In present times, we are blessed to have access to medicines that can ease our pain and cure diseases that mostly resulted in death in the last century. Despite the advancements in medical science, we have yet to solve the problem of side effects. Among all the adverse effects, dizziness is something that is caused by a plethora of medicines.
Acetaminophen
Largely known as Paracetamol, this is the most commonly used compound in a majority of analgesic medicines. It is used extensively throughout the world to treat pain caused by injuries, migraines, or fever. Although acetaminophen on its own doesn’t induce dizziness, its combination with other chemicals can lead to light-headedness, drowsiness, confusion, sedation, and even vomiting. Combination of acetaminophen that causes these effects:
- Acetaminophen and Codeine
- Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone Bitartrate
- Acetaminophen and Oxycodone
- Acetaminophen and Propoxyphene
- Acetaminophen and Butalbital
Brand Name: Tylenol
Agalsidase
Agalsidase is used to treat Fabry disease, a type of disease in which globotriaosylceramide, a particular type of fat, is accumulated in the body. Agalsidase is a form of alpha-galactosidase A enzyme that is synthesized in the laboratories for the mentioned purpose. It is known to cause dizziness, and driving is strictly prohibited while on this medicine.
Brand Name: Replagal
Albendazole
It is exclusively used to kill different kinds of parasitic worms in both humans and sheep. Albendazole is known to cause abdominal pain and headaches as it works. Although dizziness is not always a side effect, certain people can become allergic to it resulting in lightheadedness.
Brand Name: Wormiv 400
Alefacept
Similar to Agalsidase, it is also a recombinant, i.e., produced in a laboratory. Alefacept is a form of immunosuppressant that is used to treat psoriasis. It works by suppressing the formation of white blood cells. The compromised immune system leads to drowsiness, cough, and muscle pain.
Brand Name: Amevive
Alendronic Acid
Most commonly used to treat bone disorders like osteoporosis and pagent’s disease. Alendronic acid is known to cause constipation, accompanied by dizziness and blurred vision. To fight these side effects, doctors often prescribe alendronic acid with vitamin D and calcium supplements.
Brand Name: Fosamax
Alprazolam
Sold as Xanax, it is a form of tranquilizer that is used to temporarily treat anxiety and panic disorder. Additionally, it is also prescribed to patients undergoing chemotherapy to treat nausea. This medicine is notorious for inducing sleepiness along with weakness, a sensation of tingling, and compromised sex drive.
Brand Name: Xanax
Altretamine
Some of the common side-effects of this medicine include dizziness, skin rash, and mood swings. It is only used as a second option for ovarian cancer; however, it’s one advantage over other drugs is that it is significantly less toxic.
Brand Name: Cantret
Amantadine
One of the most common medicines to treat involuntary muscle movement in Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. Although it temporarily heals the twitching, it does so by sedating. Dizziness, drowsiness, and making the user physically slower are common while on this medicine.
Brand Name: Gocovri
Amifostine
Amifostine is used as a cytoprotective adjuvant, a form of medicine used to reduce the level of toxicity in patients undergoing radiation. It works by triggering a rapid repair of damaged tissue by binding to the free radicals. Since it works on such a deep level in the body, our body’s natural response is to slow down non-essential processes, resulting in dizziness.
Brand Name: Ethyol
Azelastine
This medicine is used to treat hay fever and stuffy nose, and similar to most anti-allergens, it works by halting the production of histamines. Drowsiness is one of the most common side effects of Azelastine. Users have also reported staying drowsy ever after proper sleep.
Brand Name: Apotex Azelastine
Biperiden
Biperiden works similarly to Amantadine; however, it is administered mostly via an injection. It also makes the user slower and sleepy. Also, the World Health Organization has labeled biperiden as an essential medicine.
Brand Name: Akineton
Bismuth Subsalicylate
Commonly used in medicines like Pepto Bismol, it is used to treat gastrointestinal issues like acidity, heartburn, and nausea. While it is harmless in small doses, administering this substance in high doses results in excessive drowsiness.
Brand Name: Pepto Bismol
Bisoprolol
Prescribed to people suffering from abnormal heart rhythm and high blood pressure. It works by blocking the hormone known as adrenaline that is associated with spiked heart rate. Headaches and dizziness are one of the most common side effects of this medicine.
