If you’ve ever started a new medication and immediately felt worse—you’re not broken, and you’re definitely not alone.

In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most common and most frustrating experiences in the vestibular world: medication sensitivity. And more importantly, what to actually do about it.

I’m breaking down why so many people with vestibular disorders struggle to tolerate new medications, how to wean on and off gradually to give yourself the best shot at success, and why going slow is actually the fastest way to feel better. We’re also talking about the nocebo effect—because what you expect from a medication can literally shape what you experience.

Plus, I’m making a case for the most underutilized resource in your healthcare team: your pharmacist. Seriously, use them. They know things your doctor might miss.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

• Why medication sensitivity is SO common in the vestibular community
• The case for weaning onto medications gradually
• What compounding pharmacies are & how they can be a game changer for hypersensitive people
• Why you need to understand the nocebo effect before starting a new medication
• How to tell the difference between “dizziness as a side effect” vs your chronic dizziness
• How to set yourself up for success when starting a new medication
• A tool you can use to take the guesswork out of medications

Starting a new medication doesn’t feel like as much of a gamble when you know how to prepare, advocate for yourself, and you go slow. Following these tips, you give yourself the very best shot at finally feeling better.

Related Episodes:

• How to Wean Off Your Preventative Medications: https://thevertigodoctor.com/podcast/54-how-to-wean-off-your-preventative-medications/

Links Mentioned:

• Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off!): https://thevertigodoctor.com/vestibular-group-fit
• Golden Genetics (mention Dr. Madison for a discount!): https://www.goldengeneticshealth.com/

Free Resources:

• ⁠The 4 Steps to Managing Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/cb5js0y78n
• ⁠The PPPD Management Masterclass⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/new-pppd
• ⁠What your Partner Should Know About Living with Dizziness⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/partnership
• ⁠The FREE Mini VGFit Workout⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/minifit
• ⁠The FREE POTS – safe Workouts⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/pots

Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

Work with Dr. Madison:

• For 1:1 Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, email madison@thevertigodoctor.com
• Otherwise, I’ll see ya in Vestibular Group Fit!

Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

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This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

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vestibular medication, medication for vestibular disorder, placebo and nocebo effect, side effects, vestibular migraine, VM, vestibular disorders, chronic dizziness, mindset and the nocebo effect, increased anxiety and depression, nervous system and dizziness, vestibular group fit, migraine management, compounding pharmacies