Suggest Remedy For Persistent Dizziness In An Anxiety Patient

Posted on Thu, 17 Mar 2016

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

Thu, 17 Mar 2016 Answered on

Thu, 19 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I need some help. my anxiety has been getting worse with no answers about why I feel the way I do. randomly about 3 weeks ago I started getting really light headed. now every day since I feel so lightheaded to the point that I feel intoxicated. It's all day everyday and nothing helps. any advice or input would be greatly appreciated. I just want my life back. I'm so effected I can't even hardly get around. I've gained 10 pounds this past 2 weeks. and I've already had numerous heart tests and brain and neck mri's

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
B12 deficiency and hypothyroidism should be ruled out

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Welcome to Health Care Magic

I can understand your concern. Anxiety is a non specific fear resulting in autonomic symptoms. Persistent light headedness is also a symptom of anxiety. Your tests came normal so most likely the cause of these symptoms is anxiety.

I'd advise you to get your thyroid function tests, Vitamin B12 levels done. Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of common cause of persistent fatiguability, lightheadedness and should be ruled out. Hypothyroidism also causes increased anxiety attacks, panic symptoms, fatigue et symptoms.

Once these possibilities are ruled out then anxiety should be treated accordingly. SSRIs are mainstay of treatment. Fluoxetine, Paroxetine are commonly used and have good efficacy. In most cases the drugs result in improvement in symptoms with in 4-6 weeks of treatment. The treatment should be continued for at least 3-6 months post remission. The therapy will help in control of symptoms, no need to worry. Please visit a psychiatrist for proper evaluation and treatment.

Thanks, Hope this helps you, if you have more doubts you can ask again

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (4 minutes later)

b12 and thyroid are both normal. so you believe anxiety can honestly be causing me to feel so lightheaded to the point of feeling intoxicated all day. everyday??

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes anxiety can cause similar symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

Yes in anxiety individuals show feelings like feelings of intoxication, light headache, feelings as if head is numb etc symptoms. If all investigations are normal then you can relax.

Are you taking any medicines for anxiety?

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (2 minutes later)

thank you. just xanax currently but it doesn't really work for me.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
SSRIs will control symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

Xanax is good but you should use the drug on SOS basis only. For persistent anxiety in my opinion there is need for regular treatment. SSRIs are mainstay of treatment when benzodiazepines fails to work. If anxiety is causing distress then please visit a psychiatrist for help. The drugs I've mentioned will control your anxiety completely.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (0 minute later)

thank you. will do

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Thanks and take care

Detailed Answer:
Thanks and take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar