What Causes Scalloped Tongue After Taking Anxiety Medication?

Posted on Mon, 12 Oct 2015

Question: I am a 35 year old woman in generally good health. I noticed 4 months ago my tongue is scalloped on the sides and feels big. I showed my primary doctor and he tested my thyroid which came back fine. I couldn't believe it so I asked him to order more blood tests and do a thyroid ultrasound. all came back fine.
I am also recently having numbness in my left hand, arm and foot. that goes and comes. My doctor said sounds like a pinched nerve.
I am so concerned there is a bigger problem that's being missed I have terrible anxiety. I don't know which avenues to explore or what type of doctor to see. Neuro? Dental? Allergy?
The only meds I take are ambian and occasional clonopin for anxiety (which i never took BEFORE the weird symptoms)
Other symptoms that could be related (or not):
general fatigue (even when I get plenty of sleep
my throat ALWAYS hurts a little and feels small (primary told me to drink tea)
Please let me know if any conditions come to mind and what avenue I should explore to get a diagnosis

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Seems more like allergic reaction.

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query in detail and can understand your concerns..

As per your complain of the symptoms appeared after starting the anxiety medication then the most probable chances are that you have an allergic reaction to the medicine (more common with Ambian).

The swelling over tongue and feeling that throat has become small is due to ANGIOEDEMA in which there is swelling leading to narrowing of throat and swelling of tongue.

The numbness that is not persistent can also be due to allergic reaction and one more common cause is a pinched or irritated or injured nerve and numbness is mostly not due to any serious illness caused due to any brain or spinal cord disorders.

It is most of the times due to peripheral nerves..

I would however suggest you to consult with a Neurophysician and get evaluated and he can do a thorough clinical checkup and necessary investigations and will also rule out for allergies..

Once the diagnosis will confirm treatment can be planned accordingly and don't you have to worry as treatment for both the conditions like allergic reaction or pinched nerve can be done and you will be relieved..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (15 hours later)

I am sorry if I was not clear. The symptoms did not start after I started taking the medicine. I started taking the anxiety medicine after the symptoms started because I have been so worried and frustrated doctors don't seem to know what is is.

My enlarged/scalloped tongue is all the time - regardless of what I eat or what medicines I take. Everything I read about it points to thyroid but dr's said its normal. I read it could be related to vitamin deficiencies so I bought b12 supplements and take them everyday but no improvement in mouth.

The numbness is constant as well but varies in severity.

Thanks for your feedback
- XXXX

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Needs investigations.

Detailed Answer:
Hey XXXX!!
Welcome Again..

As per your explanation there can be a few common causes of enlarged tongue like Hypothyroidism, over production of Growth Hormone, Pituitary gland disorders and in some cases Vitamin B12 deficiencies..

There can be a large number of causes but these are common ones.

You should consult an ENDOCRINOLOGIST and get evaluated and a complete Hormone profile can be diagnostic.

Treatment will be planned once diagnosis is confirmed..

Numbness seems to be due to Compressed nerve or Pinched nerve but exact cause can be diagnosed after a thorough clinical evaluation and necessary investigations by a Neurophysician..

As far as anxiety is concerned I would suggest you that you should control your anxiety by doing meditation and keeping yourself busy in the activities of your choice as it will improve overall health as well as reduce the need of medicines..

Don't worry as after proper medical assistance you will be completely alright and you need not to panic..

Any further questions are most welcome..

Thanks and regards..
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Honey Arora (1 hour later)

OK -- I will follow up with my doctors. But just to let you know, in my previous messages I explained that my thyroid & hormones have been checked thoroughly and I am taking b12 supplements. I have an MRI scheduled ...
Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Honey Arora (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
MRI can be diagnostic if hormones are not the cause.

Detailed Answer:
Hey XXXXXXX
Welcome Again..

As per your reply I have read your previous questions in detail where you described about thyroid test and ultra sound and mentioned other blood tests but there it is a possibility that all the hormones have not been investigated, so I asked you to get a complete profile done under supervision of ENDOCRINOLOGIST.

Checking the levels of Vitamin B12 is also required as of you are taking the supplements of Vitamin B12 with no improvement in symptoms then a check on its levels is needed to rule out whether you need taking supplements or not.

Rest if you are already scheduled for MRI it is good and MRI can be very much helpful in diagnosis of other causes related to Nervous System if hormones are not causing the symptoms..

Wishing you a quick recovery..

May God bless you..

Thanks and regards.
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T