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Diuretics

Posted , 6 users are following.

june52650
june52650

I've noticed that quite a few people on here have mentioned they take diuretics for their Menieres. Can I just ask, is that people in Britain or the USA? I'm in Britain and have never been offered diuretics either by my GP or the ENT doctor.

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • srmyers215
    srmyers215 june52650

    Posted

    I'm in the US and my Dr presribe me a low dose diuretic.  It is basically a low dose blood pressure pill.

  • lana56327
    lana56327 june52650

    Posted

    Here in the US, diuretics are the standard treatment for Meniere's.  In Britain it seems to be Betahistine that is prescribed.  Diuretics work for me.  And many Brits on this panel have good luck with Betahistine.  Might be interesting to see what your ENT thinks of diuretics.

    • june52650
      june52650 lana56327

      Posted

      I will certainly ask about diuretics when I eventually get an ENT appointment. Betahistine was the only option offered to me when started with Menieres originally over 5yrs ago and it was the only option again yesterday when I saw my GP. I'm glad to be on medication for it but I wonder why diuretics aren't an option in this country?

  • JMJ
    JMJ june52650

    Posted

    Hi June,

    I'm in the US and I was prescribed a diuretic, first thing.  Mine is potassium sparing diuretic called Maxzide 37.5mg twice a day.  The generic name would be Triamterene/Hydrochlorothiazide.

    You should be able to get a diuretic in the UK.  It's a pretty common drug.  I'm surprised that it hasn't been offered to you.  I hope you'll talk to your ENT about it.  

    I know some people have had luck with herbal diuretics, but I can't vouch for it as I haven't tried them, myself.

    I wish you the best of luck!

    Take good care,

    J-

    • june52650
      june52650 JMJ

      Posted

      Thanks, yes I will ask about it. I wonder why the treatment is completely different in Britain and the USA?
    • JMJ
      JMJ june52650

      Posted

      That question has stumped me since joining the forum!  I was so surprised that such different drugs were used.  I can't understand why there aren't more commonalities.  Especially with a disease with such a small population and relatively few specialists — I would expect that sharing research and strategies would be to everyone's advantage.  A very good question, June!

      J-

  • NeddyO
    NeddyO june52650

    Posted

    Diuretics are primarily used to decrease blood volume and lower blood pressure. As Meniere's is associated with an increase in the fluid pressure in the semi-circular canals presumably there is some evidence that diuretics reduce it. So it may be the best option in the USA as Betahistine is not licensed by the FDA. Betahistine was developed specifically to reduce the inner ear pressure along with reducing tinnitus and hearing damage which is why it is preferred in the UK. It is essential to take sufficiently high doses to gain complete control and stay on it until free of symptoms for at least six months..

    For US readers - I understand that there are a couple of pharmaceutical laboratories which will produce betahistine on production of a proper prescription from your doctor.

    • june52650
      june52650 NeddyO

      Posted

      Thanks, I just hope that the Betahistine works quickly for me.
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