Brand Name: Concor
Brompheniramine
It is a type of antihistamine used for allergies. Brompheniramine works by blocking the interaction of histamine and allergens. After administering this compound, the user may experience blurred vision, increased heart rate, and dizziness.
Brand Name: Dimetapp
Budesonide
Budesonide belongs to the category of medicines called corticosteroids. It works by reducing the amount of swelling in the airways, which enables the user to breathe easily. It is mostly used in asthma medicines. Excessive use of budesonide can lead to dizziness, diarrhea, and even fainting.
Brand Name: Pulmicort
Bumetanide
Bumetanide is mostly used to treat swelling and high blood pressure caused by conditions like heart failure and kidney problems. Dizziness may occur as the user is adjusting to the medicine. Bumetanide works by halting the absorption of fluids and sodium by the kidneys.
Brand Name: Bumex
Bupivacaine
It is a nerve-blocker, and it is exclusively used to decrease sensation in any excessively active area of the body. While oral administration is mostly risk-free, injecting it can instantly trigger lightheadedness and drowsiness. Some patients simply pass away.
Brand Name: Marcaine
Bupropion
Typically used in anti-depressants; however, it may also be prescribed to people suffering from tobacco withdrawals. It works by blocking the nerves’ ability to absorb neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. This results in the brain producing more of these chemicals. Light-headedness and dizziness are frequently experienced with this medicine.
Brand Name: Wellbutrin
Cabergoline
Cabergoline is an ergot, a type of fungi, and it is used to reduce the production of prolactin in the body. This hormone triggers the production of milk; however, excess of it can lead to the production of milk without being pregnant and even in men, along with erectile dysfunction. Cabergoline must strictly be used with food, otherwise, it can cause fatigue and dizziness.
Brand Name: Dostinex
Capecitabine
This medicine is frequently used, along with chemotherapy for different kinds of cancers. It works by killing the cells that are rapidly multiplying in the body.
Brand Name: Xeloda
Carbamazepine
Carbamazepine is used to treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain. It is also used as an additional medicine to treat schizophrenia. This compound lowers the never impulses that are caused by seizures and nerve pain. Dizziness is a common side-effect of this medicine.
Brand Name: Tegretol
Celecoxib
It is an anti-inflammatory drug that is used to treat moderate pains that are caused by conditions like arthritis, spondylitis, and menstruation. It halts all the production of hormones that results in inflammation, resulting in relief from the pain. Although dizziness is rare with the usage of celecoxib, an allergic reaction can result in extreme fatigue.
Brand Name: Celebrex
Chlorothiazide
Chlorothiazide is used to get rid of the excess fluid in the body via urine, particularly for kidney diseases. Due to the instant release of retained fluid, dizziness is experienced.
Brand Name: Diuril
Cidofovir
This compound is used to treat viral infections caused by cytomegalovirus by killing viruses throughout the body. Driving and operating heavy machinery is strictly prohibited on this medication, as it is known to make the patient feel confused and drowsy.
Brand Name: Vistide
Clonidine
This medicine is used to treat a huge spectrum of conditions, from high blood pressure to ADHD. Clonidine is an antihypertensive, meaning it alters the impulses transferred by the nerves to relax the blood vessels, resulting in an easier flow of the blood. With a sudden change in blood flow, lightheadedness is experienced.
Brand Name: Catapres
Codeine
It is used in many cough suppressants, and it belongs to the opioid class. Codeine alters the way the body responds to pain, and since it is an opioid, it is being used extensively in South African countries as a recreational drug. Hallucinations, confusion, and drowsiness are common side-effects of this compound.
Brand Name: Tossex
Dapsone
Most commonly used as an acne treatment medicine, dapsone works by slowing the bacterial activity in the body. In doing so, it also slows down the activity of bacteria required to keep us active, resulting in dizziness and reduced alertness.
Brand Name: Aczone
Daptomycin
This medicine is used to treat life-threatening infections, and interestingly, it was removed from the list of the World Health Organization’s essential medicines in 2019. Daptomycin creates holes in the membrane of the cell, which leads to the leaking of essential DNA and RNA resulting in bacterial death of the cell. Hot flashes, drowsiness, vomiting, nausea, and swelling are common side effects of this medicine.
