Side effect or physical problem?

[Proverbs31:28]

Bear with me, as I am not sure how to phrase this!

About 18 months ago, when I was first placed on Trazadone for sleep, I began having severe dizzy spells. It was initially contributed to the Trazadone as a side effect but, after seeing my GP, I was diagnosed with a mild case of Vertigo. It resolved within a couple of weeks on its own.

Recently, I have been having weird physical sensations but not sure if they are med-related or something else and I am not sure how to tell. I have not had any med adjustments since September, 2007 so there is no new med to blame. But, I keep having brief, fleeting episodes of being off-balance or that the room is spinning (brief= less than 30 seconds).

When I have panic attacks, I have been feeling very light-headed and dizzy, to the point that if I don't sit down or grab something I will topple over. I have always felt light headed with panic attacks but this is much more obvious to me and the dizziness is almost disabling.

Today, I noticed that, if I am standing when I have the feeling of being off balance I have to sit down or fall over. This is unrelated to any actual panic attack.

I cannot tell if this is all related to the anxiety, the meds or something else all together! Does anyone have any ideas on how to distinguish?

[Catmom]

Check back again with your doctor. Many meds cause what is called orthostatic hypotension, meaning your blood pressure drops a lot when you stand up, causing the dizzy sensation.

Another good person to check with is your pharmacist. Pharmacists are often underutilized professionals who know far more about meds & their interactions than most docs do. :)

Catmom

[Natalie]

Hi-
This sounds like a disturbing symptom.... be careful :)
I agree with Catmom- check with your primary car dr. and your pharmacist. Could be related to medication, or it could be another issue-
anxiety, inner ear infection, vestibular problem, heart/blood pressure issue, etc. It's best to have a professional work through and rule out all of the possibilities rather than to ignore and/or self-diagnose.

[Princess Lamb Chop]

You do need to see your doctor. You could be having a reaction to the med, or it could be something unrelated like an inner ear infection.

Let me say, though, that when I was on Trazodone for sleep, several years ago, it worked too well. I had to take it when I was already in bed, because it would zonk me out *that* fast. And then I stayed groggy all throughout the next day. Not good.

[Proverbs31:28]

Let me say, though, that when I was on Trazodone for sleep, several years ago, it worked too well. I had to take it when I was already in bed, because it would zonk me out *that* fast. And then I stayed groggy all throughout the next day. Not good.

Yes, Trazadone, when it works for me, works well! In fact, I usually only take 1/2 of the prescribed dose UNLESS I know I don't have to do anything, go anywhere, or interact with anyone. Unfortunately, when my anxiety is really out of control, even a full dose of Trazadone does very little for me. I've been on the Trazadone since 12/06, so I don't think it would suddenly start causing me problems- though I'd never dismiss the possibility outright! I am starting to lean toward it be a symptom of anxiety though I plan to mention it to my doc and get his input as well.