Clinical Report: Case Report Describes Possible Betahistine–Suicidality Link

Overview

This case report describes a potential association between betahistine use and the emergence of depressive symptoms with suicidal ideation in a 33-year-old male patient.

Background

Betahistine is commonly used for treating vertigo and Ménière disease, despite not being FDA-approved. With over 100 million estimated patient exposures globally, understanding its safety profile, particularly concerning suicidality, is critical for clinicians. This case report highlights a previously unreported potential link between betahistine and suicidality.

Data Highlights

No numerical or trial data presented in the article.

Key Findings

• A 33-year-old male developed low mood and suicidal ideation after starting betahistine.
• Symptoms resolved within 2 days after discontinuation of betahistine.
• The case was classified as a probable adverse drug reaction based on established assessment scales.
• Prior safety signals indicated betahistine as a risk factor for suicide attempts.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should be aware of the potential for neuropsychiatric adverse reactions in patients treated with betahistine.

Conclusion

This case report presents a potential psychiatric side effect associated with betahistine.

Related Resources & Content

1. Jiong Tang, MM, Medicine, 2023 -- Case Report Describes Possible Betahistine–Suicidality Link
2. Frontiers in Psychiatry — Exploring risk signals of association between drugs and suicide: a retrospective investigation from 2004 to 2024
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6. Clinical Practice Guideline: Ménière’s Disease - American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS)
7. Efficacy and safety of betahistine treatment in patients with Meniere’s disease: primary results of a long term, multicentre, double blind, randomised, placebo controlled, dose defining trial (BEMED trial)
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10. Suicidal Ideation, Behaviors, and Deaths in People With Ménière's Disease: A Systematic Review - PubMed
11. Systemic pharmacological interventions for Ménière’s disease - PMC