Brand Name: Cubicin
Dexibuprofen
Mostly administered to treat pain caused by a sprain, dental problems, or arthritis. It works by hindering the production of prostaglandins by the cyclo-oxygenase enzyme that triggers the pain. Feeling fatigued on this medicine is common.
Brand Name: Seractil Forte
Dipyridamole
This compound is exclusively used to reduce blood clotting. Dipyridamole inhibits platelet function, and in doing so, it prevents the platelet from sticking together. Dizziness is a common side-effect of this medicine, especially if the user consumes alcohol, as dipyridamole interacts poorly with it.
Brand Name: Persantin
Doxapram
This respiratory stimulant belongs to a class of drugs known as analeptics. It is mostly used in intensive care for patients with respiratory failure. Doxapram stimulates the brain’s breathing center, resulting in excess breathing. Enhanced airflow can make some patients dizzy.
Brand Name: Dopram
Eletriptan
Eletriptan is used to treat the pain caused by migraine. It restricts the blood vessels in the brain, resulting in blockage of the pain signals being transferred. Although it provides relief from migraine pain, it induces sleepiness in the user.
Brand Name: Relpax
Elotuzumab
It is used in the treatment of myeloma, a type of cancer that develops in the plasma of the cell. It works by triggering the immune system to produce more antibodies along with increasing antitumor activity. Nausea, vomiting, and dizziness may occur upon administering this medicine.
Brand Name: Empliciti
Enzalutamide
It is a form of non-steroidal antiandrogen that is used as a hormonal treatment for prostate cancer. It works by resisting the androgens from binding to the androgen receptors on the cancer growth. Although it is rare to feel dizzy because of this medicine, it is advised that the patient must be rushed to emergency services if that happens.
Brand Name: Xtandi
Epalrestat
Epalrestat is commonly used to treat the nerve damage that is caused by diabetes. It causes drowsiness and dizziness, therefore, tasks like driving and operating machinery are prohibited while on Epalrestat, and it is not recommended for children either. It works by preventing the accumulation of sorbitol, a type of sugar.
Brand Name: Aldonil
Evolocumab
It is a type of monoclonal antibody medicine. This type of antibody is created by using a single white blood cell, and it was first created to treat hyperlipidemia. Upon administration, evolocumab attaches to certain receptors in the liver, which inhibits the production of bad cholesterol. Dizziness is inevitable on this medication, as even the people who were tested with this medicine during clinical trials reported experiencing dizziness.
Brand Name: Repatha
Felbamate
Being an anticonvulsant, it is exclusively used in the treatment of epilepsy and seizures. Since it works by reducing abnormal brain activity, it is common to experience dizziness and drowsiness. Interestingly, in rare cases, it is also seen to cause alertness.
Brand Name: Felbatol
Flurazepam
It is a benzodiazepine-derived medicine, and it has sedative properties, which is unsurprising since it is used to treat insomnia. Flurazepam works by slowing brain activity, and this also results in dizziness. Moreover, the body can quickly develop a tolerance for it, leading to increased ingestion of this medicine, and in turn, increased dizziness.
Brand Name: Dalmane
Fomepizole
Fomepizole is used to treat methanol and ethylene glycol poisoning. Listed as one of the World Health Organization’s essential medicines, it works by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for breaking down the mentioned compounds into their toxic metabolites. Some of its side effects include heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
Brand Name: Antizol
Furosemide
Excessive build-up of fluid due to kidney diseases is treated by this medicine; however, sometimes it is also used for high blood pressure. It stimulates the kidneys to increase the flow of urine. Dizziness is a common side effect of furosemide, along with the ringing of the ears and blurred vision. Interestingly, it is also used to prevent horses from bleeding during races.
Brand Name: Lasix
Gadobutrol
It is a type of contrasting agent that is used during MRI scans because it is equipped with magnetic properties, and for this reason, it is only administered by a physician. Although dizziness is mild because of this medicine, it is common.
Brand Name: Gadavist
Galantamine
Galantamine is used to treat cognitive decline disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. Upon administration, certain areas of the brain are stimulated to increase the production of particular substances that regulate memory and thoughts; however, its side effects include increased heart rate and severe dizziness.
Brand Name: Reminyl
Gemifloxacin
Used in the treatment of chronic bronchitis, driving is strictly prohibited under the influence of gemifloxacin because it is known to cause dizziness shortly after administration. It works by killing the bacteria and stopping its growth.
