Can you buy anything for vertigo over-the-counter? Exploring Your Options

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, an estimated 40% of people in the U.S. experience a form of dizziness or vertigo that is significant enough to warrant a doctor's visit at some point in their life. When a sudden, spinning sensation hits, many people wonder: can you buy anything for vertigo over-the-counter? The answer is yes, but the effectiveness depends on the underlying cause.

Quick Summary

Limited over-the-counter medications and certain home remedies can provide temporary relief for vertigo symptoms. The best approach depends on the cause, and persistent or severe symptoms require a doctor's diagnosis and treatment.

Key Points

Antihistamines are available OTC: Meclizine (Bonine, Dramamine Less Drowsy) and Dimenhydrinate (Original Dramamine) can be purchased over the counter to help with dizziness and nausea associated with vertigo.
Not all vertigo is treatable OTC: Over-the-counter medications are for short-term symptom relief and do not treat the root cause of vertigo, which often requires a doctor's diagnosis.
Non-medication maneuvers can be highly effective: The Epley Maneuver can effectively treat Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) by repositioning inner ear crystals and can sometimes be done at home after consulting a healthcare professional.
Natural remedies and lifestyle changes can help: Staying hydrated, avoiding sudden movements, and consuming ginger can aid in managing vertigo symptoms.
Seek medical advice for persistent or severe symptoms: If vertigo is severe, recurrent, or comes with other symptoms like hearing loss, it is important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and care.
Be aware of side effects and proper use: OTC antihistamines can cause drowsiness and interact with other medications, so read labels carefully and consult a pharmacist or doctor about potential interactions.
Different OTC options have different effects: Meclizine is generally less sedating and longer-lasting than dimenhydrinate, but individual responses can vary.

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is not a fear of heights but a symptom characterized by a spinning or whirling sensation, where you feel like you are moving or the world around you is moving. This is different from general dizziness, which is simply feeling lightheaded or unsteady. True vertigo often originates from a problem with the inner ear, which plays a critical role in controlling our balance. Some of the most common causes include:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Triggered by specific head movements, it occurs when tiny calcium crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear become displaced from their proper location.
Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuronitis: These are inflammatory conditions, usually caused by a virus, that affect the inner ear or the nerve connecting it to the brain.
Ménière's Disease: A disorder of the inner ear that can lead to severe episodes of vertigo, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and hearing loss.
Motion Sickness: The result of conflicting signals sent to the brain from the inner ear, eyes, and muscles.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Vertigo

For short periods of vertigo or motion sickness, over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines can help reduce the associated dizziness and nausea. They work by blocking signals in the brain that cause these symptoms.

Meclizine (Bonine, Dramamine Less Drowsy)

Meclizine is a first-generation antihistamine used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness or vertigo. It is often sold as a less-drowsy formulation compared to other antihistamines.

OTC vs. Prescription: While meclizine for motion sickness is available OTC, higher dosages or meclizine prescribed specifically for persistent vertigo (under the brand name Antivert) require a doctor's prescription.
How it works: As an antihistamine, it blocks histamine receptors in the brain's balance center, helping to calm the signals that contribute to the feeling of spinning.
Side Effects: Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, and blurry vision. It should be used with caution in older adults and those with certain medical conditions like glaucoma.

Dimenhydrinate (Original Dramamine)

Original Dramamine contains dimenhydrinate, another antihistamine commonly used for motion sickness. It is typically more sedating than meclizine.

How it works: Similar to meclizine, it suppresses the vestibular (balance) system.
Side Effects: Drowsiness is a significant side effect, and it has a shorter duration of action compared to meclizine.

Other OTC and Herbal Options

Beyond antihistamines, other products may offer some relief depending on the specific symptoms or cause.

Decongestants: If your vertigo is associated with sinus congestion or an ear infection, a decongestant like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) might help by reducing fluid buildup in the inner ear.
Ginger: Used as a natural remedy for nausea and dizziness, ginger can be consumed as tea, chews, or supplements. Some studies suggest it may help calm the stomach and alleviate symptoms.

