Dry Eyes, Hoarse Voice, Chest Discomfort, Elevated Heart Rate, Stamina Loss. Taking Doxylamine. History Of GAD And Insomnia

Posted on Tue, 28 Aug 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 Answered on

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : I am 47 years male with a long history of GAD and insomnia. Moderately active. 5.11. 162 lb. I suddenly lost stamina, resistance to physical activity became very low, i developed a hoarse (tired) voice, unpleasant sensation in my chest. My heart rate seams to be always elevated. Even if I sleep 8 hrs, I wake up tired with dry eyes, which feels like conjunctivitis (which I don't have). It all started around the same time one day about 3 months ago. I was taking 25 mg doxylamine before bed and nothing else. I have a new relationship for about a year and had intercourse every day (some time more than once) for all this time, which was unusual for me and draining.

Answered by Dr. Prasad Akole (3 hours later)

Dear friend,

Thanks for posting your query.

Are you still on doxylamine? What was it started for?
It is not a good option for GAD.

All your symptoms are mostly due to doxylamine, including dry eyes, mouth, fast heart rate etc.

I think it you should reconsider doxylamine on consultation with your treating doctor and use a safer substitute.

You obviously have recognized frequent intercourse as a strain factor. Try to control it.

Get involved in some more fruitful activity/ hobby/ work.

You may seek professional help of a counselor / clinical psychologist to help you out with GAD, for non-medicinal part of treatment.

I hope this answers your query.
Take care and keep me posted on your progress.
Please rate this answer and write a review before you close this query satisfied, if you have no follow-up questions or after they are answer.
Thanks and good luck! :)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E