NCT05582837 · University of California, Irvine
Treatment of Meniere's Disease With Migraine Medications
What this study is about
Meniere's disease (MD) is a chronic disease with a variety of fluctuating signs and symptoms, which include vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing noise in the ear), aural pressure (feeling of ear fullness), and disequilibrium (lack of stability).
View original scientific description
Meniere's disease (MD) is a chronic disease with a variety of fluctuating signs and symptoms, which include vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing noise in the ear), aural pressure (feeling of ear fullness), and disequilibrium (lack of stability). Vertigo represents one of the most common and distressing problems in MD patients, and it causes various somatic and psychological disorders that interfere with the patient's quality of life. Despite the large economic and emotional impact of symptoms in MD patients, there is no FDA-approved medication to treat this debilitating condition. As such, our objective in this study is to evaluate the therapeutic potential of novel medications in treating MD that have previously shown astonishing promise in our clinical practice.
Interventions
DRUG
nortriptyline + topiramate
nortriptyline (7.5mg) + topiramate (10mg) taken 1x per day and escalate weekly as needed for 8 weeks
Primary outcome measures
Subjective improvement of Meniere's Disease
Time frame: 8 weeks
The primary outcome variable is derived from the validated Meniere's Disease Outcome Questionnaire (MDOQ) with 18 multiple-choice questions to compare quality of life before and after treatment. The question multiple choices are rated on a scale from 0 to 4 where the higher score indicates the higher quality of life. For each patient, the sum of his/her answers is divided (and x100) by the maximum possible scores for the pre-treatment questions and the post-treatment questions, separately. The outcome measure is the absolute change from pre- to post-treatment scores. Two-sample t test will be used to compare the outcome variable between the two treatment groups.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Patients with active or frequent Meniere's Disease.
- Male or female between the ages of 25 to 85 years.
- Subject must be compliant with the medication and attend study visits.
- Must be able to read and write in the English language to provide consenting.
Exclusion criteria
- Pregnancy will result in automatic exclusion from the study. A urine pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy for all women who are of childbearing potential.
- Subjects with history of surgery for Meniere's Disease.
- Subject with history of an adverse reaction to medication being prescribed.
- Subject suffers from a medical condition or has history that may be concerning to the investigator's clinical opinion.
- Subjects with psychosis.
- Subjects with neurological neoplasm.
- All contraindications for the medications which prevent subjects from randomization will be considered as exclusion criteria.
Where
- Orange, California
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 22, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations