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What Causes Dizziness When Xanax Is Not Taken?
Posted on
Sun, 21 Sep 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 21 Sep 2014
Answered on
Sat, 11 Oct 2014
Last reviewed on
Question : Since December I have had a strange, I don't know what to call it, slight dizziness that saps me of ambition and energy and gumption: whatever it is, when I do not take my Xanax, I begin to feel like crap, with unpleasant sensations in my head, behind my right eye sometimes, and my right eye vision irritated by bright car lights and becoming distracting and hard to read small print with my right eye.
When I get up from sitting down, sometimes I feel a wave of... dizziness? Fatigue? Like I want to zone out or pass out, but don't.
My blood pressure goes up to 145 / 97 when I am feeling like this. It feels like I a dying, but I am not dying - I hope, at least, lol.
It is now constantly with me, or would be except for my twice daily .125 mg Xanax - I cut the .25 mg pill in half and take it twice a day, as that works better than just taking the whole pill. if I take the whole pill, I still have to take another later that same day.
Were it not for Xanax, I would be a zombie, walking about only caring about feeling better, really scared of the waves of... I don't know. Am I dying, maybe? I feel paradoxically robust, yet pooped.Oh, when I did not have the Xanax and this came over me, riding my bike kept me from feeling the very unpleasant zoning outs(?), even if I still felt like shit.
When I get up from sitting down, sometimes I feel a wave of... dizziness? Fatigue? Like I want to zone out or pass out, but don't.
My blood pressure goes up to 145 / 97 when I am feeling like this. It feels like I a dying, but I am not dying - I hope, at least, lol.
It is now constantly with me, or would be except for my twice daily .125 mg Xanax - I cut the .25 mg pill in half and take it twice a day, as that works better than just taking the whole pill. if I take the whole pill, I still have to take another later that same day.
Were it not for Xanax, I would be a zombie, walking about only caring about feeling better, really scared of the waves of... I don't know. Am I dying, maybe? I feel paradoxically robust, yet pooped.Oh, when I did not have the Xanax and this came over me, riding my bike kept me from feeling the very unpleasant zoning outs(?), even if I still felt like shit.
Brief answer...given below
Detailed answer...
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
I have read your query and understand your concerns very well.
Your symptoms and the way you feel good with XANAX clearly suggests that anxiety is your culprit.
Although XANAX benefits you but the fact remains that it can not go forever.
Gradually and gradually as the time passes,your anxieties may increase and with that your requirement of Xanax would also increase.
If I were you,I would resort for non pharmacological methods to take care of my anxiety and to quit Xanax gradually.
These non medicinal methods are...
Regular aerobic exercises or 40-45 minutes.Exercises release endorphins in the body which are feel good hormones.
Deep breathing exercises
Yoga
Meditation etc.
Once you resort to above mentioned ways,you would find a tremendous change in you.
In addition,I would advise you to get tested for VIT B12,VIT D,diabetes and thyroid function tests.
I hope it helps,however you may revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
Detailed answer...
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
I have read your query and understand your concerns very well.
Your symptoms and the way you feel good with XANAX clearly suggests that anxiety is your culprit.
Although XANAX benefits you but the fact remains that it can not go forever.
Gradually and gradually as the time passes,your anxieties may increase and with that your requirement of Xanax would also increase.
If I were you,I would resort for non pharmacological methods to take care of my anxiety and to quit Xanax gradually.
These non medicinal methods are...
Regular aerobic exercises or 40-45 minutes.Exercises release endorphins in the body which are feel good hormones.
Deep breathing exercises
Yoga
Meditation etc.
Once you resort to above mentioned ways,you would find a tremendous change in you.
In addition,I would advise you to get tested for VIT B12,VIT D,diabetes and thyroid function tests.
I hope it helps,however you may revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Let me give you a little more history...
I have herniated disks in my neck. Virtually no neck pain, but herniated disks nonetheless. I had a stroke Thanksgiving Day last year, and a month later began noticing the first signs of this... whatever.
