Antivert is a trusted brand of meclizine, an antihistamine that helps relieve vertigo and prevent motion sickness. By calming signals in the inner ear and brain’s vomiting center, it reduces dizziness, nausea, and vomiting from conditions like vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, and Ménière’s disease, as well as travel-related nausea. Available in 12.5 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg strengths, Antivert works within about an hour and may last up to 24 hours. It’s generally well tolerated, though drowsiness and dry mouth can occur. Many adults appreciate its once-daily convenience and steady symptom control when lifestyle strategies alone are not enough today.
Antivert is commonly used for two main problems: vertigo (a spinning sensation often driven by inner-ear disorders) and motion sickness (nausea and dizziness when traveling by car, boat, or plane). As an antihistamine with anticholinergic properties, meclizine helps dampen abnormal vestibular signals and quiets the brain’s vomiting center, reducing dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Clinicians often reach for Antivert to support people experiencing vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, or Ménière’s disease—conditions where the inner ear misfires, creating disorienting balance symptoms. For motion sickness, taking a dose before travel can prevent symptoms rather than chasing them after they begin.
Beyond those core uses, meclizine is sometimes used off-label under medical guidance for other causes of nausea and dizziness. It’s generally best for short-term symptom control during flare-ups, while your healthcare provider assesses and addresses underlying causes. Non-drug strategies can help too—hydration, vestibular rehabilitation exercises, adequate sleep, and minimizing rapid head movements. Many patients find the combination of lifestyle strategies plus Antivert provides steady, reliable relief so they can function at work, travel comfortably, and get back to daily routines.
Typical adult dosing for motion sickness is 25–50 mg taken about one hour before travel; the dose may be repeated once daily as needed. For vertigo, adults often use 25–50 mg up to 1–3 times daily, with many clinicians capping the total at 100 mg per day. Your effective dose depends on symptom intensity, response, and tolerability—start at the lowest dose that works. Antivert can be taken with or without food, though a light snack may help if you are already nauseated. Onset is usually within 60 minutes, and effects can last 8–24 hours.
Elderly individuals can be more sensitive to anticholinergic effects (like confusion, constipation, or urinary retention) and sedation; lower starting doses are prudent. For adolescents, check the specific product label; many meclizine products are labeled for ages 12 and up. If your vertigo persists, worsens, or is accompanied by severe headache, double vision, fever, new neurologic symptoms, chest pain, or fainting, seek urgent medical evaluation. Antivert is for symptom relief, not diagnosis—ongoing or severe dizziness deserves a thorough workup to rule out serious causes.
Because Antivert can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and slowed reaction time, avoid driving, operating machinery, climbing heights, or engaging in activities requiring full alertness until you know how you respond. Alcohol, cannabis, sedatives, and sleep aids can intensify sedation—use caution and avoid combining when possible. Anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, difficulty urinating) can be more pronounced in older adults and in people with glaucoma, enlarged prostate, or chronic constipation. If you have chronic respiratory disease, severe liver disease, or take multiple anticholinergic medications, discuss risks and alternatives with your clinician.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding require individualized counseling. Meclizine has a long history of use and is sometimes used for nausea in pregnancy, but any medicine during pregnancy should be approved by your obstetric provider. For breastfeeding, data are limited; occasional doses are unlikely to affect most older infants, but monitor for sedation or feeding changes and seek pediatric guidance. Finally, if vertigo follows head trauma, is associated with neurologic deficits, or you develop new hearing loss or severe migraine, do not self-treat—prompt medical evaluation is essential.
Do not use Antivert if you have had an allergic reaction to meclizine or any tablet ingredients. While not absolute contraindications, narrow-angle glaucoma, urinary retention, severe constipation, and significant prostatic hypertrophy warrant strong caution due to anticholinergic effects; many patients in these groups should avoid meclizine unless a clinician determines benefits outweigh risks. If you experience rash, swelling, trouble breathing, severe confusion, or vision changes after a dose, stop the medication and seek medical care immediately.
Common side effects include drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth, and sometimes blurred vision or mild constipation. Headache, stomach upset, and thickened airway secretions can occur. Most effects are dose-related and tend to improve as your body adjusts; lowering the dose often reduces bothersome symptoms. Practical tips: sip water through the day or use sugar-free gum for dry mouth; add fiber and fluids for constipation; and schedule doses at night if daytime drowsiness interferes with work or school.
Less common but more serious effects include confusion (particularly in older adults), difficulty urinating, palpitations, or allergic reactions (hives, swelling, wheezing). Stop the medication and seek care if these emerge. If vertigo persists despite treatment, you may benefit from vestibular rehabilitation therapy, migraine-directed treatment (if migraine is the driver), or evaluation for underlying ear conditions. Remember: Antivert controls symptoms; it does not correct structural ear problems, and persistent dizziness deserves targeted care.
