Fluoxetine for vestibular dysfunction and anxiety: a prospective pilot study

Psychosomatics. 2005 Jul-Aug;46(4):334-9. doi: 10.1176/appi.psy.46.4.334.

Abstract

Anxiety states and disorders amplify the symptoms and impairment associated with vestibular dysfunction. Five patients with inner ear vestibular dysfunction and anxiety were prospectively treated with fluoxetine, 20-60 mg/day, and received an extensive battery of assessments at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. Fluoxetine led to significant or near significant reductions in anxiety measures and in impairment due to dizziness; improvements in clinical balance function and vestibular function were less clear. The data add to the literature suggesting a role for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the treatment of dizziness and anxiety.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anxiety / drug therapy*
  • Dizziness / etiology
  • Female
  • Fluoxetine / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Prospective Studies
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Vestibular Diseases / complications
  • Vestibular Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Vestibular Diseases / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Fluoxetine