7 Meclizine Side Effects You Should Know About

Meclizine (Antivert, Bonine) is an antihistamine available by prescription and over the counter (OTC). It’s often taken to treat the symptoms of motion sickness and vertigo, including nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

If you're going to be taking meclizine, it’s important to know what side effects to expect. Let’s dive into seven notable meclizine side effects. But keep in mind, this list doesn’t include every possible side effect.

1. Drowsiness

Drowsiness is a common side effect of many older antihistamines, including meclizine. That’s because meclizine can pass through the blood-brain barrier (a group of cells that protect the brain from certain substances that are found in the rest of the body). When medications pass through this barrier, they can cause brain-related side effects, such as drowsiness.

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Experts think histamine plays a role in how the body perceives movement and balance. And too much histamine activity may contribute to the feeling that the world is spinning. Blocking histamine receptors (binding sites) in the motion center of the brain seems to help reduce symptoms. But in order to do this, antihistamines need to cross the blood-brain barrier.

When you first start taking meclizine, avoid activities that need alertness, such as driving. See how it affects you before trying these activities. And try to avoid other medications and substances that can worsen drowsiness, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol.

Some people only take meclizine once a day. If this is the case, try taking your meclizine at bedtime to avoid drowsiness during the day. If you take meclizine more than once per day, talk to your healthcare provider if drowsiness interferes with your daily routine. You may need a lower dose or a different medication to manage your symptoms.

Good to know: Meclizine has a lower risk of drowsiness than other motion sickness pills, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine). In fact, there’s a version of Dramamine that contains meclizine that’s aptly called Dramamine Less Drowsy.

2. Dizziness

Even though meclizine is a medication for motion sickness and vertigo, it can sometimes cause dizziness as a side effect. Similar to drowsiness, medications that cross the blood-brain barrier can also cause dizziness. Keep in mind, it may be hard to tell if your dizziness is a medication side effect or a symptom of vertigo or motion sickness.

If you experience dizziness while taking meclizine, find a safe place to sit or lie down. This can help prevent falls and injuries. Drinking extra water or other fluids may also be helpful.

Dizziness caused by meclizine should go away on its own as the medication wears off (about 8 to 24 hours after a dose). If your dizziness doesn’t get better, talk to your healthcare provider about a lower dosage or different medication.

3. Headache

Headaches are another common meclizine side effect. In fact, headache is a possible side effect with all antihistamines. Headaches should be mild, and you should be able to manage them at home.

Home remedies can be helpful to manage headaches. These include drinking enough water, limiting caffeine, and getting enough sleep at night. You can also ask your provider or pharmacist whether it’s OK for you to take an OTC headache medication, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

If your headaches seem severe or don’t go away, talk with your provider. This isn’t typical with meclizine.

4. Dry mouth

Dry mouth can also happen when taking meclizine. In addition to blocking histamine, meclizine also blocks a chemical called acetylcholine. Medications that block acetylcholine can cause anticholinergic side effects. Dry mouth is one example of an anticholinergic side effect.

Although dry mouth can be bothersome, it’s usually mild. If you experience dry mouth from meclizine, there are a few things you can try that may help relieve it:

• Suck (don’t chew) on ice chips or sugar-free candy.

• Drink cool liquids throughout the day.

• Chew sugar free gum.

• Try OTC saliva substitutes, such as Biotene or BioXtra.

• Be consistent with good dental care, such as brushing and flossing, at least twice a day. This lowers your risk of dental problems that may happen with long-term dry mouth.

If these at home remedies don't work, talk to your healthcare provider. They may recommend stopping meclizine, depending on how severe your dry mouth is.

5. Vomiting

Vomiting is a potential side effect of many different medications, including meclizine. Like dizziness, vomiting is also a symptom of vertigo and motion sickness. So, it can be hard to tell if meclizine is causing this issue.

If you feel nauseated, there are some tips to follow that may also help if your nausea is caused by motion sickness or vertigo:

• Try to change your body position. For example, if you’re sitting up, try reclining or lying down.

• Avoid reading or looking at screens while traveling.

• Close your eyes or wear dark sunglasses.

• Listen to pleasant or calming music.

• Practice controlled, mindful breathing.

• Focus on the horizon and not what’s immediately in front of you.

• Stay well hydrated.

• Consider trying ginger or lemon tea or candies.

• Avoid alcohol and smoking.

• Choose a seat in the front of a vehicle. If you’re in a plane, select a window seat if you can.

If you vomit after taking meclizine, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Depending on how long it’s been since you took the medication, you may need to take another dose.

6. Constipation

Constipation is another possible meclizine side effect. Like dry mouth, constipation is an anticholinergic side effect. This typically resolves on its own. But it can be uncomfortable while it’s happening.

Drinking more water and increasing your fiber intake are great first steps to take for relieving constipation. You can also ask your provider or pharmacist about OTC constipation medications. They may recommend a laxative or stool softener to help you get things moving again.

Check in with your healthcare provider if your constipation isn’t improving after a few days of dietary changes or OTC medications. If your constipation is severe or gets worse at any point, contact your care team right away. Severe, untreated constipation can lead to more serious bowel problems, such as a bowel obstruction (blockage).

7. Blurry vision

Meclizine may also cause blurry vision. This is another example of an anticholinergic side effect. In many cases, blurry vision should stop after you finish taking the medication or after your dose wears off. Just be careful performing activities that require focus, such as driving. Blurry vision could make performing these activities difficult or dangerous.

However, blurry vision can also be a symptom of acute angle-closure glaucoma. This is a rare but serious meclizine side effect. Symptoms include blurry vision, intense eye pain, and seeing halos around lights.

People who have narrow-angle glaucoma have a higher risk of this serious side effect. But if you have any type of glaucoma, it’s always best to discuss meclizine with your healthcare provider before taking it. They’ll weigh your personal risks when determining if this medication is OK for you.

If you notice any changes in your vision while taking meclizine, contact your provider. And if you experience blurry vision with eye pain, seek medical care right away.

When should you contact your healthcare provider about meclizine side effects?

You can always contact your healthcare provider whenever you have questions about meclizine side effects. It’s always better to double-check your symptoms with them if you’re concerned. But most meclizine side effects are mild, temporary, and can be managed at home.

If you have severe side effects, such as blurry vision along with eye pain, seek medical help right away. They can help determine whether you need further medical care.

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Written by:

Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP

Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP, has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist, professor, and researcher. She was a full-time clinical professor in the pharmacy practice department at D’Youville School of Pharmacy before subsequently joining the faculty of the pharmacy practice department at the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

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