7 Ways to Treat Vertigo at Home and Get Fast Relief

Dizzy spells from vertigo can spoil your day. That off-balance sensation, like everything around you is moving or spinning, can be uncomfortable — and sometimes even debilitating. And while it’s a common symptom, the causes and treatments can vary. 

Fortunately, there are some things you can do at home to treat vertigo. Let’s take a closer look at some ways to find quick relief from vertigo symptoms.

What triggers vertigo?

One of the most common triggers for vertigo is moving your head too fast — like when you look up, roll over in bed, or bend down to pick something up. This can disrupt tiny particles in your inner ear and result in a brief episode of vertigo that usually goes away quickly on its own.

Other vertigo causes can include:

• An inner ear infection or fluid buildup

• Migraines

• Head injuries

• Certain medications (like blood pressure medications, antibiotics, or antidepressants)

• Dehydration

• Stress and anxiety

• Orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when moving to an upright position)

• COVID-19

If you can figure out what’s triggering your vertigo, you’re one step closer to feeling better. Paying attention to when it happens — and what you were doing before it started — can help you find the best way to manage it.

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How to treat vertigo at home

When vertigo strikes, the goal is to get your balance back as quickly as possible. While there’s no instant cure, there are several strategies you can try at home to feel better sooner. 

Here are seven natural remedies for at-home vertigo relief. Try these strategies to find what works best for you. Remember, being consistent is crucial when managing vertigo at home.

1. The Epley maneuver 

This exercise involves a series of head movements to help reposition inner ear particles to help ease vertigo. This is helpful for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) — vertigo due to changes in head position. 

To do the Epley maneuver:

• Sit on the edge of your bed with your legs stretched out in front of you. Place a pillow behind you to support your head when you lie down.

• Turn your head 45 degrees to the side that feels affected. Hold this position for about 30 seconds, or until you stop feeling dizzy.

• Keeping your head turned, lie back quickly. Your shoulders should be flat on the bed, and your head should hang slightly off the edge with your chin pointing up. Stay in this position for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

• Slowly turn your head to the opposite side, without lifting it. Hold this position for about 30 seconds.

• Roll your body onto the same side you’re now facing. For example, if your head is turned to the left, roll onto your left side. Keep your head turned to the same angle. Stay in this position for another 30 seconds.

• Slowly and carefully sit up. Take your time and let your head adjust to the change in position. If you still feel dizzy, you may need to repeat the maneuver a couple of times.

2. Sit or lie down 

If you start feeling dizzy, sit or lie down right away in a safe place. Stay still until the sensation passes. This can help you avoid falling or injuring yourself.

3. Hydrate 

Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water throughout the day. Dehydration can make vertigo worse. Staying hydrated can help prevent or lessen symptoms.

4. Move slowly 

Slowing down your movement during position changes can help prevent sudden rushes of dizziness. Be sure to stand up slowly, and pause for a moment before fully rising. This gives your body time to adjust and helps your brain and inner ear catch up. 

5. Rest and relax 

Stress can trigger or make vertigo worse. Managing and reducing your stress may help vertigo symptoms. Take time to relax, practice deep breathing, or try light stretches or yoga. These can help your body regain balance.

6. Exercises

Certain exercises can help to treat symptoms of vertigo. These often involve eye and head movements, or training to improve balance and coordination. These exercises can help with posture, stability, and balance in people with vertigo. 

7. Focus on a fixed point 

If you’re sitting up, focus your eyes on a stationary object. This can help your brain adjust and reduce the dizzy feeling. The stillness of the object can help calm vertigo symptoms.

What should you avoid when you have vertigo?

When you feel vertigo, you might want to push through it. But some activities can make your symptoms worse or even put you at risk for injury while you’re off-balance. To keep from worsening your vertigo symptoms, try to avoid the following:

• Sudden head movements

• Standing or walking without support

• Loud noises and bright lights

• Certain foods and drinks (like alcohol or high-salt foods)

• Lack of sleep

To feel better and have fewer vertigo episodes, learn what triggers your symptoms. And try to avoid them when you can.

What over-the-counter medications can relieve vertigo?

If dizziness doesn’t go away, some over-the-counter (OTC) medications can give temporary relief. You can try these while looking for long-term solutions. Here are some common options:

• Antihistamines: Medications like meclizine (Antivert) and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) can help reduce dizziness and nausea associated with vertigo. They work by blocking certain signals in your brain that cause these symptoms.

• Decongestants: If your vertigo is related to an ear infection or sinus congestion, decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) may help by reducing fluid buildup in your inner ear.

• Anti-nausea medications: If you have nausea with your vertigo, over-the-counter remedies like ginger supplements may help soothe an upset stomach.

Always talk to a healthcare professional before using these medications. This is especially true if you’re unsure about what’s causing your vertigo.

When should you seek care for vertigo symptoms?

Most cases of vertigo are temporary and can be managed at home. But sometimes, you should seek medical advice, because it could be a sign of a serious condition. Consult a healthcare professional if you have:

• Severe or sudden dizziness

• Recurring episodes that come and go or don’t get better with home care

• Hearing loss

• Difficulty walking or standing

• Chest pain 

• Numbness or weakness

• Vision changes

Frequently asked questions

Bottom line

Vertigo can be frustrating — but it doesn’t have to take over your life. Identifying your triggers and trying safe, at-home treatments can help treat vertigo symptoms. If your symptoms are severe or not getting better, don’t try to handle it alone. Talk to a healthcare professional to find the best ways to get relief. 

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Written by:

Bernadette Anderson, MD, MPH

A native of Saginaw, Michigan, Dr. Bernadette earned an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She completed a master's degree in public health at the University of California, Berkeley, and a doctorate of medicine from the Medical College of Ohio.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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