The underlying cause for the onset of vertigo plays a great role in deciding the kind of treatment needed to manage / cure it. In many cases, episodes of vertigo – marked by a feeling of dizziness or being nauseated may go away soon after sometime. However, there are also a few instances wherein these spells have lasted for several hours. Many medications are available for treating vertigo. Betahistine is one among them and is also a widely used prescription medication. But, does betahistine have sedative properties? It becomes essential to understand its properties prior to using this drug.
Vertigo is a medical condition that occurs when there are changes in the pressure levels inside your ears. As a result of this, you may lose your balance – this symptom is mainly due to excessive levels of dizziness. But, your vestibular mechanism stays watchful of your balance at all times. This system comes to help and makes your system to re-adjust according to changes happening deep inside your ears. In some cases, deposits of minerals like calcium can also cause vertigo, and the discomforts associated with its incidence. In such cases, a nerve health specialist may advise you to make a few body movements. Research proves that such movements (focused usually on your neck, head and shoulders) are quite effective in making calcium or other deposits of crystals to get reabsorbed.
This drug is likely to trigger some undesired reactions and adverse side effects. Most side effects are considered as harmless; however, a few discomforts can take acute proportions. Medical studies reveal that only a small percentage of people are known to develop acute side effects. In general, it is essential to inform your medical team about prior allergies as well as hypersensitivity to betahistine as well as its active ingredients.
Sedative properties of betahistine
This drug is known to trigger a few discomforts. Most of the discomforts of betahistine are quite minor in nature. However, a few adverse effects can be major, and may hence require urgent medical attention. Also, most discomforts are likely to go off on their own. If you witness very acute side effects like heartburns, headaches, flatulence, formation of gas or bloating as well as a few abdominal discomforts such as vomiting, nausea, etc., you need to talk to your treating doctor urgently.
Betahistine is likely to possess sedative properties. People who are planning to opt for surgeries or dental procedures need to tell their medical team about the intake of this drug. Administration of anesthesia while taking betahistine can result in deeper spells of sedation, and it may take a lot of efforts and time to bring you back to normal state. Also, it is very risky to engage in adventurous sports like cycling, swimming or fencing soon after taking this drug. As an added safety measure, it is extremely dangerous to do tasks that may need a high level of mental focus and concentration. You may hence need to stay away from driving, operating heavy machines or handling bulky objects. Owing to the sedative properties of betahistine, it is not considered safe to consume alcohol while you are pursing the medication plan.
If your lifestyle includes daily intake or frequent consumption of alcohol, your medical team needs to know more details about such habits. Your doctor will recommend you to discontinue the intake of alcohol or limit its daily intake level. As an extended precaution, you are advised not to take any other forms of intoxicants or substances such as marijuana, cannabis, etc. Always remember that co-administration of betahistine with any forms of intoxicants / alcohol can lead to excessive levels of drowsiness as well as sedation.
Other precautions needed while taking betahistine
This drug is also capable of causing a few allergic reactions. The drug may cause inflammation of oral organs (such as lips, throat or tongue), respiratory problems like wheezing as well as gasping. It is also possible to witness allergies in the form of itchiness, discoloration of skin, rashes, pain in abdomen, etc. If your medical history or your family’s clinical history includes breathing problems like bronchitis, asthma, pulmonary disorders, etc., your medical team is unlikely to prescribe this medication.
Those who are undergoing treatment for liver diseases or hepatic dysfunction – such as hepatitis, cirrhosis of liver, etc., must consult your treating physician and pharmacist about the risks involved. If you are living with a liver condition, this drug as well as its active ingredients may get stored up inside your hepatic ducts. Over a period of time, such build-up may lead to toxicity and can aggravate already-existing liver conditions.
You need to know that this drug is not safe if it is administered to children. Before starting the medication plan for children as well as younger adults, it is a safe practice to consult a pediatrician. Also, it is equally safe to keep this drug far away from pets and children. Women who are pregnant must also keep away from betahistine. On the other hand, if you are planning to get pregnant, it is highly recommended to use birth control techniques such as skin patches, pills or vaginal rings. In the same light, women who are nursing their infants must remember that the active ingredients may enter into breastmilk. Babies who feed on such milk can develop problems in the form of feeding difficulties, persistent spells of crying, etc.
In sum, betahistine may possess some sedative capabilities; hence, if you are planning to get a surgery done, inform your medical team about intake of this med. Administration of anesthetic agents along with betahistine can drag you to a deep sleep or an excessively sedated state. Also, if you have habits such as daily consumption of alcohol, your doctor will suggest you to limit intake levels or discontinue drinking habits. Your medical team may also tell you not to engage in activities such as driving, adventure sports such as swimming or cycling; above all, you need to refrain from operating heavy machinery or handle bulky objects. All these practices are considered unsafe and if pursued, may result in near-fatal or fatal accidents. Above all, talk to your treating physician and pharmacist to know more about the sedative properties of betahistine.