Managing Dizziness and Numbness: Insights on Medication Withdrawal Effects

Q: Managing Dizziness and Numbness: Insights on Medication Withdrawal Effects

Hello, Xuan： Numbness and tremors in the hands and feet may be related to peripheral nerve diseases. <br>It is recommended to visit a neurology clinic for examination.

Dizziness and a feeling of pressure or pain in the head, along with numbness in the hands and feet?

Hello Doctor: I have been taking sleeping pills for a long time and am currently tapering off.
Recently, I have been experiencing poor sleep, but I have returned to my normal dosage.
After reducing the medication, I started to experience chest tightness, which I previously had only occasionally.
After a recent cold and fever, I have felt very fatigued and weak every day, and I experience chest tightness almost daily.
No matter what time I eat dinner, I soon start to feel nauseous and want to vomit.
Usually, I induce vomiting to relieve the discomfort; otherwise, it feels really uncomfortable.
The nausea only occurs after eating, except when I eat after taking the sleeping pills.
This issue seems to have started after my fever.
Previously, I would only feel nauseous at night after consuming dairy drinks.
I had an endoscopy before, and the doctor said there was nothing wrong with my stomach, except that the area around the cardia has been eroded and is not in its normal shape.
For the past two days, my hands have been shaking involuntarily, and I feel a bit unsteady while walking.
With each step, I feel tingling in my hands, feet, and head.
I work in the food service industry, and I also experience tingling in my hands when reaching for things, along with dizziness and a feeling of pressure in my head.
Could this be related to the reduction in medication, or is there something else going on? I have regular follow-ups with my psychiatrist, and I plan to discuss the dosage reduction with my doctor, but my next appointment isn't until later, so I have returned to the normal dosage for now.
I have had my heart checked, and I have mitral valve insufficiency, which is not severe enough to require surgery, but it will not heal.
I only take medication when I feel uncomfortable.
This physical condition significantly affects my work performance, and I would appreciate your advice.
Thank you.

Xuan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/27

Dr. Cai Zongzhang reply Neurology

Hello, Xuan: Numbness and tremors in the hands and feet may be related to peripheral nerve diseases.
It is recommended to visit a neurology clinic for examination.

Reply Date: 2022/08/27

More Info

Managing dizziness and numbness, especially in the context of medication withdrawal, can be a complex issue that requires careful consideration of various factors. Based on your description, it seems you have been experiencing a range of symptoms, including chest tightness, nausea, tremors, and a sensation of dizziness and numbness, particularly after reducing your dosage of sleep medication.
Firstly, it's important to acknowledge that withdrawal from long-term use of sleep medications, particularly benzodiazepines or similar sedatives, can lead to a variety of physical and psychological symptoms. These may include anxiety, insomnia, dizziness, tremors, and even gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and vomiting. The symptoms you are experiencing, such as chest tightness and nausea after meals, could be related to the withdrawal process, especially if you have been on these medications for an extended period.

The fact that you have a history of gastrointestinal issues, as indicated by the erosion at the cardia (the area where the esophagus meets the stomach), could also contribute to your current symptoms. This erosion may lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause nausea and vomiting, particularly after eating. It's crucial to manage this condition alongside your withdrawal from medication, as stress and discomfort from gastrointestinal issues can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and lead to further reliance on medications.

Regarding the tremors and the sensation of numbness in your hands and feet, these could be indicative of several underlying issues. Withdrawal from medications can sometimes lead to neurological symptoms, including tremors and paresthesia (abnormal sensations like tingling or numbness). Additionally, if you are experiencing fatigue and a lack of energy, it could be a sign of withdrawal syndrome or even an underlying condition that needs to be addressed.

Given your history of heart valve insufficiency, it's essential to monitor your cardiovascular health closely. While your heart condition may not be severe enough to require surgical intervention, it can still contribute to feelings of fatigue and chest discomfort, especially under stress or during periods of medication adjustment.

Here are some recommendations to help manage your symptoms:
1. Consult Your Psychiatrist: Since you have regular appointments with a psychiatrist, it’s crucial to discuss your symptoms with them. They can provide guidance on how to safely taper off medications and may suggest alternative treatments or therapies to manage withdrawal symptoms.

2. Monitor Gastrointestinal Health: Given your history of gastrointestinal issues, consider dietary modifications to avoid foods that trigger nausea. Eating smaller, more frequent meals may help alleviate discomfort. Additionally, medications for GERD or acid reflux may be beneficial.

3. Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you are well-hydrated and consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Nutritional deficiencies can exacerbate feelings of fatigue and dizziness.

4. Physical Activity: Engage in light physical activity, as tolerated. Gentle exercises, such as walking or stretching, can improve circulation and may help reduce feelings of dizziness and numbness.

5. Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help manage anxiety and stress, which can be heightened during medication withdrawal.

6. Follow-Up Testing: If symptoms persist or worsen, consider discussing further testing with your healthcare provider to rule out any other underlying conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be related to the withdrawal from sleep medications, they could also be influenced by your gastrointestinal health and cardiovascular condition. It’s essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare providers to ensure a comprehensive approach to your health and well-being.

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