Heart Issues After Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: A Patient's Journey

Q: Heart Issues After Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: A Patient's Journey

Hello： It sounds like these persistent and unexpected physical discomforts have significantly impacted your life and mood, possibly causing you to feel concerned about your current health status and the future. <br>During this troubling time, it is commendable that you are willin

Cardiovascular disease following withdrawal from sedative medications?

Hello, I would like to ask a question.
One time after taking the sedative benzodiazepine, Xanax, I went to the emergency room where the doctor administered an antihistamine.
After that, I experienced severe "palpitations" and collapsed in the hospital for three hours.
Later, on my way home, due to the heat, I felt such intense chest pain that I could not walk at all.
It felt somewhat like heatstroke, with total body weakness and heart weakness.
My blood pressure spiked to 150, and I was so short of breath that I couldn't speak.
After a few days, I stopped taking the sedative, but I started vomiting uncontrollably, experiencing daily heart palpitations, and difficulty breathing.
Now, a year and a half later, I still feel weak in my heart every day.
Occasionally, I have tearing pain that radiates to my back.
Just buying something or climbing stairs leaves me breathless and exhausted, and my asthma has become difficult to control.
I often feel chest tightness and have trouble breathing.
There have been several instances where my blood oxygen levels dropped to 70.
Now, even a little exercise leaves me breathless to the point where I cannot speak.
A few nights ago, I woke up in the middle of the night with my heart racing and felt completely drained of energy.
Previously, my blood pressure was only 110-120, but now it is consistently around 140-150.
Doctor, can you please tell me if I will recover? I feel like I'm going crazy and cannot go out; my heart issues keep recurring.
I would like to ask:
1.
Is this heart condition caused by withdrawal from the sedative benzodiazepine, Xanax? (I initially thought it would only last two to three months, but it has been a year and a half with no improvement.)
2.
Does the combination of antihistamines and benzodiazepines lead to heart disease? Is this condition due to withdrawal from using antihistamines and sedatives? (There have been cases where individuals who mixed alcohol with sedatives experienced fatal withdrawal.) Now, whenever I walk, my heart races, and I feel palpitations.
I cannot stay in hot places without sweating and gasping for air.
The paths I used to walk easily now leave me feeling heart weak after just a few steps.
Is this condition irreversible? (I have gone to the emergency room for an electrocardiogram, a 24-hour Holter monitor, and an echocardiogram at a clinic.)

nv vivian, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/10

Dr. Yu Quanxun reply Psychiatry

Hello: It sounds like these persistent and unexpected physical discomforts have significantly impacted your life and mood, possibly causing you to feel concerned about your current health status and the future.
During this troubling time, it is commendable that you are willing to take the time and effort to seek solutions.
Due to the specialized and complex nature of physiological issues, as well as privacy considerations on online platforms, I recommend that you continue discussing your physical condition with your internist.
Provide them with all relevant medical information and maintain regular follow-ups so that your physician can arrange the most suitable tests and develop a subsequent treatment plan tailored to you.
In addition to addressing physiological issues, if related psychological stress has been a concern for you, you may also consider seeking mental health support; our hospital has relevant outpatient resources that may be able to offer some assistance.
Yuli Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2022/10/10

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a very challenging and distressing situation following your use of benzodiazepines, specifically Xanax, and subsequent withdrawal. Let's break down your concerns and provide some clarity on the issues you are facing.

1. Is this heart condition due to benzodiazepine withdrawal?
Benzodiazepine withdrawal can indeed lead to a variety of physical and psychological symptoms, including anxiety, panic attacks, and in some cases, cardiovascular symptoms such as palpitations and increased heart rate. The symptoms you describe, such as heart palpitations, chest pain, and feelings of weakness, could be related to withdrawal effects.
When benzodiazepines are discontinued abruptly, especially after prolonged use, the body can react strongly due to the dependence that may have developed. This can lead to heightened anxiety and stress responses, which can manifest as physical symptoms, including those affecting the heart.
However, it is essential to note that while withdrawal can exacerbate pre-existing conditions or create new symptoms, it does not directly cause heart disease. If you had underlying heart issues before starting the medication, these could be contributing to your current symptoms.

2. Could the combination of antihistamines and benzodiazepines lead to heart problems?
The combination of antihistamines and benzodiazepines can lead to increased sedation and may exacerbate feelings of dizziness or weakness, especially in sensitive individuals. While these medications are generally safe when used appropriately, they can cause side effects that might affect your cardiovascular system, particularly if you have pre-existing conditions.

In your case, the acute reaction you experienced after receiving antihistamines in the emergency room could have been a combination of the medications' sedative effects and your body's response to the heat and stress of the situation. It is not uncommon for individuals to experience increased heart rate and blood pressure in stressful situations, especially if they are already feeling unwell.

3. Will you recover from these symptoms?
Recovery from benzodiazepine withdrawal can take time, and it varies significantly from person to person. Some individuals may experience lingering symptoms for months or even years after discontinuation. It is crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider who understands withdrawal syndromes and can guide you through this process.
You mentioned that you have undergone various tests, including ECGs and echocardiograms, which is excellent. These tests can help rule out any significant heart conditions. If your heart tests are normal, it may indicate that your symptoms are more related to anxiety and withdrawal rather than a structural heart problem.

Recommendations:
1. Follow-Up Care: It is essential to maintain regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider. They can help monitor your symptoms and adjust any treatment plans as necessary.

2. Therapeutic Support: Consider seeking support from a mental health professional who specializes in addiction or withdrawal. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be particularly effective in managing anxiety and panic symptoms.

3. Lifestyle Modifications: Focus on lifestyle changes that can support your overall well-being. This includes regular, gentle exercise (as tolerated), a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.

4. Medication Review: Discuss with your doctor the possibility of medications that may help alleviate your anxiety and withdrawal symptoms without exacerbating your heart condition.

5. Emergency Plan: If you experience severe symptoms, such as significant chest pain or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
In conclusion, while your symptoms are undoubtedly distressing, they may be more related to withdrawal and anxiety rather than a direct heart condition. With appropriate medical support and lifestyle adjustments, many individuals find relief and improve their quality of life over time. Please take care of yourself, and don't hesitate to reach out for help when needed.

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