Serc

What are Serc tablets?

Serc tablets are a treatment for conditions that cause vestibular vertigo, like Ménière's disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis. It reduces vertigo, as well as linked symptoms like nausea, hearing problems and tinnitus.

Ménière's disease, BPPV, labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis are all problems with the inner ear that can cause vertigo. Vertigo is a sensation of overwhelming dizziness that throws you off balance. You take Serc tablets a few times a day and they help you prevent and manage attacks of vertigo.

How do Serc tablets work?

The active ingredient in Serc is betahistine dihydrochloride. This is a type of medication called a histamine antagonist. That means it works by binding to the histamine receptors in the brain. This then dilates the blood vessels in the inner ear, helping to ease vertigo symptoms.

Histamine antagonists also seem to help the symptoms of Ménière's disease, BPPV, labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis overall. This may be due to its effects on the central nervous system, where it has a slightly sedating effect.

What doses of Serc tablets are there?

Serc tablets come in two sizes, an 8mg dose and a 16mg dose. How often you take it will depend on how severe your symptoms are and how you respond to treatment. The usual starting dose is 16mg three times a day, but you might take more or less depending on how this goes. Sometimes people find a lower dose suits them better, while other people find the starting dose is perfect.

How to take Serc tablets

Always take Serc at the advice of your clinician. You can log into your account and message us if you have any questions.

• Swallow Serc tablets whole without crushing or chewing them.
• Drinking water with Serc tablets can help you swallow them and avoid dry mouth.
• You can take Serc tablets with or without food and they’ll still work just as well. If you can, take Serc with a meal to avoid stomach problems.
• Try to take Serc tablets at the same times throughout the day. Having them with your breakfast, lunch and dinner may help you remember. You could also try setting alarms.

How long does it take Serc to work?

Serc is absorbed from your stomach very quickly, but it takes time to accumulate in your system. It often starts improving your symptoms in a few days, but for some people it might take a few weeks before you see it work at its best.

Taking Serc tablets also helps your vertigo get better over time. It seems to decrease the amount and severity of attacks over the months you take it. One study even suggests that taking Serc is linked with a long term improvement in vertigo attacks, even after you stop taking it.

What should I do if I make a mistake while taking Serc tablets?

If you forget to take Serc tablets, just wait until it’s time for your next dose. Don’t take twice as much Serc to make up for missing some. If you take too many Serc tablets, you should get advice from a clinician straight away. It might help to bring the packaging of the medication with you.

Don’t stop taking Serc tablets suddenly without talking to your clinician. Even once you start feeling better, it may be best to taper down the medication or wait to stop it. If you’ve ordered Serc through us, send us a message. We’ll give you the advice you need.