From the Guidelines
Yes, Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) can cause dizziness.
Side Effects of Oseltamivir
According to the study published in Thorax 1, the main side effects of Oseltamivir include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dyspepsia
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Conjunctivitis
- Nose bleed
- Rash
- Ear disorders The study also mentions that these side effects are relatively rare, with each symptom reported by less than 5% of persons in the clinical treatment studies combined.
Comparison with Other Studies
Other studies published in MMWR Recommendations and Reports 1 also report similar side effects for Zanamivir, another neuraminidase inhibitor, including dizziness. However, these studies do not specifically focus on Oseltamivir, and therefore, the study published in Thorax 1 is more relevant to the question.
Clinical Implications
In clinical practice, it is essential to be aware of the potential side effects of Oseltamivir, including dizziness, to provide appropriate patient care and counseling. Patients taking Oseltamivir should be monitored for any adverse effects, and the medication should be discontinued if severe side effects occur.
From the Research
Adverse Effects of Oseltamivir
- The studies reviewed do not provide direct evidence that Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) causes dizziness 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, Oseltamivir has been associated with various adverse effects, including:
- Nausea and vomiting, which are the most commonly reported events 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Neuropsychiatric disorders, such as delirium, behavioral disorders, hallucinations, convulsions, and confusion, which have been reported in children, mainly in Japan 2.
- Psychiatric adverse events, including a dose-response effect on psychiatric events in two "pivotal" treatment trials of Oseltamivir 6.
- Headaches, renal events, and nausea, which have been reported in prophylaxis studies 6.
- It is essential to weigh the potential benefits of Oseltamivir against its possible adverse effects, especially in high-risk populations or when considering stockpiling the drug 6.