Dizziness from Antidepressants and Anxiety Medications

Q: Dizziness from Antidepressants and Anxiety Medications

Hello Mr. <br>Chen： Thank you for your hard work! To determine whether your discomfort symptoms are caused by medication, an important factor is the duration of your medication use. <br>It seems you have been taking the medication for over two months, but you only started feeling

Mild depression, generalized anxiety disorder, dizziness?

Hello doctor, I would like to ask if taking 12.5 mg of Clonazepam at bedtime, 0.5 mg of Xanax, 50 mg of Mirtazapine, and 1 mg of Buspirone could cause a sensation similar to 3D dizziness in well-lit areas? In the past, I didn't feel this dizzy when visiting the city, but I've been on these medications for over two months now.
Recently, when I went to the downtown area and visited department stores, I started feeling increasingly dizzy.
The more I walked and looked at things, the dizzier I became.
I'm wondering if, after starting these medications, I should avoid crowded places because the dizziness goes away once I return home.

Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/11/12

Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry

Hello Mr.
Chen: Thank you for your hard work! To determine whether your discomfort symptoms are caused by medication, an important factor is the duration of your medication use.
It seems you have been taking the medication for over two months, but you only started feeling unwell in the past few days, which makes the likelihood of it being a side effect of the medication low.
Typically, medication side effects can appear within hours to days or even weeks after starting the medication, so it is unlikely for them to manifest after such a long time unless there has been a recent adjustment in your medication dosage.
If that is the case, you should discuss with your physician whether a medication adjustment is necessary.
If there has been no change in your medication dosage recently, then your physician should evaluate whether your symptoms are due to a mental health condition or other physical factors, including anxiety, stress, lack of sleep, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, anemia, or vestibular dysfunction, all of which could potentially cause dizziness and need to be carefully assessed.
Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Reply Date: 2020/11/12

More Info

Dizziness can be a common side effect of various medications, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. In your case, you mentioned taking several medications: 克憂果 (Clomipramine) 12.5 mg, 讚安諾 (Xanax) 0.5 mg, 美舒鬱 (Mirtazapine) 50 mg, and 悠然錠 (Buspirone) 1 mg. Each of these medications can have side effects that may contribute to feelings of dizziness, especially in environments with bright lights or a lot of visual stimuli, such as shopping malls.

Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that can cause sedation and dizziness, particularly when you first start taking it or when your dosage is increased. Xanax, which is a benzodiazepine, can also lead to dizziness, especially if taken in conjunction with other sedative medications. Mirtazapine is known for its sedative effects as well, and it can cause dizziness as a side effect. Buspirone, while generally considered to have a lower risk of sedation, can still cause dizziness in some individuals.

The combination of these medications can amplify their sedative effects, leading to increased dizziness, especially in stimulating environments. Bright lights and crowds can overwhelm your sensory system, which may be more sensitive due to the medications. This could explain why you feel dizzy in busy areas but not at home.

If you are experiencing significant dizziness that affects your daily life, it is essential to discuss this with your healthcare provider. They may consider adjusting your medication regimen, changing dosages, or switching to different medications that have a lower risk of causing dizziness. It's crucial not to stop or adjust your medications without consulting your doctor, as doing so can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of your underlying condition.

In addition to medication adjustments, there are several strategies you can employ to help manage dizziness:
1. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate dizziness, so ensure you are drinking enough fluids throughout the day.

2. Avoid Sudden Movements: When getting up from a seated or lying position, do so slowly to prevent sudden drops in blood pressure that can cause dizziness.

3. Limit Bright Lights and Crowds: If you know that certain environments trigger your dizziness, try to limit your exposure to them or take breaks in quieter areas.

4. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Stress and anxiety can worsen feelings of dizziness. Techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or yoga may help alleviate some of these symptoms.

5. Regular Follow-ups: Keep regular appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your symptoms and medication effects. This will help ensure that any side effects are managed promptly.

In summary, dizziness can indeed be a side effect of the medications you are taking, especially in stimulating environments. It is essential to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your symptoms so they can help you find the most effective and comfortable treatment plan.

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