Medicines That May Cause Light-Headedness or Vertigo

Medicines That May Cause Light-Headedness or Vertigo

Topic Contents

Overview

Many prescription and non-prescription medicines can make you feel light-headed or affect your balance. A few examples are:

  • Antibiotics.
  • Blood pressure medicines.
  • Medicines used to treat depression or anxiety.
  • Pain medicines.
  • Medicines used to treat cancer (chemotherapy).

If you think a prescription or non-prescription medicine may be causing your light-headedness or vertigo, call your doctor.

Credits

Current as of: July 1, 2021

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
David Messenger MD - Emergency Medicine, Critical Care Medicine