VNG & medication withdrawl

[Thornbrook]

I'm scheduled to have a VNG on Tuesday at 3:15pm. I'm a migraine sufferer and I haven't gotten a clear answer from the audiologist about whether Effexor and Topamax will interfere with the results of the VNG.  My neurologist has told me that I'm not allowed to stop those.  I also have a question about muscle relaxers like Amrix and Zanaflex.  I'm trying to go off of my meclazine and this morning has shown me that the next four days are going to be really rough.  I would assume that Reglan is also on the list of drugs I can't take.  I know Phenergan is not allowed.  What about Aleve, indomethacin, and the triptans (Zomig, Imitrex, Maxalt, Relpax) in the event that I do end up getting a migraine during this time?  I was told I could take tylenol, not that it would dent one of my headaches. I asked the audiologists office but apparently they forgot to ask and now the audiologist is out of town.  This would figure!  Thanks for your help in advance!

[porkchopscd]

This has a detailed list of what to take and stop before a VNG http://www.dallasear.com/webdocuments/VNG-instructions.pdf

Certain substances that affect the Central Nervous System (CNS) can influence the
results on this test. Therefore, it is very important that you follow the instructions
below prior to the test:
1. Refrain from caffeine use and any alcohol consumption (including beer, wine, and
mixed drinks) for 48 hours before the test.
2. Refrain from taking certain medications. There is a partial list of medications on
the following page that need to be stopped for 48 hours before the test. Do NOT
refrain from life sustaining medications.
3. Do not eat for 2 hours before the test. If you are diabetic, do NOT alter your
current diet or diabetic medication regimen.
4. Wear comfortable clothing, as you will be changing positions on the exam table.
Additionally, you may choose to wear flat/low-heeled shoes in the event you feel
off balance or dizzy at the conclusion of the evaluation.
5. Do not apply foundation or eye make-up before the test.
6. Remove contact lenses before the exam.
7. If possible, bring someone to drive in the event you feel off balance or dizzy at
the conclusion of the evaluation.

MEDICATIONS TO BE STOPPED 48 HOURS BEFORE VNG
Over the counter medications:
 all allergy medications
 all cold medications
 all sleep aids
 cough syrups
Allergy Meds Pain Meds Dizziness/Nausea/Diarrheal
Allegra Demerol Antivert
Antihistamine sprays Dilaudid Compazine
Astelin nasal spray Lortab Dramamine
Astepro nasal spray Morphine Meclizine
Benadryl Oxycontin Phenergan
Claritin Oxycodone Scopolamine patch
Clarinex Percocet Zofran
Pataday eye drops Topamax
Patanase nasal spray Vicodin Herbal Remedies
Zyrtec Wygesic Ginkgo
Any other herbal meds
Psychotherapeutic Agents/ Restless Leg *Seizure Meds*
Antidepressants
Buspar Librium Trazodone Requip Dilantin
Celexa Lithium Triavil Mirape x Tegretol
Clozaril Miltown Valium Phenobarbital
Concerta Paxil Vivactil *check with your doctor
Cymbalta Prozac Wellbutrin before stopping seizure
Depakote Ritalin Xanax medications
Elavil Sedatives Zoloft Other
Haldol Sinequan Zyprexa Neurontin
Klonopin Sleeping pill
Lexapro Stelazine
These medications are okay to continue: Heart meds, glaucoma, blood pressure,
thyroid, diabetes, reflux, hormone replacement, birth control, Imitrex, asthma
inhalers, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, antibiotics, Imodium, Pepto Bismol

[Nancy T]

Bummer... I guess just call them first thing Monday morning. Good luck.

[Thornbrook]

Yeah, I know they *should* have told be, but they didn't, and it would probably take another two months to schedule this test if I have to reschedule.  I'm in the middle of trying to finish my dissertation and between my headaches and this vertigo its already taken enough of a toll out on me.  I don't know that I really want to wait another couple of months for this test to know something.  

[Nancy T]

They should have someone in the office who can tell you which medications you need to stop. If not, ask them to give you the phone number of another audiologist who performs VNGs. They should be clear about those things with the patient! After all, they want to get correct test results, and without confusion or undue discomfort to the patient. If you can't get hold of anyone, keep taking your meds, and if they tell you later that you were supposed to have stopped some of them, make them reschedule your test, since it was their fault for not being clear.