Meclizine interactions to avoid

Drug interactions | Food interactions | Other interactions | Avoiding interactions | When to see a doctor

Meclizine is an antihistamine prescribed to treat or prevent nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It may also be prescribed for treating vertigo related to inner ear problems. Although meclizine is effective for symptom relief, it may interact with various medicines, which may increase the risk of side effects. Meclizine has several drug interactions, especially with medications that cause sedation, such as benzodiazepines and opioids.

Before starting meclizine, it’s recommended to discuss potential drug interactions with a doctor or pharmacist. While some interactions may be mild, others may lead to serious side effects or adverse reactions. However, interactions are usually preventable by following some basic precautions. 

Keep reading to explore possible interactions while using meclizine. 

Meclizine-drug interactions

The use of meclizine does not come without a risk of interactions with various prescription and nonprescription drugs. Some of the most common drug interactions with meclizine involve the following medications:

Benzodiazepines 

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs mainly used for treating anxiety and insomnia. Combining benzodiazepines with meclizine may increase sedative effects like drowsiness and difficulty with movement or coordination. Common benzodiazepines include:

• Xanax (alprazolam)
• Valium (diazepam)
• Ativan (lorazepam)

Barbiturates 

Barbiturates, a drug class used for sedation and to treat seizure disorders, can have their sedative effects amplified when taken with meclizine. Taking a barbiturate with meclizine may increase dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and headaches. Examples of barbiturates include:

• Luminal (phenobarbital)
• Seconal (secobarbital)

Sedative-hypnotics 

Sedative-hypnotics, used to help people sleep or to calm them down before an operation, can also interact with meclizine. Taking these medicines together with meclizine can lead to increased sedation and impaired cognitive and motor functions. Common sedative-hypnotics include:

• Ambien (zolpidem)
• Lunesta (eszopiclone)
• Sonata (zaleplon)

Opioids 

Opioids are strong pain relievers that can have their sedative effects increased when taken with meclizine. This drug combination can increase drowsiness, dizziness, and poor coordination. Common opioids include:

• Vicodin (hydrocodone)
• OxyContin (oxycodone)
• Kadian (morphine)

Antipsychotics 

Antipsychotics, medications used for managing mental health conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, can also interact with meclizine. Taking meclizine with antipsychotics can amplify side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion. Examples of antipsychotics include:

• Risperdal (risperidone)
• Seroquel (quetiapine)
• Zyprexa (olanzapine)

Certain antidepressants 

Some antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants can have interactions with meclizine. These interactions may increase the risk of side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. Antidepressants to be mindful of include:

• Lexapro (escitalopram)
• Paxil (paroxetine)
• Elavil (amitriptyline)
• Tofranil (imipramine)

Other antihistamines 

Combining meclizine with other first-generation antihistamines may lead to increased side effects of drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion, among other CNS depressant effects. As a result, this interaction may lead to increased sleepiness and reduced alertness. Common first-generation antihistamines include:

• Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine)
• Silenor (doxepin)

Muscle relaxants 

Muscle relaxants relieve muscle spasms and pain. Combining muscle relaxers with meclizine may lead to increased sedative effects when combined with meclizine, such as increased drowsiness and decreased coordination. Examples of muscle relaxants include:

• Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)
• Robaxin (methocarbamol)
• Soma (carisoprodol)

Some anti-seizure medications 

Medications used to prevent or treat seizures can also interact with meclizine. This interaction may increase side effects like dizziness and confusion. Some anti-seizure medications to watch out for include:

• Tegretol (carbamazepine)
• Neurontin (gabapentin)
• Dilantin (phenytoin)

CYP2D6 inhibitors

CYP2D6 inhibitors affect how the body processes certain medications, including meclizine. It may take longer for meclizine to be processed in the body when combining meclizine with CYP2D6 inhibitors. As a result, this interaction may lead to more pronounced meclizine side effects. Common CYP2D6 inhibitors include:

• Antidepressants like Paxil (paroxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Wellbutrin (bupropion)
• Certain antipsychotics, such as Zyprexa (olanzapine) and Risperdal (risperidone)
• Beta blockers, such as Coreg (carvedilol) and Tenormin (atenolol)
• Pacerone (amiodarone) is used for certain heart rhythm disorders

This may not be a complete list of drug-drug interactions with meclizine. Consult a healthcare provider for more information about potential drug interactions associated with this medicine.

