A sudden feeling of dizziness is never pleasant to experience and above all it can be worrying. But before thinking about a pathology like Ménière’s disease, one detail should be known: your treatments must also be reviewed.
As explained by Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical, vertigo manifests itself either by a sensation of rotation, the impression that everything is spinning around you — or by simple dizziness. Although it affects older people more frequently, it can occur at any age. And contrary to popular belief, not all dizziness is linked to an inner ear disorder: in many cases, the medications themselves are responsible. A common side effect… but still too little identified.
Why do some medications make your head spin?
Two main mechanisms can explain these unpleasant sensations.
- The first concerns the inner eartrue center of balance. Certain medications, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories or even chemotherapies, can be toxic to its cells. Result: a sensation of rotation often accompanied by nausea, sometimes very disabling;
- The second mechanism is much more common: it is a
voltage drop when moving to a standing position, called orthostatic hypotension. In this case, the brain is temporarily less well irrigated, which causes a feeling of empty-headedness, weakness, or even the impression of being able to faint. Certain treatments prevent the body from correctly adapting to this change in position.
The drugs most often involved
Several classes of medications are particularly known to promote dizziness.
On the side of the inner ear, we find:
- Certain antibiotics such as aminoglycosides (notably gentamicin);
- Aspirin in high doses;
- Quinolones;
- Loop diuretics.
Concerning voltage drops, the list is even broader:
- Antihypertensives;
- Certain antidepressants such as paroxetine or amitriptyline;
- Neuroleptics (such as risperidone);
- Prostate treatments such as tamsulosin;
- Or even certain vasodilators, such as trinitrine or sildenafil.
The elderly, dehydrated patients or those taking multiple medications at the same time are particularly at risk.
What to do if you feel dizzy?
First reflex: never stop treatment without medical advice. Even if the symptoms are bothersome, abrupt termination can be dangerous.
In the event of dizziness linked to the inner ear, it is advisable to lie down, limit head movements and consult quickly to consider adapting the treatment.
If symptoms mainly occur when getting up, a few simple actions can help:
- Get up gradually;
- Hydrate well;
- Contract the leg muscles before standing up;
Finally, it is essential to talk to your doctor as soon as the episodes repeat themselves.
“And in the event of more serious signs – fall, loss of consciousness, vision or speech problems – you must consult urgently.“, concludes Dr. Kierzek.