Brand Name: Factive
Glyceryl Trinitrate
Widely known as nitroglycerin, this substance is used largely to treat cardiovascular diseases like angina and coronary artery diseases. It decreases the amount of oxygen required by blood vessels as it relaxes them. Dizziness occurs naturally after administering this medicine, as the amount of oxygen is suddenly reduced in the blood vessels. Physicians also recommend that patients don’t engage in any physical activity for at least 2 hours after taking this medicine.
Brand Name: Nitrostat
Goserelin
Goserelin is used in cancer patients to suppress sex hormones, testosterone, and estrogen. It works by signaling the pituitary gland to stop the production of luteinizing hormone, which is responsible for the production of the mentioned sex hormones. It often results in an irregular heartbeat that can lead to severe dizziness.
Brand Name: Zoladex
Guanfacine
Mostly used in the treatment of ADHD; however, it is also prescribed to adolescents for high blood pressure. It stimulates the prefrontal cortex, which regulates impulsivity and attention span. Sleepiness, constipation, and sexual problems are some of the common side effects of guanfacine.
Brand Name: Intuniv
Halofantrine
Halofantrine is used to treat malaria. Interestingly, researchers are unknown how exactly it works, but they believe it degrades the enzymes of the malarial parasites. Sleepiness is a well-known side-effect of this medicine.
Brand Name: Halfan
Hydromorphone
This substance falls under the category of opiates, and it works by altering the brain and nervous system’s response to pain. It is used for severe pain, and only cancer patients are recommended to use it for the long term. It causes itchiness, dizziness, and sleepiness.
Brand Name: Dilaudid
Iloprost
Iloprost is used to treat the high blood pressure that is caused by damaged tissues because of restrictive blood flow. Therefore, it relaxes the blood vessels in both the heart and lungs. Although dizziness only occurs when the patient moves quickly, lightheadedness is experienced by a majority of users.
Brand Name: Ventavis
Imatinib
It is used in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia and some gastrointestinal tumors. It treats the patient by stopping the cancer cell from multiplying by restricting the function of abnormal proteins that trigger the action. Blurred vision, cramps, and drowsiness are known side effects of this medicine.
Brand Name: Gleevec
Indacaterol
Used exclusively for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, indacaterol is a long-acting beta-agonist. It is administered orally, and it relaxes the air passage in the lungs for easy breathing.
Brand Name: Onbrez Breezhaler
Indinavir
Belonging to the class of medicines known as protease inhibitors, it works by lowering the concentration of HIV in the blood, and also protecting the user from developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Although it works for the intended purpose, it is not usually recommended because of its side effects, which are fatigue, vomiting, kidney failure, and many other complications.
Brand Name: Crixivan
Isradipine
This calcium channel blocker works by reducing the accumulation of calcium in the blood vessels, resulting in an enhanced flow of blood. Prescribed usually to heart patients, this medicine is known to cause dizziness, and prolonged usage may even result in chronic low blood pressure.
Brand Name: DynaCirc
Itopride
This medicine is used in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. It accelerates the gastrointestinal peristalsis movement by increasing the acetylcholine concentration in the body, resulting in relief from stomach aches, bloating, and nausea. Itopride reduces the level of alertness.
Brand Name: Ganaton
Ketoconazole
An anti-inflammatory drug that is used to relieve moderate-to-severe pain. It can be administered either via the mouth, nose, or an injection. It signals the brain to stop the production of certain chemicals that enable the body to feel pain. Interestingly, dizziness only occurs when it is injected into the veins.
Brand Name: Toradol
Lamotrigine
It is used in the treatment of seizures and depression triggered by epilepsy and bipolar disorder, respectively. Presently, the workings of this medicine are not fully known; however, researchers believe that it reduces the intensity of abrupt electrical signals in the brain, resulting in a calmer state. Some of its side effects include dizziness, fatigue, altered coordination, and nausea.
Brand Name: Lamictal
Letrozole
Letrozole is used in the treatment of breast cancer that responds to hormones post-surgery. Belonging to the category of aromatase inhibitors, it works by slowing down the production of estrogen in the body. In addition to dizziness, fatigue and hot flashes are common side effects of this medicine.
