What Can I Buy Over-the-Counter to Treat Vertigo?

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Vertigo affects millions, causing a sudden sensation of spinning that can be highly disruptive. If you're looking for temporary relief, you might wonder what can I buy over-the-counter to treat vertigo? A few options are available for easing the associated dizziness and nausea, though it's important to understand their uses and limitations.

Quick Summary

Explore common over-the-counter antihistamines such as meclizine and dimenhydrinate for temporary relief from vertigo. Review non-medication strategies and find important information on when to seek medical advice.

Key Points

Meclizine is an OTC option: Found in products like Bonine and Dramamine Less Drowsy, meclizine offers relief with less sedation than original Dramamine.
Dimenhydrinate provides relief: Dramamine Original contains dimenhydrinate, which may work quickly but often causes more drowsiness.
Ginger is a natural alternative: Ginger supplements, tea, or candies can effectively combat the nausea associated with vertigo with minimal side effects.
Repositioning exercises can help BPPV: For vertigo caused by displaced inner ear crystals (BPPV), maneuvers like the Epley or Brandt-Daroff can be beneficial.
Address the root cause with a doctor: While OTC options help symptoms, a healthcare provider should be consulted for persistent, severe, or unexplained vertigo to identify and treat the root cause.
Lifestyle changes can help: Staying hydrated, moving slowly, and managing stress are simple but effective ways to prevent or manage vertigo episodes.

Understanding Vertigo and OTC Medications

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness that creates a false sensation of motion or spinning. It's often caused by problems in the inner ear, which regulates your body's balance. While underlying causes can be complex and require a doctor's diagnosis, certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help manage the associated symptoms of dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. These medications are typically antihistamines designed to combat motion sickness, but they can also stabilize the inner ear's vestibular system, which is responsible for balance.

Over-the-Counter Antihistamines for Vertigo

For short-term or motion-induced episodes of vertigo, antihistamines are a common and accessible option. They work by blocking signals from the inner ear that cause feelings of nausea and dizziness.

Meclizine (Bonine, Dramamine Less Drowsy)

Meclizine is an antihistamine that helps prevent and treat the nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness and vertigo. It is a popular choice due to its long-lasting effects and relatively lower potential for drowsiness compared to other options. It is available in tablets and chewable forms.

How it works: Blocks histamine, a chemical in the brain that can trigger nausea and vomiting.
Duration: Effects can vary from 8 to 24 hours.
Common Side Effects: Sleepiness, dry mouth, and blurred vision are commonly reported.

Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine Original)

Dimenhydrinate is another antihistamine used to prevent and treat motion sickness symptoms, including dizziness and nausea. Unlike the meclizine versions of Dramamine, this formula is typically more sedating.

How it works: Helps maintain your body's sense of balance.
Duration: A dose typically lasts 4 to 6 hours.
Common Side Effects: Significant drowsiness, confusion, and dry mouth have been noted.

Other Supportive OTC Products

Beyond antihistamines, other products can offer relief for related symptoms or act as a complementary treatment.

Ginger Supplements: Ginger has been used for centuries to soothe an upset stomach and is a common remedy for nausea associated with motion sickness and vertigo. It is available in various forms, including supplements, tea, and candies. Some non-drowsy versions of Dramamine contain ginger.
Decongestants: If your vertigo is linked to an ear infection or sinus congestion, a decongestant like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) might help by reducing fluid buildup in the inner ear.
Acupressure Wristbands: These bands apply pressure to a specific point on the wrist (P6) to help alleviate nausea and dizziness related to motion sickness. They are a non-drug option with minimal side effects.

Non-Medication Strategies for Managing Vertigo

In addition to OTC medications, several home-based strategies and exercises can help manage or prevent vertigo episodes.

Repositioning Exercises

For benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the most common type of vertigo caused by displaced inner ear crystals, specific head movements can effectively provide relief.

Epley Maneuver: This is a series of controlled head and body movements designed to move the displaced crystals back into the correct part of the inner ear. A healthcare professional can demonstrate how to perform it correctly..
Brandt-Daroff Exercises: These repetitive movements are easier to learn and can help your brain adapt to the conflicting signals causing dizziness.

Lifestyle and Dietary Adjustments

Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can worsen dizziness, so drinking plenty of water is important.
Move Slowly: Avoid sudden changes in position, especially when getting out of bed or standing up quickly.
Manage Stress: Stress and anxiety are known triggers for some types of vertigo. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
Limit Triggers: Reduce or avoid substances that can exacerbate symptoms, such as caffeine, alcohol, salt, and tobacco.

Comparison of Key OTC Vertigo Treatments


Feature	Meclizine (Bonine, Dramamine Less Drowsy)	Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine Original)	Ginger Supplements
Active Ingredient	Meclizine	Dimenhydrinate	Ginger Root Extract
Primary Action	Stabilizes vestibular system, reduces nausea	Stabilizes vestibular system, reduces nausea	Soothes stomach, combats nausea
Duration	Long-lasting (8-24 hours)	Shorter duration (4-6 hours)	Variable, based on individual response and form
Drowsiness	Less-drowsy formulation available	Often causes significant drowsiness	Non-drowsy
Ideal For	All-day coverage, motion sickness	Short-term relief, may be more effective for some	Mild nausea, non-drug preference
Application	Tablets, chewables	Tablets, chewables	Tablets, capsules, tea

When to See a Doctor

While OTC treatments can offer temporary relief, they don't address the underlying cause of vertigo. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional if your vertigo is recurrent, persistent, or severe. Seek immediate medical attention if vertigo is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

Sudden, severe headache or chest pain
Difficulty walking, stumbling, or numbness in the arms or legs
Double vision or sudden hearing loss
Confusion or slurred speech
Fainting or seizures
Ongoing or persistent vomiting

Conclusion

Over-the-counter medications can provide effective, short-term relief from the dizziness and nausea associated with vertigo, particularly for those prone to motion sickness. Meclizine and dimenhydrinate are common options, offering different levels of drowsiness and duration. Non-pharmacological approaches, such as repositioning maneuvers for BPPV and lifestyle adjustments, can also be highly beneficial. However, because vertigo can have many underlying causes, persistent or severe symptoms always warrant a consultation with a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and long-term management.

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 medication regimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meclizine (found in Bonine and Dramamine Less Drowsy) typically causes less drowsiness and may last longer. Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine Original) may cause more drowsiness but could provide faster relief.

Yes, ginger is a well-known natural remedy for nausea associated with vertigo. It is available in various forms, including supplements, teas, and lozenges, and is a good option if a non-drowsy treatment is preferred.

Yes, non-medication strategies include repositioning exercises like the Epley maneuver for BPPV, staying well-hydrated, moving slowly to avoid sudden position changes, and using acupressure wristbands.

You should see a doctor if your vertigo is severe, persistent, or recurrent. You must seek immediate medical attention if vertigo is accompanied by neurological symptoms like severe headache, numbness, vision changes, slurred speech, or weakness.

The onset of action for OTC medications can vary. Meclizine typically starts working within an hour, while dimenhydrinate may act slightly faster. For optimal results for motion sickness, taking medication before an activity known to trigger symptoms is often recommended.

Yes, Bonine is a brand name for the active ingredient meclizine. When shopping, you can look for either the Bonine brand or generic meclizine products.

Decongestants may help if your vertigo is caused by sinus congestion or an ear infection, as they can reduce fluid buildup in the inner ear. However, this approach is typically only effective for vertigo with a sinus-related cause.