Meclizine-food interactions

Meclizine may be taken with or without food, depending on individual preferences. Food does not affect the absorption of meclizine or how well it works. Those who experience stomach discomfort while taking medication might find it helpful to take meclizine with food to reduce the chance of an upset stomach.

Alcohol and meclizine

Combining meclizine with alcohol may increase the risk of potential adverse effects like drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, healthcare professionals recommend limiting or avoiding alcoholic beverages while taking meclizine, especially if you’re driving or operating heavy machinery. Consult a healthcare provider for medical advice if you have questions about the risk of mixing alcohol and antihistamines. 

Other meclizine interactions

In addition to prescription medications, meclizine can also interact with certain dietary supplements or herbal remedies, especially those that have sedative effects. Taking meclizine with the following herbal supplements could increase drowsiness and dizziness. 

• Jamaica Dogwood
• Kava Kava
• Lavender
• Skullcap
• Valerian
• St. John’s wort
• Chamomile
• Passionflower

If you’re taking an herbal supplement for sleep or anxiety, you may want to speak with a healthcare professional before taking meclizine. Other herbal supplements not listed here may also cause drowsiness.

Other considerations

People with certain medical conditions may need to use meclizine with caution. There may be an increased risk of possible side effects in people with the following health conditions.

• Respiratory conditions: People with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD should be cautious when using meclizine as it can thicken mucus in the lungs. As a result, meclizine may increase respiratory symptoms like wheezing or shortness of breath.
• Glaucoma: Individuals with glaucoma should consult their healthcare provider before taking meclizine. Meclizine may elevate eye pressure and worsen the condition.
• Enlarged prostate: Meclizine may make it harder to urinate, especially for people with an enlarged prostate. Men with an enlarged prostate should use meclizine with caution, as it can worsen urinary retention issues.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant women should consult a healthcare provider, as animal studies have shown meclizine may cause harm to an unborn baby. In addition, meclizine may pass into breast milk, which may affect children who breastfeed. 
• Genetic CYP2D6 polymorphism: Genetic differences in the CYP2D6 enzyme can change how a person’s body processes meclizine, with some people breaking it down quickly due to CYP2D6 ultrarapid metabolizer phenotypes. Because of these differences, healthcare providers may watch patients closely to monitor the drug’s effectiveness and side effects.
• Hepatic or renal impairment: People with kidney disease or liver problems may need to use caution when using meclizine, as it may be affected by or potentially worsen these conditions.

Before taking meclizine, discuss your medical conditions with a healthcare professional. 

How to minimize meclizine interactions

Meclizine interactions are typically preventable. You can reduce the risk of interactions when using meclizine in various ways. Here are some common steps to take:

• Check the label: Always read the drug information in the product package for potential warnings, and follow the instructions on your prescription label for the appropriate dosage. 
• Consult your healthcare provider: Before starting meclizine, tell your healthcare provider about your other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. Only use meclizine as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Adhere to dosing instructions: Stick to the prescription instructions for the correct dose and timing. Never double up on a missed dose; take the next dose at the next scheduled time.

• Avoid certain substances: Substances that promote drowsiness, such as alcohol, may increase the risk of drowsiness and dizziness. Ask your healthcare provider if there are any substances you should avoid.
• Watch for warning signs: Be aware of any unexpected side effects or changes in your overall condition that might indicate an interaction.

It’s recommended to have regular visits with your healthcare provider, especially if you take other medications or have other health conditions. 

When to talk to a healthcare provider about meclizine interactions

An interaction between meclizine and other substances may result in mild to severe side effects. Therefore, you may want to talk to a healthcare provider about meclizine interactions and the following:

• Prescribed medications: Other drugs may increase the likelihood of drowsiness, dizziness, or breathing problems.
• Over-the-counter products: Products like cold or allergy medications may contain antihistamines or sedatives that can intensify meclizine side effects.
• Dietary supplements: Vitamins, minerals, and herbal products may have the potential to amplify the sedative side effects of meclizine.
• Existing medical conditions: Conditions, such as asthma or glaucoma, may be worsened by meclizine. In addition, people with kidney disease or liver problems may be at an increased risk of side effects with meclizine. 

Seek immediate medical attention and tell your healthcare provider if you experience any serious adverse reactions, such as:

• Allergic reactions: Symptoms may include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Symptoms of overdose: Watch for extreme dizziness, drowsiness, hallucinations, seizures, blurred vision, and trouble sleeping.

This article does not describe a complete list of all possible meclizine interactions. When starting a new medication like meclizine, always discuss your entire medical history, including any supplements and over-the-counter drugs, with your healthcare provider.