Brand Name: Femara
Leuprorelin
This medicine is used in the treatment of prostate cancer, breast cancer, and other reproductive diseases. It is injected directly into the veins and upon administration, it significantly lowers the production of testosterone and estrogen. While it is useful in treating cancer, it has some concerning side effects that include dizziness, hot flashes, vaginal bleeding, depression, and compromised pituitary gland.
Brand Name: Eligard
Levodopa
Levodopa or L-DOPA is an amino acid that can cross the blood-brain barrier and it boosts the production of dopamine. It is prescribed to patients with Parkinson’s disease. Despite it increasing the pleasure chemical, it can also lead to dizziness, hypertension, disorientation, and confusion.
Brand Name: Sinemet
Levonorgestrel
Sold as an emergency birth control pill, levonorgestrel works by preventing the release of the egg from the ovaries, which is essential for fertilization. It should be noted that its usefulness decreases greatly as more time elapses after the intercourse, and it is ineffective once the pregnancy has happened. Nausea, breast tenderness, dizziness, and excessive menstrual bleeding are some of its side effects.
Brand Name: Plan B
Lidocaine
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic, i.e., it doesn’t make the patient asleep but only eliminates the sensation of pain in the injected body part. This elimination of pain sensation is achieved by numbing the nerves. It is common to experience nervousness, anxiety, dizziness, and tremors after the administration of this medicine.
Brand Name: Xylocaine
Loxapine
It only comes in the form of powder, and it is used to treat agitation that occurs because of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Since it works by lowering the irregular excitement in the brain, subsequently it also causes dizziness upon getting up quickly, cardiovascular issues, and gastrointestinal problems.
Brand Name: Loxitane
Mazindol
Exclusively used as an appetite suppressant along with calorie restriction to achieve a lower body mass index. It is only used as a short-term medicine, and it blocks the reuptake of dopamine and noradrenaline. Dizziness is a well-known side effect of Mazindol.
Brand Name: Sanorex
Mebeverine
Primarily used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, it is also prescribed to people experiencing stomach pain, cramps, and diarrhea. It relaxes the intestinal muscles, providing relief within an hour of administration. Although dizziness experienced after this medicine is mild, it occurs commonly.
Brand Name: Colofac
Mefloquine
Only used in the treatment of mild malaria, mefloquine works by killing plasmodium, a parasite that enters the body during a mosquito bite. Some of the side effects of mefloquine include depression, dizziness, hallucinations, and anxiety.
Brand Name: Lariam
Methadone
Methadone is an opioid agonist, i.e., it works by attaching to the μ-opioid peptide receptors to bring out their analgesic properties. It is only given to patients with chronic pain or as a de-addiction medicine for opioid users, as it helps with the withdrawal symptoms of opioid addiction. Dizziness, lightheadedness, sweating, and nausea are some of the frequent reactions to methadone.
Brand Name: Methadose
Methamphetamine
While most people are familiar with the methamphetamine that is used recreationally, it is also used as a medicine to treat ADHD and obesity. The prescribed methamphetamine is significantly less potent than the street drug. It changes the brain’s ability to produce certain natural substances, leading to enhanced attention and focus. Despite it being used to boost concentration, once the effects of the medicine fade, it can cause fatigue and dizziness, which can last for up to two days.
Brand Name: Desoxyn
Methyldopa
Methyldopa is the go-to medicine used to treat high blood pressure in pregnant women. Its effects last for 5 hours, and it works by regulating the impulses on the nerve pathways that control blood vessels, resulting in relaxation of the blood vessels for an easier passage of the blood. Compromised alertness, dizziness, sedation, and fatigue are some of the persistent negative effects of methyldopa.
Brand Name: Aldomet
Mirabegron
Mirabegron acts by relaxing the muscles surrounding the bladder, which enables the bladder to stretch and hold an increased amount of urine. In the clinical trials, Mirabegron was observed to cause dizziness, urinary tract infection, and joint pain in 10% of the subjects.
Brand Name: Myrbetriq
Moxonidine
It is utilized in the treatment of essential hypertension. Upon administration, moxonidine relaxes the wall muscles of the blood vessels, which results in a broadening of the blood vessels and reduced blood pressure. Some of the frequent side effects include dizziness, lightheadedness, and kidney issues.
