Zevert MD (betahistine) is an anti-vertigo medication, used to treat vertigo, balance issues, severe dizziness, and tinnitus. It works by reducing inner ear pressure. Some individuals also use Zevert MD to help with weight loss, as it makes fatty foods less appealing.

This medication must be used long-term to produce results. It can take 6 to 12 months of regular treatment before significant results are seen, though most patients do experience some improvement before then. Zevert MD does not produce results if used as-needed.

Zevert MD is also not a cure for any condition. It works by increasing vasodilation and permeability in the inner ear, effects which wear off if treatment stops. Episodes may still happen while Zevert MD is being taken, but they should be less frequent and less severe if they do occur.

Choosing the Right Treatment

Zevert MD comes in tablets of 24 mg. It is distinct from Zevert SR, which is a sustained-release version of the product that is taken less frequently than Zevert MD or regular Zevert.

Zevert MD is also different from regular Zevert, which comes in 16 mg tablets. These tablets are ideal for starting treatment, and they can be split to produce smaller, 8 mg doses.

Both Zevert and Zevert MD are taken 2 to 4 times per day.

Conditions Treated

Zevert MD is often used to help treat:

• Meniere's disease, a condition in which inner ear pressure produces vertigo, hearing impairment, and tinnitus
• Migraine-associated vertigo
• Motion sickness
• Balance disorders
• Severe dizziness associated with panic attacks or anxiety

Results can vary widely. Some users find Zevert MD completely eliminates symptoms, while others notice little difference. This is likely due to the underlying cause of the issue, which can be very difficult to determine.

While it takes 6 to 12 months for maximum benefit, some improvements are usually noticeable within a few days to one month of starting treatment. If there is no difference noticed after a month of treatment the medication is unlikely to provide benefit in the future; speak with a doctor about alternative treatments.

Taking Zevert MD

Treatment is very similar in all cases; dosage starts low and is adjusted up or down according to patient response. In most cases:

• Start with 16 mg, taken 3 or 4 times per day.
• Each dose should be taken with food and a full glass of fluid, if possible.
• After several days of treatment, according to patient response, dosage may be reduced to 8 mg per dose or increased to 24 mg per dose.
• Do not take more than 96 mg per day (four 24 mg tablets) without explicit doctor approval.

Patients looking for 16 mg doses will find them here. These tablets can be split to make 8 mg doses.

Most patients have dosage increased to 24 mg; Zevert MD is designed for these patients, who usually take tablets long-term. Treatment can continue for as long as it provides benefit.

Zevert MD for Weight Loss

Using Zevert MD for weight loss is an off-label use, meaning it's not illegal but it's also not approved. Patients interested in this medication for weight loss may have a difficult time finding a doctor to prescribe it. As treatment is best individualized, patients are encouraged to work with a doctor if possible.

Some individuals believe that the medication makes fatty foods unappealing, so patients will eat less of them. A few studies from well-established organizations have shown that the medication can promote weight loss, or at least help prevent further weight gain. Effects are most pronounced in patients who are obese and under age 50.

Treatment is very similar to other uses:

• Start with 16 mg, taken 3 or 4 times per day.
• Each dose should be taken with food and a full glass of fluid.
• After several days of treatment dosage may be increased to 24 mg per dose.
• Do not take more than 96 mg per day without explicit doctor approval.

Side effects are rare and mild, and usually gastrointestinal, such as nausea or vomiting. Patients treating vertigo and dizziness are often unable to distinguish between side effects and symptoms of their condition; however, those using Zevert MD for weight loss may notice them. They're not cause for concern if mild, but if they become severe enough to be disruptive, dosage should be lowered or treatment should end.