Serc (Betahistine) in Spain: Ménière's Disease Guide
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, MD
Licensed Physician No. 484814280 · Official Medical College of Bizkaia (Spain)Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
Serc is betahistine, a prescription medicine in Spain for Ménière's disease. What it treats, what it does not, side effects and stroke warning signs.
You don't have to figure this out alone
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is an independent, bilingual GP licensed in Spain. Book a 15-minute video consultation in English or Spanish for €50, with a private electronic prescription issued under Spanish law when clinically appropriate.
Serc is the brand name of betahistine, a medicine for Ménière's disease. Ménière's is an inner ear problem that brings bouts of spinning vertigo, ringing in the ear and hearing loss. In Spain, Serc and generic betahistine need a prescription. The leaflet lists Ménière's as its only use. It is not a general cure for dizziness.
- Serc (betahistine) is used for Ménière's disease: vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss.
- It needs a prescription in Spain. It is sold as Serc in the UK, but it is not approved in the US.
- The leaflet says the effect often takes about two weeks to show. It is not meant to stop a sudden attack.
- Sudden vertigo with weakness, slurred speech or double vision can be a stroke. Call 112.
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is a GP licensed in Spain (Colegiado No. 484814280).
For a medical emergency, call 112 or go to the nearest local emergency department. Do not wait for a video consultation or an online reply.
What is Serc used for?
The Spanish leaflet gives one use: Ménière's syndrome. People with Ménière's have attacks that come and go. An attack can bring:
- A spinning feeling (vertigo), often with feeling sick or being sick.
- Ringing or buzzing in the ear (tinnitus).
- Hearing loss, often in one ear.
- A feeling of pressure deep in the ear.
Betahistine is close to histamine, a natural substance in the body. The leaflet says it improves blood flow in the inner ear and lowers the pressure there. The aim is fewer and milder attacks. The leaflet says the effect often takes about two weeks to show, so it is taken for a while, as the doctor advises. It comes as tablets in several strengths, and as a tablet that melts in the mouth (Serc Flas). Your doctor or the leaflet sets how much to take.
Is betahistine the same in the UK and the US?
| Name | Where | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Serc, Serc Flas | Spain | Prescription |
| Betahistine (generic) | Spain | Prescription |
| Serc, betahistine | UK | Prescription |
| None approved | US | Not approved by the FDA |
If you came from the UK on betahistine, the Spanish Serc tablets contain the same medicine. If you came from the US, you may not know it at all. A doctor in Spain can explain whether it suits you.
Do you need a prescription for Serc in Spain?
Yes. All Serc products and all generic betahistine are listed as needing a prescription on the AEMPS CIMA database. A pharmacy cannot sell it without one. Our guide to prescription status in Spain covers other common medicines.
Dizzy spells that keep coming back, or a betahistine supply that is running out?
You can book a video visit with a GP licensed in Spain, in English or Spanish. He asks about your attacks and checks for warning signs first.
Does Serc help with any kind of dizziness?
No. Dizziness has many causes, and the leaflet lists only Ménière's. Other causes need a different plan:
- Short spins when you turn in bed or look up. This is often a problem with tiny crystals in the inner ear. It is usually treated with head movements, not tablets.
- Labyrinthitis or an inner ear infection. See our ear infection page.
- Feeling faint when you stand up, low blood pressure, dehydration or low iron.
- Anxiety, migraine or a stiff neck. These can make you feel off balance too.
Our guide to vertigo and dizziness in Spain explains how a doctor tells these apart.
Who should not take betahistine?
- People with a phaeochromocytoma, a rare tumour of the adrenal gland. The leaflet says not to take it.
- Under 18s. It is not recommended, as there is no experience in this age group.
- People with asthma, a past or current stomach ulcer, hives or hay fever. Tell your doctor first.
- Pregnancy. Only if the doctor thinks it is needed. The leaflet says not to breastfeed while taking it.
Antihistamines for allergy can make both medicines work less well. Take care with MAO inhibitors, such as selegiline for Parkinson's disease. Tell your doctor about all your medicines.
Side effects of Serc
Common side effects are headache, feeling sick, indigestion, bloating and mild stomach pain. Taking it with or after food can help the stomach. Itching, rash, hives and a pounding heartbeat have also been reported. Stop it and get help if your face, lips, tongue or throat swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
When is vertigo an emergency?
Most vertigo comes from the inner ear. But a stroke can also start with sudden dizziness. Call 112 if vertigo comes on suddenly with any of these:
- Weakness or numbness in the face, an arm or a leg.
- Slurred speech, or trouble finding words.
- Double vision or sudden loss of sight.
- Not being able to stand or walk, or a severe, sudden headache.
Do not drive yourself, and do not wait to see if Serc helps.
Talking it through with a doctor by video
Dr. Yelamo is a GP licensed in Spain. He sees adults, children and pregnant patients by video, every day from 07:30 to 20:30 (Spain time). In the visit he will:
- Ask what the dizziness feels like, how long it lasts and what sets it off.
- Ask about hearing loss, ringing in the ear and other symptoms.
- Check for signs that need an emergency visit, an ear exam or a specialist.
- Explain whether betahistine fits, or whether another cause is more likely.
He does not promise any test or prescription before the visit. Where clinically appropriate, following a genuine evaluation. Treatment and prescriptions are issued solely at the doctor's discretion based on evidence-based clinical guidelines.
A prescription is never guaranteed: it is issued only where clinically appropriate after a genuine evaluation, as a private electronic prescription under Spanish law. This service is for urgent, non-emergency care. In an emergency, call 112.
See how the Urgent Care video visit works. It lasts 15 minutes and costs €50.
This guide is general information. It does not replace the package leaflet or the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
Frequently asked questions
What is Serc?
Serc is a brand of betahistine, a medicine for Ménière's disease. It aims to make attacks of vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss less frequent.
Does Serc need a prescription in Spain?
Yes. Serc and generic betahistine need a prescription in Spain. The same is true in the UK.
Is betahistine available in the US?
It is not approved by the FDA, so there is no approved betahistine product in the US.
Does Serc work for all dizziness?
No. Its listed use is Ménière's disease. Dizziness from crystals in the ear, low blood pressure or anxiety needs a different plan.
How long does Serc take to work?
The leaflet says the effect often takes about two weeks to show. Do not stop it early without talking to your doctor.
When is vertigo an emergency?
Call 112 if sudden vertigo comes with weakness, numbness, slurred speech, double vision or trouble walking. These can be signs of a stroke.
Sources
- AEMPS CIMA: Serc package leaflet
- NHS: Betahistine
- NHS: Ménière's disease
- MedlinePlus: Meniere's disease
Related guides
Medical Citations & Sources
This content is written and reviewed by a licensed physician with reference to the following official health authorities.
