Lot Of Foot Swelling And In Hands Are Side Effects Of Anti-depressants And Anxiety Meds?

Posted on Wed, 6 Sep 2023

Question: I am having a lot of foot swelling and some in my hands. 68 yrs old fm. on anti-depressants and anxiety meds for years. Gabapentin, Klonopin, myrabetiq, lasix, L-thyroxitine, & others. Been a little over a month that it has been bad.

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
a possible side effect of gabapentin or thyroid level alterations.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

* As per my clinical experience, the significant amount of peripheral edema in your case
can be from
- a side effect of long-term consumption of Gabapentin
- altered thyroid hormone parameters
- others

Kindly provide me further details so that I can answer your query completely.

1. Have you noticed weight gain in the recent period?
2. When was the last laboratory workup for thyroid done?
3. Do you have any problem with BP or heart-related issue?
4. Give details of other medicines.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (6 hours later)

5'4" tall, 200 lbs CAN NOT lose weight no matter what I try. No weight gain, I try to watch it very carefully.
Last thyroid check about a year ago.
They say I have atrial fibrilation. Was treated for years for mitral valve prolapse which I apparently don't have. My BP is always fine or low.
Other meds: asprin, Floxetine, multivitamin, B12 for energy, metoprolol, Klonopin - 800 mg.
Barely survived ARDS, Hosp. aquired pneumonia, etc. after botched knee replacement. 4 months on oxygen. 4 weeks in coma. 5 yrs. ago. Was given 16 pints too much fluid after.
Very blessed to be alive.
Eat very little salt. Anything else? about 6 weeks ago Dr. changed me from 900 mg capsules of Gabapentin to 1600 mg tablets. 1/2 am..1/2 pm. Can't take the am because I can't stay awake. Only take pm.

Thank you so much.

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
multiple drugs responsible for current swelling.need precise management.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for the all relevant details here.

* The weight gain on persistent basis is mostly related to side effect of Fluoxetine and high dose Gabapentin.
* Swelling hands and feet are added upon by long term use of metoprolol also.

My recommendations at present

- Get fresh work up with thyroid level, serum electrolyte levels, serum creatinine level after prescription from your family doctor.
- Regular basis deep breathing exercises, meditations and YOGA must be adopted for making need of anti depressant lesser.
- Thorough discussion with your consultant is required for dosage schedule rearrangement keeping in mind the fluid retention in the body, not responding to diuretic.

Wish you fine health.
Regards.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad