. I have had no side effects at all from it.

  • christine_35821
    christine_35821 chris48595

    Posted

    Hi Chris. There are no side effects. It has proven a very safe drug. I had my three monthly review yesterday at the vertigo clinic who look after me and will remain on my current dose of 24mg x 3 per day for another 6 months then maybe start to cut down. Since being on this dose I have had no attacks and my ear pressure and tinnitus are almost gone. Only occasionally when I go to bed and lie down there is a period of adjustment in pressure when I feel it slightly. I live a normal life now and play sport regularly. My hearing was poor before Meniere’s so it’s hard to say how much decline is due to that. I only have Meniere’s on one side and manage well with high quality hearing aids. 
    • chris48595
      chris48595 christine_35821

      Posted

      Thank you Christine, I am definitely going to talk to my ent about betehistine!  Take care,chris
    • Bluesmann
      Bluesmann christine_35821

      Posted

      what hearing aiuds do you use and do you use bicrosd hearing aids since you have it in one side?...thanks
    • christine_35821
      christine_35821 Bluesmann

      Posted

      I am in U.K. and although we get free aids on nhs I had to buy mine privately as I had lost 50% both sides due to genetics so have already had them for three years. I think they are Phonak supplied to a national sight and hearing chain. They cost over two thousand ponds but worth every penny. I’m due my annual tune up next week so I’ll see then how much deterioration there is. I just had to google bicrosd. I don’t think they are as my hearing loss is or was similar both sides but when I use the phone the sound comes through both sides. I’ll ask my audiologist next week. 
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