Remedies that can cause dizziness

Several medications used on a daily basis can cause dizziness as a side effect, and some of the main ones are antibiotics, anxiolytics and medicines to control the pressure, for example, a situation that is more common in the elderly and people who use different medications.

Each type of medicine can cause dizziness in different ways, interfering in various ways in the balance, and some cause other symptoms such as imbalance, vertigo, tremor, lack of leg strength and motion sickness. Thus, examples of the major drugs that cause dizziness are:

1. Antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals : Streptomycin, Gentamicin, Amicacin, Cephalothin, Cephalexin, Cefuroxime, Ciprofloxacin, Clarithromycin, Metronidazole, Ketoconazole or Acyclovir;
2. Medications to control pressure or heart rate : Propranolol, Hydrochlorothiazide, Verapamil, Amlodipine, Methyldopa, Nifedipine, Captopril, Enalapril or Amiodarone;
3. Anti-allergy : Dexchlorpheniramine, Promethazine or Loratadine;
4. Sedatives or anxiolytics : Diazepam, Lorazepam or Clonazepam;
5. Anti-inflammatories : Ketoprofen, Diclofenac, Nimesulide or Piroxicam;
6. Asthma Remedies : Aminophylline or Salbutamol;
7. Remedies for worms and parasites : Albendazole, Mebendazole or Quinine;
8. Anti-spasmodics, used to treat colic: Hyoscine or Scopolamine;
9. Muscle relaxants : Baclofen or Cyclobenzaprine;
10. Antipsychotics or anticonvulsants : Haloperidol, Risperidone, Quetiapine, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin or Gabapentin;
11. Remedies for Parkinson's or movement disorders: Biperidene, Carbidopa, Levodopa or Seleginine;
12. Medications to control cholesterol and triglycerides : Simvastatin, Atorvastatin, Lovastatin or Genfibrozil;
13. Chemotherapeutic or immunosuppressive agents: Cyclosporine, Flutamide, Methotrexate or Tamoxifen;
14. Remedies for prostate or urinary retention : Doxazosin or Terazosin;
15. Remedies for diabetes, because they cause blood sugar to fall: Insulin, Glibenclamide or Glimepiride.

Some medicines may cause dizziness already in its first dose, while others may take several days to cause this effect, therefore, medications should always be investigated as a cause of dizziness, even when used for a long time.

How to relieve dizziness caused by medicines

In the presence of dizziness, it is important to consult with the general practitioner or otorhinolist to investigate the possible causes of this symptom, and whether or not it is associated with the use of medicines.

If it is confirmed, it may be recommended to change the dose or substitution of the drug, however, if this is not possible, some tips can be followed to mitigate the problem:

• Using a walking stick or adjusting the environment : Keeping the rooms in the house bright is important, and changing furniture, carpets or steps that can damage the balance. Installing support in the aisles or using a cane while walking may be good ways to avoid falls;
• Practice vertigo control exercises : they can be guided by a doctor or physiotherapist, to restore balance, called vestibular rehabilitation. In this way, sequences of movements with the eyes and head are made to reposition the canaliculi of the ears and to reduce the symptoms of vertigo;
• Practice regular physical activity : to train balance, especially with regular practice, to improve agility and muscle strength. Some activities work the balance more intensely, such as yoga and tai chi, for example;
• Do breathing exercises : useful in times of increased dizziness, in a ventilated and comfortable place, can control the discomfort;
• Using other medicines to control dizziness such as Dramin or Betaines, for example, may be tried to help control the symptoms, if not otherwise.

In addition, it is important to note other changes that may be impairing the balance, such as loss of vision, hearing and sensitivity of the feet, for example, more common situations in the elderly. In addition to the remedies, check out the other major causes of dizziness in people of all ages.