Brand Name: Physiotens
Nabilone
It is a synthetic cannabinoid that is prescribed to cancer patients that experience severe nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy. Occasionally, it is also used to treat chronic pain. Nabilone triggers the brain to slow down or stop the signals that cause nausea. Unsurprisingly, being a cannabinoid derivative, it causes dizziness and sometimes fainting.
Brand Name: Canemes
Nalmefene
A de-addiction medicine that is used to relieve the withdrawal symptoms of opioid and alcohol addiction. Nalmefene attaches to the opioid receptors in the brain, and it lowers the urge to consume alcohol or take opioids. Dizziness, headache, nausea, and insomnia are some of the most common adverse effects of this medicine.
Brand Name: Selincro
Nicergoline
One of the most potent vasodilators available on the market, nicergoline enhances the blood flow to the brain. This ergot derivative is used in the treatment of dementia and Raynaud’s disease. Although it has a limited number of side effects, these include dizziness, hot flashes, hypotension, and an upset stomach.
Brand Name: Sermion
Nifedipine
It is a calcium channel blocker that reduces the accumulation of calcium in the blood vessels and relaxes them for increased blood flow. It is used in the management of angina, high blood pressure, and Raynaud’s phenomenon. As it is known to rapidly decrease blood pressure, patients experience dizziness and lightheadedness.
Brand Name: Wellniff
Olanzapine
Used to both treat and manage schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, olanzapine belongs to the second-generation antipsychotic drugs. It works by affecting the occurrence of neurotransmitters. Some of the frequent side effects include weight gain, dizziness, fatigue, and constipation.
Brand Name: Zyprexa
Orphenadrine
Orphenadrine is a skeletal muscle relaxant, and it is considered a dirty drug, i.e., a type of drug that binds to non-targeted receptors as well. Dizziness and drowsiness are some of the most commonly experienced adverse effects of orphenadrine. Interestingly, it is also used in the treatment of motor function in patients with Parkinson’s disease, along with pain management of sprains and strains.
Brand Name: Norflex
Oxymorphone
Among one of the oldest used opioid analgesics, it is used in the treatment of severe pain. Oxymorphone binds to the μ-opioid receptors, and in doing so, activates them. Surprisingly, it is 10 times more potent than morphine. Being an opiate, it frequently induces dizziness.
Brand Name: Numorphan
Pantoprazole
Pantoprazole is used in the treatment of stomach ulcers and as a short-term treatment for acid reflux. It works by inhibiting the proton pumps, which lowers the production of acid made by the stomach. Some of the frequently experienced side effects of pantoprazole are flatulence, abdominal pain, and dizziness.
Brand Name: Protonix
Paroxetine
This medicine is prescribed to patients that are suffering from depression, anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, and it increases the amount of serotonin and dopamine concentration in the system. Upon administration, patients can experience dizziness, dry mouth, loss of appetite, and sweating.
Brand Name: Paxil
Perampanel
This antiepileptic drug is used in the treatment of partial and generalized seizures. Patients must be aware that this medicine comes with a black box label, i.e., it can cause drastic changes in both the behavior and perspective of the patients. Some people may even experience suicidal thoughts. Perampanel blocks the glutamate receptors in the brain, which are responsible for memory and learning. Dizziness, along with a lack of balance and fatigue are some severe side effects of this medicine.
Brand Name: Fycompa
Phenelzine
Categorized as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, it is used as an antidepressant. Phenelzine boosts the production of certain natural substances in the brain. Some of the frequently experienced adverse effects of phenelzine are dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, and constipation.
Brand Name: Nardil
Pholcodine
Pholcodine works by targeting the brain’s area that regulates cough, and signals it to stop. As a cough suppressant, it doesn’t cause dependency; however, dizziness and confusion are rare but occurring side effects.
Brand Name: Duro Tuss
Pimozide
This antipsychotic drug works by lowering the amount of dopamine in the body, and it is used to treat schizophrenia, chronic psychosis, and Tourette syndrome. Pimozide commonly causes dizziness; however, it is temporary.
Brand Name: Orap
Piroxicam
Mostly used to relieve pain that is caused by inflammation. Additionally, it is also prescribed as a post-operative pain management medicine. It inhibits the brain’s ability to process pain. Although experiencing gastrointestinal issues is guaranteed on piroxicam, dizziness is also a fairly common side effect.
