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Frequency of Betahistine -

Posted , 5 users are following.

kilikaz
kilikaz

My husband has been prescribe Betahistine by the GP.  GP says to take when husband has an attack.  However, patient information sheet says it can take 'a couple of weeks before you notice any improvement'   When we mentioned this to GP, he said it was the drug company trying to make more money!!  I used to work for a pharma company and know that is not the case, pharma companies cannot just make claims without evidence.  My husband has been taking them continually 16mg x 3 daily for about 3 weeks now and feels the frequency of his attacks have been reduced.

Question is - what now?

Thanks K

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • pat99554
    pat99554 kilikaz

    Posted

    Hi 

    if you look through the response in this forum over time and from what I have noticed it is continuous after having seen the ENT specialist.  I have been taking 16mg 3 times a day for the last 2 and half year. 

  • NeddyO
    NeddyO kilikaz

    Posted

    One - find a better informed GP.

    Two - Betahistine needs to be taken continously as it can take a month or more to become effective.

    Three - Is diagnosis confirmed by Consultant Aural physiologist and/or ENT? It is usual for an MRI scan to be done to eliminate other causes of symptoms.

    Four - my experience. I was started on same dose as your husband and while it reduced tinnitus and hearing loss it did not stop attacks although they were less frequent. When Consultant Aural physiologist reviewed me he immediately tripled my dose - 48mg tds. Once free of attacks for 6 months I weaned off Betahistine gradually and had 21 months without trouble. I was further advised that if warning symptons reappeared - ear fullness, increasing tinnitus etc I should get back on Betahistine immediately and not wait for full blown attack. Furthermore I could increase the dose even more if full control was not restored. This is where I am now, free of further attacks for 6 months and weaning again! The reason for striving for good control is that every succesive attack is likely to cause more hearing damage which cannot be reversed, I have about 35% loss in the affected ear.

    So Seek the best available professional advice which should match what I have said. Stay positive - 70% of sufferers recover.

    Good luck.

    • pat99554
      pat99554 NeddyO

      Posted

      Hi I started on 16 three times a day and still on that dose, my consultant told me to stay with it to prevent further attacks and loss of hearing.  I have therefore not tried to come off.  
  • JMJ
    JMJ kilikaz

    Posted

    Hi kilikaz,

    I'm not not on Betahistine, but a lot of people on this forum are, and I would definitely listen to their advice in that department.

    I'm wondering if your husband has been seen by an ENT or Otolaryngologist?  Has he been formally diagnosed with Ménière's?  There are so many conditions that have similar symptoms, that typically need to be ruled out first. 

    I wish you both the best of luck in getting relief, and more information about his condition.

    Take good care,

    J-

  • kilikaz
    kilikaz

    Posted

    Hi  Husband goin for MRI scan on 11th July.  When we asked GP what he thought it was he said labyrinthitis as my husband hadn't been falling over or being sick.  My husband was very sick the first attach but hasn't since, its been raised tinnitus (he has constant low tinnitus since damaging his ear 20+ years ago) followed by vertigo and the need of lots of sleep to recover.  We've worked out husband has to avoid, noise (even groups of friends talking) vibration, stress or tiredness, these all can bring on an attack.  GP said it would recover over time.  My husband had his first attack August last year - cant see that being viral labyrinthitis!!

    • JMJ
      JMJ kilikaz

      Posted

      Hi killikaz,

      I'm glad to hear your husband is having an MRI...That's usually the first thing they do to rule out any other causes for the inner ear symptoms.  I hope you'll be able to get into see an ENT or Otolaryngologist so they can do a hearing test and make a definite diagnosis.  It sure sounds a lot like Ménière's.   

      I remember very clearly being that sick.  It's a horrible thing.  I hope you both find relief soon!

      Take good care,

      J-

    • NeddyO
      NeddyO kilikaz

      Posted

      Quarecteristics of Menirere's to confirm diagnosis are ear fullness, increasing tinnitus and progressive loss of low range hearing with acute attacks of vertigo and vommitting that do not last more than 24 hours. Acute attacks left me feeling washed out and groggy for a couple of days.

      And the hearing damage has made me very sensitive to loud discordant noises.

      The Meniere's Society has good info on its website.

    • NeddyO
      NeddyO

      Posted

      I have just spotted the spelling howler - lets try 'characterisics' instead.

    • kilikaz
      kilikaz NeddyO

      Posted

      I thought it was some new fandangled medical term - lol
  • nadia786
    nadia786 kilikaz

    Posted

    Hi.

    My mum has been on 16mg x 3 of betahistine for 2 years. It took 3 months to kick in and she was free of attacks for 16 months but in March 17 the attacks have returned. Less severe but she feels light headed every day.

    We think the betahistine has stopped working now. We have an appointment with the ent in July to discuss other options.

    • NeddyO
      NeddyO nadia786

      Posted

      Betahistine is very safe so ask if OK to increase dose. I have gone as high as 96mg tds without any problems.
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