Meclizine has additive sedative effects with alcohol, benzodiazepines (such as lorazepam), opioids, barbiturates, and many sleep aids; combining increases the risk of impaired coordination and breathing suppression. It also adds to the anticholinergic burden of drugs like tricyclic antidepressants, oxybutynin, tolterodine, scopolamine, or certain antihistamines (diphenhydramine, doxylamine), raising the risk of dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, confusion, and urinary retention. Avoid duplicating therapy with other meclizine-containing or antihistamine products to prevent unintentional overdosing.
If you use Antivert on a schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the time for your next dose. If it’s nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up. For motion sickness prevention, timing matters—dose about one hour before travel to stay ahead of symptoms.
Symptoms of overdose may include extreme sleepiness, agitation or hallucinations, confusion, rapid heartbeat, dilated pupils, severe dry mouth, flushed skin, seizures, or trouble breathing. This pattern reflects anticholinergic toxicity and central nervous system depression. If you suspect an overdose, call your local emergency number right away and contact Poison Control in the U.S. at 1-800-222-1222 for real-time guidance. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a medical professional. Bring the medication bottle so clinicians can verify the strength and quantity taken.
Store Antivert at room temperature (20–25°C/68–77°F) in a dry place away from excess heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep tablets in the original, child-resistant container and out of reach of children and pets. Do not use past the expiration date, and dispose of unused medication through take-back programs or according to pharmacist guidance—do not flush unless the label specifically instructs you to do so. If your tablets look discolored, chipped, or have an unusual odor, consult a pharmacist before use.
In the United States, meclizine (the active ingredient in Antivert) is widely available in over-the-counter formulations for motion sickness, while branded or prescription-strength use for vertigo can vary by product and clinical context. If you are looking to buy Antivert without prescription, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Tallahassee offers a legal and structured solution that prioritizes safety and compliance. Through hospital-based protocols and clinician oversight, eligible patients can access Antivert via an on-site pharmacy service or coordinated dispensing pathway—often without needing a separate, external prescription. The process typically includes a focused clinical screening to confirm appropriate use, medication counseling, dose guidance tailored to your goals (for example, travel prevention versus vertigo control), and documentation within your medical record. This approach streamlines access, ensures medication is suitable for your health profile and other medicines, and provides clear follow-up instructions if symptoms persist or worsen. Availability may be limited to patients under the hospital’s care network and is subject to applicable federal and Florida state regulations. Contact the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Tallahassee pharmacy or patient services team to learn about current eligibility, hours, and whether an equivalent over-the-counter meclizine product would meet your needs as effectively and affordably.
1 Antivert is the brand name for meclizine, an antihistamine used to prevent and treat motion sickness (nausea, vomiting, dizziness) and relieve vertigo from vestibular disorders such as labyrinthitis or Ménière’s disease.
2 Meclizine blocks H1 histamine receptors and has anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) effects that dampen signals in the vestibular system and vomiting center, reducing dizziness and nausea.
3 It usually starts working within 1 hour. Effects can last 12 to 24 hours, which is why many people take it once daily when needed.
4 Adults typically take 25 to 50 mg by mouth 1 hour before travel; you may repeat the dose daily during exposure. Follow the product label or your clinician’s instructions.
5 Common adult dosing is 25 to 100 mg per day in divided doses, depending on severity and response. Use the lowest effective dose and consult your clinician for persistent vertigo.
6 Meclizine is generally labeled for ages 12 and older for motion sickness. For children under 12, ask a pediatric clinician about safer alternatives and dosing.
7 Drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and dizziness are common. Less often, confusion, urinary retention, or palpitations can occur, especially at higher doses or in older adults.
8 Meclizine can cause drowsiness and slow reaction time. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or risky activities until you know how it affects you.
9 Use caution if you have narrow‑angle glaucoma, enlarged prostate or urinary retention, asthma/COPD, liver disease, or are older (fall risk). Discuss with your clinician if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking multiple anticholinergic or sedating drugs.
10 Avoid alcohol and limit other sedatives (opioids, benzodiazepines, sleep aids) as they increase drowsiness. Combining with other anticholinergics (e.g., TCAs, antipsychotics, oxybutynin) raises side‑effect risks. Check interactions if you use MAO inhibitors or have polypharmacy.
11 In many countries, meclizine 25 mg is OTC under brands like Bonine or Dramamine Less Drowsy; Antivert may be prescription-only in some regions. Check local regulations and labeling.
