Suggest Treatment For Symptoms Of Pheochromocytoma

Posted on Mon, 27 Jul 2015

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

Mon, 27 Jul 2015 Answered on

Wed, 19 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : The ER Dr thinks its possible I may have a pheochromocytoma. I go to the Endocrinologists in a few days for some testing. I have been unable to sleep at all for several days due to the flushing and blood pressure spikes. If I take Benadryl will it increase the affects of the tumor if that's what I actually have?

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Better not to have the medicine

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to HCM. I have gone through the question and understand your concerns.

Benadryl can affect the levels of catecholamines in body and can result in a change in the value of blood tests. If you get borderline reports, then you have to repeat the blood tests. So it is better you have your blood tests before staring any medicines.

Hope I have answered your questions. If you have any further queries I will be happy to help you

Regards,

Dr Ajish TP [MD,DM]
Consultant Endocrinologist

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

Follow up: Dr. Ajish TP (7 hours later)

Thank you Dr. Ajish for responding. My concern with the Benadryl is that I do not want to take anything that will intensify the blood pressure spikes I have been experiencing. I have been transported by ambulance to the ER on at least 3 occasions over the last two weeks for blood pressure spikes exceeding 184/115. Benadryl has always helped me sleep when I have had difficulty. Will Benadryl potentially intensify the blood pressure spikes? Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Will not increase BP spikes

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome back.

Benadryl do not increase BP, but infact decrease it at high doses. But it increases the heart rate.

Only concern is that it has some effect on the neurotransmitter acetylcholine- which is similar to the stress hormones in pheochromocytoma. So it may falsely increase the hormone test of pheochromocytoma.

So in the evaluation of pheochromocytoma we prefer to do the blood tests before stating on interfering medications.

Regards
Dr Ajish TP

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

Follow up: Dr. Ajish TP (13 hours later)

Thank you very much for your help. I have an appointment with my endocrinologist this afternoon and hopefully he finds that I have no tumor at all but something a little less serious.

Answered by Dr. Ajish TP (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Wishing you good health

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Not all fluctuating hypertension are not pheochromocytoma. If you find a tumour you have a chance of cure for your hypertension and symptoms.

So be positive.

Wishing you good health.

Regards
Dr Ajish TP

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