I am presently getting epidural steroid injections in my lumbar lower back, and it is fee3ling noticeably better.
Thyroid, interesting. Someone else mentioned that. WHAT do I need to focus on checking into concerning my thyroid?
This... whatever, is accompanied by, sometimes, loss of appetite, right-eye vision slightly diminished. Tingling sensations along my left-side back.
I have herniated disks in my neck. Virtually no neck pain, but herniated disks nonetheless. I had a stroke Thanksgiving Day last year, and a month later began noticing the first signs of this... whatever.
I am presently getting epidural steroid injections in my lumbar lower back, and it is fee3ling noticeably better.
Thyroid, interesting. Someone else mentioned that. WHAT do I need to focus on checking into concerning my thyroid?
This... whatever, is accompanied by, sometimes, loss of appetite, right-eye vision slightly diminished. Tingling sensations along my left-side back.
Hello,
Low functioning thyroid ( hypothyroidism ) means low production of thyroxine hormone from thyroid.The symptoms of low thyroid depend upon the severity of hormone deficiency but in general they are...
Fatigue,Insensitivity to cold,dry skin,constipation,puffy face,unexplained weight gain,muscle weakness and stiffness,depression,impairment of memory etc.
Their could be associated deficiency of VIT B12 ,VIT D etc also.
Since it is very difficult to pinpoint the exact cause for your symptoms,you need to be investigated for different possible reasons.
Thanks
Low functioning thyroid ( hypothyroidism ) means low production of thyroxine hormone from thyroid.The symptoms of low thyroid depend upon the severity of hormone deficiency but in general they are...
Fatigue,Insensitivity to cold,dry skin,constipation,puffy face,unexplained weight gain,muscle weakness and stiffness,depression,impairment of memory etc.
Their could be associated deficiency of VIT B12 ,VIT D etc also.
Since it is very difficult to pinpoint the exact cause for your symptoms,you need to be investigated for different possible reasons.
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Psychiatrist put me on 1 mg a day Attivan. Tow .5 mg tablets a day to control my feelings of utter pooped and feelings of (lightheadedenss? random waves of dizziness?)
Can I still take my Trazodone to go to sleep?
He said it was safe, fi I took my Trazodone a few hours after my last Lorazepam.
Can I still take my Trazodone to go to sleep?
He said it was safe, fi I took my Trazodone a few hours after my last Lorazepam.
Hello,
There is no drug interaction between trazodone and Ativan except that the combination may cause more drowsiness,however if there is gap of few hours between two,then there is no problem.
Other precautions are ...
Not to take alcohol
Getting up slowly from bed in the morning as it may cause dizziness and a person may fall because of that.
Thanks
There is no drug interaction between trazodone and Ativan except that the combination may cause more drowsiness,however if there is gap of few hours between two,then there is no problem.
Other precautions are ...
Not to take alcohol
Getting up slowly from bed in the morning as it may cause dizziness and a person may fall because of that.
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Concerning my vision.
The summer before my Thanksgiving stroke I noticed, with my right eye, I tended to see a floater when I lie down face down, and the vision in my right eye not as robust as that of my left eye. My mom had warned me I was at the age where I might need glasses, and so I wondered if my own worry was causing it to prematurely degenerate slowly.
After my stroke, when my doctor let me go out with my friends, one time, I was outside walking and everything looks like a smoggy day. What was wrong with my vision. Both eyes.
And then at home, (another time) I was puzzled and asked mom why it was so smoky in the house. I thought somebody had maybe burnt their toast in the toaster. She answered it wasn't smoky inside. This perplexed me. WHAT was happening? Haven't, THANK GOD, had the cloudy vision again since, but... WHAT could it have been?