12 Meclizine has long clinical use in pregnancy and has not shown an increased risk of birth defects in available data. Doxylamine‑pyridoxine is often first‑line for nausea/vomiting of pregnancy. Always discuss risks and benefits with your prenatal care provider.
13 Occasional, low‑dose use is generally considered compatible, but antihistamines may cause infant drowsiness and, at higher or prolonged doses, could reduce milk supply. Monitor the infant and consult your clinician.
14 It may ease nausea and spinning sensations temporarily, but it does not correct the underlying ear crystals. Canalith repositioning maneuvers (like the Epley) are the definitive treatment; seek vestibular evaluation.
15 If you miss a dose and still need it, take it when remembered; skip if it’s close to the next dose. Overdose may cause severe drowsiness, agitation, fast heartbeat, confusion, or hallucinations—seek urgent medical help or contact poison control.
16 Short courses are typical. For chronic vestibular symptoms, extended use can add anticholinergic burden and potentially slow central compensation. If you need it regularly, ask about vestibular therapy and a comprehensive workup.
17 Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, in the original container, and out of reach of children.
18 It may reduce nausea and motion sensitivity during attacks but is not a migraine preventive. Discuss migraine‑specific treatments if vertigo is frequent.
19 Older adults are more prone to confusion, constipation, urinary retention, and falls. Start low, go slow, and regularly reassess need.
20 Use behavioral strategies: sit mid‑ship or over the wings, fix your gaze on the horizon, get fresh air, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and consider acupressure bands. Start medication before symptoms if you know you’re prone.
21 Dimenhydrinate tends to be more sedating and shorter acting (every 4–6 hours). Meclizine is generally less sedating and longer lasting (12–24 hours), making once‑daily dosing feasible for many.
22 Dramamine Less Drowsy contains meclizine, the same active ingredient as Antivert. Formulations and branding differ, but effects and dosing are similar; follow each label.
23 Both can help, but diphenhydramine is typically more sedating and shorter acting. Many prefer meclizine for fewer hangover effects and longer duration, while some find diphenhydramine more potent but harder to tolerate.
24 For vertigo, both may help suppress vestibular symptoms. Meclizine’s longer half‑life can provide steadier relief, whereas dimenhydrinate may require more frequent dosing and can cause more drowsiness.
25 Scopolamine is an antimuscarinic patch worn behind the ear and lasts up to 72 hours—good for cruises. It can cause pronounced dry mouth, blurred vision, and is contraindicated in narrow‑angle glaucoma. Meclizine is oral, easier to titrate, and often less anticholinergic overall.
26 Promethazine (Rx) is a potent antihistamine antiemetic that may work when symptoms are severe, but it’s often more sedating and carries risks like low blood pressure and movement disorders. Meclizine is milder with a more favorable side‑effect profile for many.
27 Cyclizine is a related antihistamine used for motion sickness; typical adult dosing is 50 mg up to three times daily. Sedation and anticholinergic effects are similar; availability varies by country, and some users find cyclizine slightly more stimulating than meclizine.
28 Hydroxyzine is a sedating antihistamine used for anxiety, itching, and nausea. It may help motion-related nausea but often causes more drowsiness than meclizine and is not as targeted to vestibular suppression.
29 Doxylamine‑pyridoxine is guideline‑preferred first‑line for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy due to safety and evidence. Meclizine is an alternative with supportive safety data, but discuss individualized choices with your obstetric provider.
30 Cinnarizine (not approved in the U.S.) is an antihistamine with calcium‑channel blocking properties used for vertigo and motion sickness in some countries; it may be more sedating. Where both are available, selection depends on tolerance and clinician guidance.
31 Antivert is a brand; generic meclizine contains the same active ingredient and is typically equivalent in effectiveness and safety. Differences may include price, fillers, and tablet shape.
32 Ondansetron is a 5‑HT3 antagonist aimed at nausea from chemotherapy, surgery, or gastroenteritis and does not help vertigo. Meclizine targets motion sickness and vestibular symptoms. They may be used for different causes of nausea.
33 Ginger, acupressure, and behavioral measures can help mild cases with minimal side effects. Meclizine generally offers stronger, predictable relief but with sedation risk. Many travelers combine non‑drug strategies with lower‑dose meclizine.
34 For children under 12, dimenhydrinate has more established pediatric labeling and dosing. Meclizine is typically for ages 12+. Always use pediatric‑specific dosing and consult a clinician.
35 Second‑generation antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine) are not effective for motion sickness or vertigo. First‑generation agents like meclizine are preferred for vestibular suppression.