Assessing the efficacy of an antidepressant for improving vertigo attacks in Meniere’s disease

Principal Investigator: Dr. Habib Rizk

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Disease: Meniere’s disease

Research Description: Meniere’s disease is a major cause of vertigo, affecting around 190 people per 100,000 in the US. As of yet, the cause of Meniere’s disease is uncertain and there is no gold-standard treatment. There is evidence that serotonin can modulate balance function in the brain, and norepinephrine has also been shown to inhibit vestibular activity. Venlafaxine is classified as a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that is well-tolerated and well-established in the treatment of depression and anxiety. Furthermore, research has shown that venlafaxine may reduce endolymphatic hydrops (swelling of the fluid spaces of the inner ear that correlates with symptoms of Meniere’s disease) by inhibiting vasopressin receptors. The research team will compare the efficacy of oral, daily venlafaxine to placebo in a randomized clinical trial of 40 patients. Findings from this research may suggest venlafaxine as a potential therapy that could benefit many patients suffering from Meniere’s disease.

Funding Partners: Becky and Lester Knight

CWR funding role: Participating funder