Oh, and when my (dizziness? Whatever condition it is that causes unpredictable quick passing spells of lightheadedeness when I get up from sitting, or am walking) is upon me. There are times I notice sensation in my right hand. Sometimes cold fingers, sometimes a slight heat sensation in the muscles in my right hand. Maybe THIS can clue you in on what this (dizziness spells?) are
ALSO when I have them (now under control by Xanax), I do not feel like even getting up and singing karaoke. Sometimes I ride my bike to keep from feeling like I wanna pass out.
WHAT is this? Surely it can't be mere anxiety, as this is new, only a month or so AFTER my stroke.
The summer before my Thanksgiving stroke I noticed, with my right eye, I tended to see a floater when I lie down face down, and the vision in my right eye not as robust as that of my left eye. My mom had warned me I was at the age where I might need glasses, and so I wondered if my own worry was causing it to prematurely degenerate slowly.
After my stroke, when my doctor let me go out with my friends, one time, I was outside walking and everything looks like a smoggy day. What was wrong with my vision. Both eyes.
And then at home, (another time) I was puzzled and asked mom why it was so smoky in the house. I thought somebody had maybe burnt their toast in the toaster. She answered it wasn't smoky inside. This perplexed me. WHAT was happening? Haven't, THANK GOD, had the cloudy vision again since, but... WHAT could it have been?
Oh, and when my (dizziness? Whatever condition it is that causes unpredictable quick passing spells of lightheadedeness when I get up from sitting, or am walking) is upon me. There are times I notice sensation in my right hand. Sometimes cold fingers, sometimes a slight heat sensation in the muscles in my right hand. Maybe THIS can clue you in on what this (dizziness spells?) are
ALSO when I have them (now under control by Xanax), I do not feel like even getting up and singing karaoke. Sometimes I ride my bike to keep from feeling like I wanna pass out.
WHAT is this? Surely it can't be mere anxiety, as this is new, only a month or so AFTER my stroke.
Hello,
Going through your symptoms,I also feel that there should be something else going in ou and it can not be only anxiety.
Your fatigue,lightheadedness,dizzy spell on getting up from bed or from sitting postiure ( orthostatic hypotension ),occasional muscle pains can be due to the side effects of DIOVAN HCT.
This is a combination of VALSARTAN and HYDROCHLORTHIAZIDE.
VALSARTAN can cause lightheadedness and dizziness.
Similarly HYDROCHLORTHIAZIDE can also cause dizziness,electrolyte disturbance,problem in vision etc.
As far as your eye problem is concerned,it could be because of some eye problem or a side effect of blood pressure medicine.
In my opinion you should get the BP medicine changed after consulting your doctor and also get the eye checked up along with monitoring of your serum electrolytes.
Let us see whether you are benefitted by change of BP medicine or not.
Thanks
Going through your symptoms,I also feel that there should be something else going in ou and it can not be only anxiety.
Your fatigue,lightheadedness,dizzy spell on getting up from bed or from sitting postiure ( orthostatic hypotension ),occasional muscle pains can be due to the side effects of DIOVAN HCT.
This is a combination of VALSARTAN and HYDROCHLORTHIAZIDE.
VALSARTAN can cause lightheadedness and dizziness.
Similarly HYDROCHLORTHIAZIDE can also cause dizziness,electrolyte disturbance,problem in vision etc.
As far as your eye problem is concerned,it could be because of some eye problem or a side effect of blood pressure medicine.
In my opinion you should get the BP medicine changed after consulting your doctor and also get the eye checked up along with monitoring of your serum electrolytes.
Let us see whether you are benefitted by change of BP medicine or not.
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Interesting, and thank you.
One day I took my BP med one night, and also when I got up the next day, and felt te debilitating fatigue all day.
VERY interesting about the DIOVAN!
Even if my blood pressure is not low, but an average of 120 / 85?
Even if, when I feel these spells, my bp is sometimes 140 / 90?
Could it al STILL be my DIOVAN HCT?
What other BP meds would work better than I could suggest to my doctor?
One day I took my BP med one night, and also when I got up the next day, and felt te debilitating fatigue all day.
VERY interesting about the DIOVAN!
Even if my blood pressure is not low, but an average of 120 / 85?
Even if, when I feel these spells, my bp is sometimes 140 / 90?
Could it al STILL be my DIOVAN HCT?
What other BP meds would work better than I could suggest to my doctor?
Hello,
DIOVAN can cause these problems even if your BP is normal.
Other factor which I forgot to mention in my earlier answer is FINASTERIDE.
Even FINASTERIDE can cause dizziness and lightheadedness on getting up from bed.
You can try ACE INHIBITORS LIKE RAMIPRIL instead of DIOVAN.
Thanks
DIOVAN can cause these problems even if your BP is normal.
Other factor which I forgot to mention in my earlier answer is FINASTERIDE.
Even FINASTERIDE can cause dizziness and lightheadedness on getting up from bed.
You can try ACE INHIBITORS LIKE RAMIPRIL instead of DIOVAN.
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello,
What you say is absolutely right.
Since DIOVAN is bing used for 7 years,it should not cause problem to you.
Similarly if finasteride is being used for many years,it should also not cause any problem.
To sum up..
Your problem is...
Either due to the drugs ( looks unlikely but may be )
Either due to deficiencies as mentioned in my earlier answer.
Or
Due to anxiety because you are getting benefitted by use of Xanax and Ativan..
What to do...
Change the medications and see the result.
Get tested for causes mentioned earlier.
If you get benefitted from these steps,then problem is solved.
In case there is no change,then it can be interpreted that cause is anxiety.
I hope it helps.
Thanks
What you say is absolutely right.
Since DIOVAN is bing used for 7 years,it should not cause problem to you.
Similarly if finasteride is being used for many years,it should also not cause any problem.
To sum up..
Your problem is...
Either due to the drugs ( looks unlikely but may be )
Either due to deficiencies as mentioned in my earlier answer.
Or
Due to anxiety because you are getting benefitted by use of Xanax and Ativan..
What to do...
Change the medications and see the result.
Get tested for causes mentioned earlier.
If you get benefitted from these steps,then problem is solved.
In case there is no change,then it can be interpreted that cause is anxiety.
I hope it helps.
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Started taking the Lorazepam today. It works, but... Not as good as the Xanax, or maybe I should give it a few days.
Feeling better but not as good as my normal self, which the Xanax brought me closer to feeling. Yesterday I ate and felt a sudden cramp, discomfort, in my gut. It went away, but what could that have been? Will i feel it again?
Can I start taking a multivitamin?
If it is anxiety, which I've had for years, why only now is it starting to affect me in this heinous way, only after my stroke?Oh, part 2, and I read Lorazepam can CAUSE FATAL BREATHING PROBLEMS. Should I worry about going to sleep and not waking up? WHAT breathing problems and what causes them potentially?
Feeling better but not as good as my normal self, which the Xanax brought me closer to feeling. Yesterday I ate and felt a sudden cramp, discomfort, in my gut. It went away, but what could that have been? Will i feel it again?
Can I start taking a multivitamin?
If it is anxiety, which I've had for years, why only now is it starting to affect me in this heinous way, only after my stroke?Oh, part 2, and I read Lorazepam can CAUSE FATAL BREATHING PROBLEMS. Should I worry about going to sleep and not waking up? WHAT breathing problems and what causes them potentially?
Hello,
LORAZEPAM and ATIVAN are same.
Your anxiety levels might have Increased after stroke because stroke is definitely a dangerous problem and it does affect a person psychologically.
You can take a multivitamin.
LORAZEPAM can cause respiratory depression rarely but it happens more to people having underlying lung disorder like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Just don't be afraid and use the medicine without fear.
Thanks
LORAZEPAM and ATIVAN are same.
Your anxiety levels might have Increased after stroke because stroke is definitely a dangerous problem and it does affect a person psychologically.
You can take a multivitamin.
LORAZEPAM can cause respiratory depression rarely but it happens more to people having underlying lung disorder like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Just don't be afraid and use the medicine without fear.
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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