Comparison of OTC Vertigo Medications


Feature	Meclizine (Bonine, Dramamine Less Drowsy)	Dimenhydrinate (Original Dramamine)
Effectiveness for Vertigo	Often considered more effective for inner ear vertigo, with higher-dose versions available by prescription.	More commonly used for general motion sickness, may be less effective for true vertigo.
Drowsiness	Generally less sedating than dimenhydrinate.	More likely to cause significant drowsiness.
Available OTC	Yes.	Yes.

Non-Medication and At-Home Relief

For many, especially those with BPPV, non-pharmacological interventions are the most effective treatment.

Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver)

This is a series of specific head and body movements designed to move the displaced calcium crystals back into their proper place within the inner ear.

How it works: The movements use gravity to guide the crystals out of the sensitive semicircular canals.
Self-administration: It is possible to perform the maneuver at home, but proper instruction from a healthcare provider is highly recommended to ensure correct technique. Many videos online demonstrate the process, but confirming with a doctor first is best.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Other simple changes can help manage and reduce vertigo symptoms:

Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can worsen dizziness and vertigo symptoms, so maintaining adequate fluid intake is important.
Avoid Sudden Movements: Rapid head turns or quick standing can trigger or exacerbate symptoms, so move slowly and deliberately.
Elevate Your Head While Sleeping: Using an extra pillow can help prevent vertigo episodes at night by keeping your head slightly elevated.
Manage Stress and Fatigue: High stress levels and lack of sleep are known triggers for vertigo in some individuals.
Try Ginger: As mentioned, consuming ginger in tea, chews, or supplements can help with associated nausea and dizziness.
Limit Caffeine, Alcohol, and Tobacco: These substances can potentially worsen symptoms in some people.

When to See a Doctor

While OTC options can help with temporary vertigo, they do not address the underlying cause. You should consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, especially if your vertigo is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms. Seek immediate medical attention if vertigo is accompanied by warning signs such as numbness, hearing loss, or weakness.

Conclusion

While you can buy some over-the-counter antihistamines like meclizine and dimenhydrinate for temporary symptom management of vertigo, they are not a cure for the root cause. For conditions like BPPV, non-medication strategies like the Epley maneuver are often more effective. It is crucial to remember that OTC remedies should only be considered for short, mild episodes. Persistent, severe, or recurring vertigo episodes warrant a visit to a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and proper treatment plan to address the underlying issue.

For more information on vestibular disorders, you can visit the Vestibular Disorders Association website(https://vestibular.org/article/diagnosis-treatment/treatments/medication/).

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and should not be taken as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or treatment regimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meclizine, sold under brand names like Bonine and Dramamine Less Drowsy, and dimenhydrinate (Original Dramamine) are common OTC options. Meclizine is often preferred as it is less sedating and lasts longer, though individual effectiveness varies.

Over-the-counter meclizine is primarily for temporary relief of dizziness and nausea from motion sickness or short-term vertigo. For persistent or inner-ear-related vertigo (like BPPV), a doctor's prescription for a higher dose or specific maneuvers might be necessary.

Meclizine is a less-drowsy, longer-acting antihistamine that many find effective for vertigo. Dimenhydrinate (Original Dramamine) is more sedating, shorter-acting, and may be less effective for true vertigo compared to meclizine.

The Epley maneuver is a series of head movements designed to reposition inner ear crystals that cause BPPV, a common type of vertigo. It can be performed at home, but consulting a healthcare provider for proper technique is strongly recommended.

Ginger can be a helpful natural remedy for the nausea and upset stomach that often accompany vertigo. It is available in various forms, including supplements, chews, and tea.

You should see a doctor if your vertigo is severe, persistent, or recurrent. Immediate medical attention is needed if vertigo occurs with symptoms like numbness, weakness, vision changes, or hearing loss.

Decongestants may be helpful for vertigo that is related to fluid buildup in the inner ear due to a cold or sinus infection. They work by reducing this congestion, which can alleviate pressure and dizziness.

Yes, OTC antihistamines like meclizine can interact with other medications, including sedatives, tranquilizers, and alcohol, potentially increasing drowsiness. Always read the label and consult a pharmacist or doctor about potential interactions.