Back on the Betahistine

[TurboTrace]

Hi all. I messaged about 10 days ago to say that I'd come off the Betahistine as they were giving me daily migraines. I normally get a migraine roughly 3 or 4 times a year, not 2 in 2 days.

As a result of stopping the tablets, my T became increasingly bad, back to the clanging, whistling and rushing, affecting my sleep again 😔

Have not been able to see my GP so I've put myself back on them but only taking one a day. It's only day 1 but already the T is more high pitched and in the background. I'll see how long I can manage on just one tablet. Still waiting for an appointment with an ENT specialist.

[Happyrosie]

I’m assuming the betahistine is being prescribed to help your tinnitus. I don’t know if you are familiar with NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) ? It issued suggested pathways, in March 2020, to help GP’s as far as tinnitus is concerned. If you are interested to read these guidelines, go to their website and I put “tinnitus” into their search box. Buried amongst their recommendations is that betahistine should NOT be prescribed for tinnitus.

I see you live in Spain and I wonder if a Spanish doctor would welcome their patient telling them what English doctors do! However, it might help you to have a conversation with the doctor, of you ever manage to get an appointment.

[TurboTrace in reply to Happyrosie]

Hi. Yes I'm aware of NICE. I worked in the private medical industry for nearly 30 years so have a little knowledge medically. Yes one of admins from the BTA on here said they do not recommend Betahistine for T. I'm only trying it until I see an ENT specialist. If I start get migraines again, I'll come off it.

[Hidden]

This is interesting about the Nice guidelines...I was prescribed betahistine in June.

I told ENT I had tinnitus, ear pressure and vertigo he suspected menieres and prescribed betahistine but it floored me. I should have talked more about tinnitus at the appointment but spoke more about the vertigo and just assumed the betahistine was for all my symptoms.

I stopped the betahistine after 4 days as I was tripping over my feet. I cut the tablets in half but still felt unwell on them. Hope you get seen soon.

I'm now on nortriptyline for vestibular migraine but sadly it doesn't feel right for me either as I'm struggling to get up in the morning and it has given me a low mood which isn't like me. I'm usually positive if a little edgy! I now feel utterly woolly.

Tablets! So frustrating when they make you feel worse. As Happy Rosie says best talking to your doctor in Spain the meantime while waiting on ENT. Take care. 💐 💐

[TurboTrace]

I'm not going to be able to see my GP as she doesn't speak English and our interpreter is away until early January. I'll muddle on for now. Thanks for your thoughts everyone. It is appreciated x