Ménière's Disease

Medicines do not cure Ménière's disease, but they can reduce the severity of some symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and the spinning sensation of vertigo. Also, medicines can help you feel more comfortable during an attack.

Medicines that reduce the spinning sensation of vertigo by calming the activity in the inner ear are called vestibular suppressants. These include:

• Antihistamines, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), meclizine hydrochloride (Antivert), and diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Benadryl). Don't give antihistamines to your child unless you've checked with the doctor first.
• Scopolamine (Transderm-Scop), which is a patch placed on the skin behind your ear.
• Sedatives, such as diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Klonopin).

Antiemetic medicines may be used to reduce nausea and vomiting that can occur with vertigo.

Diuretics and a low-salt diet may be used to reduce excess fluid and prevent future attacks of vertigo.