A doctor has urged people to never take a certain medication if they’re experiencing a particular symptom, as there are many causes of it, so they need to be alert
11:24, 07 Feb 2026Updated 15:45, 07 Feb 2026
The doctor urged people to avoid buying medication (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
A doctor has urged people not to self-medicate if they’re struggling with a common symptom, and it comes after other medication warnings have been issued. Dr Raj Arora, GP, health educator and TV doctor, has acknowledged that, sometimes, it can be easy to pop to the pharmacy and get some medication if you’re feeling under the weather. But if feeling dizzy regularly is a symptom you’re experiencing, and you don’t know the cause, she urges you not to.
She did say that she understands the “answer” to many things can be to go and get yourself some medication after receiving advice. But, with dizzy spells, the underlying cause must be found.
“Make sure you’re seeing your GP, because lots of different things can cause dizzy spells. Some of them can be more stressful and worrying, and serious, like a stroke, heart attack, neurological issues,” Dr Raj Arora said.
But there are some “less worrying” issues too. She said: “Like vertigo, if you’re going through a common cold that might make you feel a bit dizzy, but actually diagnosing yourself with dizzy spells and then trying to manage it is something I would not recommend”.
She added it’s important to get an appointment with your GP to see what’s causing it, and then “manage it from there”.
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In the caption, she also penned: “Dizziness can come from so many different causes: blood pressure, inner ear issues, anaemia, hormones, even heart-related problems.
“Masking it without knowing the cause can delay the help you actually need, so if it keeps happening, get it properly checked”.
Dr Raj Arora urged people not to “self-diagnose” and to “get answers” instead, because it’s important for you to be healthy.
What does the NHS say about dizziness?
It’s common to sometimes feel dizzy, lightheaded or off-balance, and it’s not usually serious. See a GP if you’re worried.
Dizziness includes feeling:
Off-balanceGiddyLightheaded or faintLike you’re spinning or things around you are spinning (vertigo)
The NHS also recommends that to aid dizzines yourself, you can:
Lie down until the dizziness passes, then get up slowlyMove slowly and carefullyGet plenty of restDrink plenty of fluids, especially waterAvoid coffee, cigarettes, alcohol and drugs
Things to avoid are:
Do not bend down suddenlyDo not get up suddenly after sitting or lying downDo not do anything that could be dangerous while you’re dizzy, like driving, climbing a ladder or using heavy machinery
You should see a GP if:
You’re worried about your dizziness or vertigoIt will not go away, or it keeps coming backYou’re finding it harder to hear or speakThere’s ringing or other sounds in your ears (tinnitus)You have double vision, blurred vision or other changes in your eyesightYour face, arms or legs feel numb or weakYou have other symptoms like changes to your pulse, fainting or collapsing, headaches, feeling or being sick
If you’re currently poorly with something else, there could be several reasons why you’re feeling dizzy.
The NHS says that dizziness often goes away after you’re treated for something else. For example:
An ear infectionMigraineDehydration or heat exhaustionStress or anxietyLow blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) because of diabetesIron deficiency anaemiaMotion sickness
If you get dizzy when you stand or sit up suddenly, it could be a sudden drop in blood pressure, also known as postural hypotension. If you feel off-balance, lose some hearing, or have ringing or other sounds in your ears, it could be a problem with your inner ear. If you feel off-balance or like things are spinning, are feeling or being sick, sometimes after a cold or flu, it could be labyrinthitis. If you feel dizzy after starting a new prescription medicine, it could be a side effect of the medicine.
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of dizziness, it’s important not to self-diagnose and see a GP as soon as you can.