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What Causes Dizziness And Nausea After Using A Transdermal Patch?
Question: I had only used a transdermal patch for 24 hours until I went on a 7 day cruise. First patch was ok when I put the second patch on I woke up dizzy and nauseous. I went to the ships doctor and he gave meclizine tablets. I was good for the rest of the cruise. First morning I was home I woke up dizzy and nauseous and have been like this for a month. I am 69 and would like to find out what is going on and what can I do to stop the dizziness and nauseous?
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
You mention a transdermal patch at the beginning of your question but you forgot to mention what type of patch you are talking about, there are several medications which can be administered that way.
As for the dizziness it can have several causes. Inner ear issues are perhaps the most common cause, as that organ is involved in balance as well as hearing. Usually it is in the form of vertigo, a sensation of spinning movement. It seems to be what the cruise doctor believed to be the cause judging by the medication. The fact meclizine worked supports that as well. Meclizine may be used again to alleviate the symptoms but in the meantime should see a ENT (ear nose throat) specialist to confirm the diagnosis. If confirmed apart from meclizine he might perform the Epley maneuver, which is a series of head movements which may relieve symptoms for some types of vertigo (not all, depends on the type found on the exam). Physical therapy therapy helps as well.
Among other causes to be mentioned there is upper neck arthritis which may also manifest that way. If no ear cause is found a x-ray of the cervical spine should be done. Physical therapy is beneficial for this cause as well (of course different exercises from when due to the ear).
Conditions such as high blood pressure, anemia, diabetes, liver and kidney disease may also cause dizziness. So blood pressure measurement as well as some routine blood tests should also be done.
Stroke or other brain lesions are also a possible cause of dizziness but the improvement by meclizine and lack of other symptoms makes that less likely. So I would investigate in that direction (through MRI imaging) only if the other possibilities are excluded.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
You mention a transdermal patch at the beginning of your question but you forgot to mention what type of patch you are talking about, there are several medications which can be administered that way.
As for the dizziness it can have several causes. Inner ear issues are perhaps the most common cause, as that organ is involved in balance as well as hearing. Usually it is in the form of vertigo, a sensation of spinning movement. It seems to be what the cruise doctor believed to be the cause judging by the medication. The fact meclizine worked supports that as well. Meclizine may be used again to alleviate the symptoms but in the meantime should see a ENT (ear nose throat) specialist to confirm the diagnosis. If confirmed apart from meclizine he might perform the Epley maneuver, which is a series of head movements which may relieve symptoms for some types of vertigo (not all, depends on the type found on the exam). Physical therapy therapy helps as well.
Among other causes to be mentioned there is upper neck arthritis which may also manifest that way. If no ear cause is found a x-ray of the cervical spine should be done. Physical therapy is beneficial for this cause as well (of course different exercises from when due to the ear).
Conditions such as high blood pressure, anemia, diabetes, liver and kidney disease may also cause dizziness. So blood pressure measurement as well as some routine blood tests should also be done.
Stroke or other brain lesions are also a possible cause of dizziness but the improvement by meclizine and lack of other symptoms makes that less likely. So I would investigate in that direction (through MRI imaging) only if the other possibilities are excluded.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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