From the Research
L-arginine has not been proven effective for treating vertigo, and patients should seek medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and treatment. While L-arginine is an amino acid that helps produce nitric oxide which can improve blood flow, there is insufficient scientific evidence supporting its use specifically for vertigo symptoms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Vertigo—a sensation of spinning or dizziness—is typically treated with medications like meclizine (Antivert) 25mg every 4-6 hours as needed, diazepam (Valium) 2-5mg for severe cases, or betahistine 16mg three times daily in some countries.
Key Points to Consider
- The underlying causes of vertigo vary widely, including inner ear problems (like BPPV, Meniere's disease), vestibular neuritis, or central nervous system issues, and proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.
- Some patients find relief through vestibular rehabilitation exercises prescribed by healthcare providers.
- While L-arginine is generally safe for most people when taken in appropriate doses (3-6g daily), it may interact with certain medications including blood pressure drugs, erectile dysfunction medications, and anticoagulants, making medical consultation important before use.
- A study published in 2016 found that betahistine may be effective in reducing vertigo symptoms, but the evidence is of low quality and should be interpreted with caution 1.
- More recent studies, such as the 2019 study on vestibular rehabilitation in BPPV, suggest that exercise-based vestibular rehabilitation may be an effective method for managing dizziness and improving balance function 2.
- However, the most recent and highest quality study on this topic is the 2019 study, which suggests that vestibular rehabilitation, with or without betahistine, may be effective in managing residual dizziness after successful repositioning maneuvers in patients with BPPV 2.
Recommendation
Patients with vertigo should seek medical evaluation and consider vestibular rehabilitation exercises or medications like meclizine, diazepam, or betahistine, rather than self-treating with L-arginine supplements.