Objective: To evaluate the effects of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on Meniere's disease (MD) on patients who have both MD and generalized anxiety disorder.
Materials and methods: All patients were evaluated with neurotologic examination, videonystagmography, audiological tests, and inner ear magnetic resonance imaging. Characteristic history and the evaluation of the patients' vertigo attacks during the attacks were the primary criteria for the diagnosis of MD. According to these parameters, 12 patients were diagnosed with definite MD and also symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Escitalopram 10 mg was prescribed to the patients. The clinical records of these patients were reviewed.
Results: Eight female and 4 male patients with MD and generalized anxiety disorder were included. The average age was found to be 46.25 years (34-63 years). Magnetic resonance imaging of patients was reported as normal. All patients had unilateral MD. The patients were diagnosed with MD for 2-12 years (mean: 5 years). All patients used betahistine and diuretics before escitalopram. Intratympanic gentamicin was also applied to one patient. After escitalopram medication, no vertigo attack was observed in any of the patients.
Conclusion: SSRIs may have a central balancing effect on vertigo attacks of MD. Escitalopram can control vertigo attacks in MD. Further studies are needed to support this effect.