Dizziness: what it feels like and what to do first

Dizziness can mean different things. Sometimes it’s a spinning feeling (vertigo). Other times you feel lightheaded, unsteady, or like you might faint. Knowing which one you have helps figure out causes and what to try next.

Common causes include inner-ear problems (like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), low blood pressure or dehydration, side effects from medicines, low blood sugar, anxiety, and less often, heart or neurological issues. Older adults often feel dizzy from multiple factors at once — medicines plus low blood pressure, for example.

Simple at-home steps you can try now

If dizziness is mild and not sudden or severe, try these first: sit or lie down immediately to avoid falling. Drink water — dehydration is an easy fix. Breathe slowly if you’re anxious. Stand up slowly from sitting or lying positions to avoid drops in blood pressure. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you feel steady.

For positional vertigo (spinning that comes on when you turn your head), simple head-movement exercises like the Epley maneuver can help. You can find step-by-step guides or ask a clinician to teach you. For ongoing balance problems, gentle vestibular rehab exercises under a therapist’s guidance often reduce symptoms.

Could your medicine be the reason?

Many drugs list dizziness as a side effect. Common culprits include blood pressure meds (some types lower blood pressure too fast), certain antidepressants, sedating antihistamines (like hydroxyzine), some pain meds, and diuretics that change fluid and electrolytes. If you started a new medicine recently and dizziness began soon after, talk with your prescriber — do not stop the drug suddenly without guidance.

Interactions matter, too. Combining medicines or adding alcohol can make dizziness worse. If you take multiple prescriptions, bring a list to your doctor or pharmacist and ask which ones could cause lightheadedness.

Keep a short log: note when dizziness starts, how long it lasts, what you were doing, and any other symptoms (hearing changes, headache, chest pain, weakness, numbness, slurred speech). This makes appointments more useful and helps your clinician narrow down the cause quickly.

When to get urgent help

Seek immediate medical care if dizziness comes on suddenly and severely, or comes with chest pain, fainting, trouble speaking, double vision, weakness or numbness on one side, or a severe headache. These can be signs of a stroke, heart problem, or other serious condition.

For ongoing but non-emergency dizziness, book an appointment with your primary care doctor, ENT (ear specialist), or neurologist depending on your symptoms. They may check your blood pressure (lying and standing), review medicines, order blood tests, or refer you for balance testing.

Small changes often help: hydrate, rise slowly, review medications, and avoid alcohol. If dizziness keeps you from work or daily life, get checked — there are effective treatments and rehab options that can make a real difference.