Antivert - Bonamine (meclizine)

SOURCE: www.NationalMSSociety

Description

Meclizine is used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

Precautions

This drug adds to the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system depressants (e.g., antihistamines, sedatives, tranquilizers, prescriptions pain medications, seizure medications, muscle relaxants, sleeping medications), possibly causing drowsiness. Be sure that your physician knows if you are taking these or any other medications.

Meclizine may cause dryness of the mouth. If dryness continues for more than two weeks, speak to your physician or dentist since continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the risk of dental disease.

This medication has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans. Studies in animals have shown that meclizine given in doses many times the usual human dose causes birth defects such as cleft palate.

Although meclizine passes into breast milk, it has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies. However, since this medication tends to decrease bodily secretions, it is possible that the flow of breast milk may be reduced in some women.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects that typically go away as your body adjusts to the medication and do not require medical attention unless they continue for more than two weeks or are bothersome: drowsiness*; blurred vision*; constipation*; difficult or painful urination;dizziness; dryness of mouth, nose, and throat; fast heartbeat; headache; loss of appetite; nervousness or restlessness; trouble sleeping; skin rash; upset stomach.

*Since it may be difficult to distinguish between certain common symptoms of MS and some side effects of meclizine, be sure to consult your health care professional if an abrupt change of this type occurs.