Pharmacological Management of Vertigo

Abstract

&NA; Vertigo results from a disruption in the tonic firing rate of the vestibular receptors, and can arise from lesions of the labyrinthine receptors or central vestibular structures. The 3 most common classes of prescription medications used to treat vertigo are the anticholinergics, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines. Reduction of vertigo with these agents is predominantly symptomatic, and is derived by suppressing vestibular activity. The purpose of this article is to review the pharmacological agents commonly used to treat vertigo and to discuss the effects of vestibular suppressant drugs on recovery.