Is it safe to use Serc 16 mg for Meniere's disease at 25?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 25-year-old female. I am currently taking 16 mg Serc tablets twice a day for Meniere's disease. When I was first diagnosed, my doctor advised me to take 16 mg three times a day for two weeks, which I did. However, after stopping the medication, my dizziness returned after a week.

Now, I have been taking 16 mg of Serc twice a day for a few months, and I feel better than when I'm not on the medication. My question is: Is it safe for me to continue with this dosage? If it is safe, how long can I maintain this dosage, and should I adjust the amount?

Please guide.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query, and I can understand your concern.

In your case with Meniere's disease, your reaction to the medication is quite expected. When you took Serc (Betahistine) at a dose of 16 mg three times a day (totaling 48 mg per day), your symptoms were well controlled. However, when the dose was reduced to 32 mg per day, the dizziness returned. This indicates that the higher dose of 48 mg per day is likely your effective maintenance dose.

Betahistine can be taken safely for an extended period (months or longer) as long as it is tolerated well. Therefore, it would be reasonable to return to the dose of 16 mg three times a day and maintain that dosage for some time until your condition stabilizes. It is also possible that two weeks was not enough time to achieve a stable effect.

Once your symptoms stabilize, a gradual reduction in dosage can be discussed with your doctor. A sudden decrease in dosage is not recommended, as it often leads to a recurrence of symptoms. Additionally, it is essential to follow a low-salt diet and avoid any triggers that may provoke your attacks.

I hope this information is helpful. Feel free to ask more questions.

Thank you.