Hello everyone. I've had Meineres Diease since 2013. I had about 5-6 attacks that year. After that it kind of fizzled away. I'd have the occasional day where I felt a bit tipsy or had tinnitus or fullness in the ear but overall it stopped bugging me. There was probably a 7-8 month stretch in 2016 where any symptoms of it were nonexistent. This was without taking any medication other then the very occasional diuretic and eating too much sodium. However about two weeks ago I had a full blown attack and since then most of my symptoms have been present. Is there something else that could set them off? I had a viral infection right before it so could that be it? I'm also curious on what some of you guys take to avoid attacks. I sometimes take 2 direutics and a bonine pill. Any help is appreciated!
I've been on Betahistine for a couple years and believe it has kept my severe attacks mostly at bay. I still have really difficult daily symptoms but not the debilitating vertigo, most of the time, knock wood. I am in the US so have to order it online from the Canadian pharmacy, as it is not available here (you can get it from compounding pharm but it's super expensive).
I have found 100% relief from antivirals. http://www.mm3admin.co.za/documents/docmanager/6e64f7e1-715e-4fd6-8315-424683839664/00056616.pdf
Meclizine seems to be the 'urgent care' when you have a vertigo attack. Others may find something else--but that was the 'only thing' that worked immediately--taking about 20 mins or so to really calm down the vertigo for me. I don't have it anymore--due to having shunt surgery. But, if you read my posts you'll see I--along with many here--have other issues that are very quality of life altering. Many have found help with anti-viral meds. I didn't--but sure wish I had. Hope you get to a good doctor and keep us updated on how you are doing. Welcome to this 'no one wants to be in' club!! Have to have a bit of humor!
I too take an antiviral (for about 6 weeks now) and feel pretty good most of the time but I do carry Meclizine in my purse. I find this forum a wealth of info. and support!
Antivirals have been holding things at bay for me. I on a maintenance dose of 2g per day I've found that works best for me.
Over time I learned that I have had vertigo from three sources: 1. BPPV--that was solved by the Epley Maneuver 2. Meniere's--that was solved by antivirals 3. Migraine Associated Vertigo (MAV)--that was solved by finding and eliminating my migraine triggers (mainly eyestrain for me, can also be loud noises). I think the antivirals have helped with the MAV as well. Sometimes I have flare ups in all these areas for various reasons, but now I know how to address them. Unfortunately many doctors aren't aware of the success of the anti-virals and are reluctant to prescribe them, even though the pay off can be huge for a very, very low risk of side effects. Showing the article Scott linked to convinced my doctor, and now she's prescribes them frequently and teaches her interns to do the same.
I have had Meniere's since 2003. I was on meclizine/diuretic/diazepam for years. I read an article by a doctor that said that after years on Meclizine, it not only becomes ineffective, but can be detrimental - does anyone know anything about this? Is it true? I have stopped taking it for the moment, although I do take a lot of dramamine.