About the Researchers
Habib Rizk, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Otology-Neurotology in the Department of Otolaryngology- Head & Neck Surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina. He serves as director of the vestibular program and chairs the Clinical and Translational Research Ethics Consultation Service. He is on the board of directors of the American Balance Society, and a member of the Equilibrium Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. His academic and clinical interests pertain to all areas of otology and neurotology with a specific focus on medical and surgical management of vestibular disorders.
Yaun Fang Liu, MD, and Shaun A. Nguyen, MD, FAPCR. are co-investigators on this project.
About the Research
Assessing the Efficacy of a Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor for Improving Meniere’s Disease Outcomes
Meniere’s disease is a major cause of vertigo, affecting around 190 people per 100,000 in the US. As of yet, the cause of Meniere’s disease is uncertain and there is no gold-standard treatment. Given the lack of high-level evidence for current medications (diuretics, betahistine, steroid injections), we want to compare the efficacy of oral, daily venlafaxine to placebo as a new treatment for Meniere’s disease. Venlafaxine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) which is well-tolerated in the treatment of depression and anxiety. There is evidence that serotonin can modulate balance function in vestibular nuclei, the inferior olive, and the cerebellum. Norepinephrine has also been shown to inhibit activity in vestibular nuclei. Furthermore, venlafaxine can reduce vasopressin receptor activation, which changes inner ear pressure by reducing the endolymphatic hydrops (swelling of the fluid spaces of the inner ear that is correlated to symptoms of Meniere’s disease). This trial will take place in a multidisciplinary, neurotology clinic. We will compare changes in patient-reported symptoms using quality-of-life questionnaires. Our findings may introduce venlafaxine as a potential therapy that could benefit many patients suffering from Meniere’s disease.
