Nasty side effects from Betahistine - is this normal?

[Katya_1978]

Hi

I’ve been put on 3 x 16mg tablets of betahistine for endolymphatic hydrops (severe ear pressure, also had unilateral tinnitus for years) and started taking them last Friday. I’ve been suffering from quite debilitating drowsiness (with some funny thoughts popping into my head!) and absolutely splitting headaches most of the times I take it.

I know you can suffer from occasional headaches and drowsiness but mine seem so intense and am struggling to keep going with them. Just wondering if anyone else has suffered similarly on them? Did anything help?

N.B. I’m also on Propranolol (have been for about 12 years for migraines) and lansoprazole.

[rabbits65]

I was given that medicine some time ago and after reading the side affects decided not y to o take it . Sometimes the side affects are more bothersome than putting up with the condition. 😊

[Katya_1978 in reply to rabbits65]

Exactly - that’s what I’m struggling with - the condition is awful and I desperately need some relief from it, but these headaches (and being turned into a zombie) are something else!

[rabbits65 in reply to Katya_1978]

Well. I’m told there is no cure for tinnitus . I was very distressed 6 months ago but I’m learning to habituate. They talk a lot on here about that. I agree the fullness and pressure can get unbearable but the more you stress the worse it all gets. Read upon some old posts on here, very useful advice. Go for long walks in fresh air etc. Forget that medicine it’s making you ill . You can’t think clearly if your getting headaches too. I wish you well. From Penny Writing in the sunshine. Maybe some mistakes 😂 😂

[Katya_1978 in reply to rabbits65]

I learnt to habituate my main tinnitus (left ear, since 2013) - was quite proud of that but the new problems which made me seek an ENT doc are not as easy unfortunately - fulness in one or both ears to the point I feel claustrophobic, pain and (as of 2019 but significantly worse since the fullness and pain kicked in) ear spasms (TTTS?)

[rabbits65 in reply to Katya_1978]

Well I do have that fullness and pressure too. Sometimes I find it too much at times. I can relate exactly to what your saying. But I just don’t see any answer for us .

[Happyrosie]

I’ve been reading your post and the replies, Katya. I don’t know the condition you mention, but betahistamine is no longer recommended for Tinnitus. What about a chat with your pharmacist to see if they can suggest an alternative medication for your condition?

[Katya_1978 in reply to Happyrosie]

I've been given the betahistine to try and treat the pressure/fullness rather than the tinnitus I think.

[Melons70]

Hi

I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing side effects on Betahistine.

I started taking them and experienced severe headaches every morning and sinus pain.

I decided to stop taking them and have periods of feeling better and my tinnitus subsiding for a few weeks and then it starts again around my monthly cycle. It is quite odd.

I would return to my doctor and explain to them how the medication is making you feel.

[Snow47 in reply to Melons70]

Hi just saw your msg. I don’t know your age but I’m 47 and have had a consultation with a menopause doc. She said drops in oestrogen can cause tinnitus.

[Katya_1978]

I am 43 - I guess perimenopause may be playing a part? Also struggling with other things going on - e.g. am currently awaiting an appointment for what my GP suspects is interstitial cystitis. I'm going to crack on with the betahistine but the GP has suggested I can try halving the dose (8mg x 3 rathet than 16mg x 3) if I can't cope. The headaches haven't been quite as bad this past day.

[Meni57]

Hi Katya_1978I was started on 8mg, then upped to 16 then 24. Each time I suffered with headaches & foggyness but after a while both went away.

[Hidden]

Hi I had similar experience with betahistine...was prescribed 16mg × 3 daily for menieres and tinnitus...felt like a zombie, utterly exhausted and - yes, like you say with strange thoughts I felt totally detached as though I had a glass dome around me! ...cut them down drastically but felt much the same......one month later tried taking just a quarter of 16mg tablet occasionally, but I had breathing probs/panic attack..

I occasionally use diazepam from my GP and this helps with tinnitus...👍

Felt I had to try the betahistine as it was from the hospital consultant but I think it is a pretty cheap tablet....anyway I'm returning to ear,nose and throat clinic soon and will tell them my system just can't tolerate it. All the best. x