Brand Name: Feldene
Pregabalin
Commonly used in the treatment of epilepsy, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, restless leg syndrome, and generalized anxiety disorder. Pregabalin lowers the brain’s irregular signals, resulting in relief from the mentioned conditions. Some of the most frequent adverse effects of pregabalin are dizziness and drowsiness.
Brand Name: Lyrica
Probenecid
It works by increasing the amount of uric acid that is released in the urine, and this excretion of excess uric acid helps with gout. While its effects are mild, they are common, which are loss of appetite, nausea, and dizziness.
Brand Name: Col-Benemid
Promethazine
Promethazine being an antihistamine is mostly used to cure allergies. Interestingly, some people also use it to treat insomnia despite its adverse effects being dizziness and blurred vision.
Brand Name: Phenergan
Pseudoephedrine
It is a decongestant that targets the blood vessels in the nose and results in reduced swelling. Typically, it takes 15 minutes to start acting. All the adverse effects of pseudoephedrine are experienced by the central nervous system in the form of insomnia, dizziness, and anxiety. It should also be noted that its interaction with other medicines can cause severe dizziness.
Brand Name: Actifed
Quetiapine
This antipsychotic drug works by blocking the receptors to which dopamine gets attached, and by hindering the reuptake of dopamine, it provides relief to patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. Dry mouth and dizziness are frequently experienced upon administering this medicine.
Brand Name: Seroquel
Quinine
If this name sounds familiar, it is because it is used in most tonic waters that give it the familiar bitter taste. Medically, it is used to treat malaria, and it kills the parasite that causes malaria, while also preventing it from multiplying. Dizziness is one of the common side effects of this medicine. The reason tonic water doesn’t cause dizziness is that only 80mg of quinine is allowed per 1 liter of water compared to a minimum of 300mg of quinine in each tablet.
Brand Name: Qualaquin
Ranolazine
Heart muscles contract upon coming in the contact with calcium ions, and ranolazine lowers the number of calcium ions flowing into the heart muscle cells. This medicine is used to treat chest pain that is usually caused due to heart issues. Frequently experienced side effects are dizziness, drowsiness, and lightheadedness.
Brand Name: Ranobert-500
Reboxetine
3 out of 10 patients that use reboxetine experience dizziness. This drug is an antidepressant that works by regulating the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain.
Brand Name: Edronax
Rizatriptan
Commonly used for the treatment of pain caused by migraines. Rizatriptan is a serotonin receptor agonist, that works by constricting the brain’s blood vessel, which in turn stops the pain signal being received by the brain. Although it provides relief from migraine, it induces dizziness and fatigue.
Brand Name: Maxalt
Sertraline
Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, and it works similarly to other antidepressants. It is used in the treatment of the panic disorder, anxiety disorder, and depression. While intense dizziness may be experienced in the first few weeks of this medicine, mild dizziness is persistent on it.
Brand Name: Zoloft
Sotalol
Abnormal heart rhythms lead to all sorts of issues throughout the body that is why Sotalol works by altering how the body responds to nerve impulses, particularly in the heart. In addition to the low heartbeat and low blood pressure, it causes dizziness as well.
Brand Name: Bristol Sotalol
Tapentadol
Only meant to treat acute severe pain, tapentadol is an opioid derivative that interacts directly with the opioid receptors and hinders the body’s ability to feel pain. Some of the frequently experienced side effects are dizziness, sleepiness, and dry mouth.
Brand Name: Nucynta
Thalidomide
It is mostly used to treat cancer, but it is also used in the treatment of leprosy. It inhibits the growth of cancer cells by stopping them from developing blood vessels.
Brand Name: Thalomid
Tramadol
Similar to other opioid analgesics, tramadol also acts on opioid receptors. It should be noted that tramadol is banned from the middle east and some countries in Africa because of its dependency. It is known to cause dizziness, vertigo, dry mouth, and nausea.
Brand Name: Supacet-P
Zuclopenthixol
By blocking the dopamine receptors, Zuclopenthixol regulates the excessive dopamine in the brain. It is prescribed to patients with schizophrenia and psychoses. Dizziness is commonly experienced upon administering Zuclopenthixol.
Brand Name: Clopixol