Case Report Describes Possible Betahistine–Suicidality Link - Report - MDSpire

Case Report Describes Possible Betahistine–Suicidality Link

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  • Andrea Surnit

  • June 27, 2026

  • 4 min

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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
  3. Drug Safety — Safety Evaluation of Quetiapine as an Antidepressant in Sweden: Nested Case-Control Analysis of Key Outcomes Post-Authorization
  4. Frontiers in Psychiatry — Rapid reduction of suicidal ideation with transient dissociative and “drunken gait” symptoms after intranasal esketamine, with music intervention: a case report
  5. Frontiers in Psychiatry — “Homicide and Zonisamide”: a review of the literature and illustrative case report on second and third generation antiseizure medications and psychiatric effects
  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)
  8. Serc - 16 mg Tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) | 1172
  9. How do I find out if a drug is approved? Is there a Web site I can go to? | FDA
  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

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