Aspirin and Dizziness: Side Effects and Safe Coping Strategies

Aspirin can be associated with dizziness in some people, though it is not among the most common side effects. ^[1] Dizziness is specifically reported with aspirin–dipyridamole combinations, and can occur when standing up quickly due to blood vessel effects. ^[2]

Is Dizziness a Known Aspirin Side Effect?

• Dizziness is listed among possible adverse effects of aspirin use, with uncertain frequency. ^[1]
• In products combining aspirin with dipyridamole (used for stroke prevention), dizziness occurs in a noticeable minority of users. ^{[2] [3]}
• Feeling faint (lightheadedness) is flagged as a warning sign that may accompany stomach bleeding from NSAIDs like aspirin. This matters because bleeding can cause low blood pressure and dizziness. ^[4]

Why Might Aspirin Cause Dizziness?

• Direct side effect: Some individuals experience dizziness without other problems, as part of aspirin’s side‑effect profile. ^[1]
• Blood pressure changes: With aspirin–dipyridamole, vasodilation can cause lightheadedness, especially when standing suddenly. ^[2]
• Inner ear effects: Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or hearing changes can co‑occur, which may relate to salicylate sensitivity; these symptoms are reasons to stop and seek medical advice. ^{[5] [6] [7]}
• Bleeding anemia: Gastrointestinal bleeding may lead to fatigue, faintness, or dizziness due to reduced blood volume. Seek help urgently if dizziness is accompanied by black stools, vomiting blood, or severe stomach pain. ^{[4] [8]}

Red Flags: When to Seek Urgent Care

• Black or tarry stools, bright red blood in stool, or vomiting blood/coffee‑ground material. These can indicate stomach bleeding. ^{[4] [8]}
• Severe or worsening dizziness with fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, or very dark urine. ^[9]
• Ringing in the ears or sudden hearing loss while on aspirin. This can signal toxicity. ^{[5] [6] [7]}

Practical Coping Tips

• Rise slowly: If you feel lightheaded when standing, get up gradually and pause before walking. This simple step reduces dizziness from sudden drops in blood pressure. ^[2]
• Hydrate and eat: Mild dehydration or taking aspirin on an empty stomach can worsen lightheadedness; sipping water and a light snack may help. (General guidance; not a direct citation)
• Review dose and timing: Using the lowest effective dose and avoiding unnecessary duplicate NSAIDs can reduce side effects. Do not combine multiple aspirin‑containing products unless advised. ^[4]
• Avoid alcohol: Alcohol increases the risk of stomach irritation and bleeding, which can worsen dizziness. ^[2]
• Check other medicines: Many drugs (like sedatives or blood pressure pills) also cause dizziness; combining them may intensify symptoms. A medication review can prevent “prescribing cascades,” where one drug’s side effect triggers another prescription. [PM24]
• Safety at home: Use night lights, remove tripping hazards, and consider grab bars if dizziness persists to lower fall risk. ^{[10] [11]}

Symptom Relief Options

• Temporary rest: Sit or lie down until the sensation passes; focus on slow breathing. (General guidance; not a direct citation)
• Motion‑sickness aids: For short‑term relief of vertigo‑like symptoms, some people use medicines such as meclizine or dimenhydrinate, which may reduce spinning sensations but can cause drowsiness. Discuss with a clinician before use, especially if you take other medications. ^{[10] [12]}
• Head position maneuvers: If dizziness is due to benign positional vertigo (BPPV), canalith repositioning maneuvers can help; a clinician or physical therapist can guide you. ^[12]

Who Is at Higher Risk?

• Adults over 60, people with a history of ulcers or bleeding, or those on blood thinners or steroids have a higher chance of severe stomach bleeding while using NSAIDs like aspirin, which may present with dizziness or faintness. ^[4]
• Combining aspirin with other caffeine‑containing analgesics can add side effects like nervousness and dizziness in a small percentage of users. [PM11]

How to Talk With Your Clinician

• Describe timing (after each dose vs. random), triggers (standing up, empty stomach), and associated signs (tinnitus, black stools, palpitations).
• Ask whether your current aspirin dose and reason for use are still appropriate, and whether alternatives (like acetaminophen for pain, or different antithrombotic strategies if you’re on aspirin for cardiovascular reasons) might suit you better. (General guidance; not a direct citation)

Bottom Line

• Aspirin can cause dizziness in some individuals, and the risk is higher with certain combinations and in those prone to bleeding. ^{[1] [2]}
• Most mild dizziness can be managed with simple steps like slow standing, hydration, and dose review, but any warning signs of bleeding or hearing changes warrant prompt medical evaluation. ^{[4] [5] [8] [6] [7]}