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Saturday, October, 11, 2008

Question
deb
07/02/08
deb
Category:Heart Attack Symptoms

I am having dizziness and heart palputation when I get up or turn is this a symtom for effexr

I was on effexor for about 6 months. but this funny feeling started before I was completely off.  I thought it may be viral ear problems and my doctor gave me motion sickness pills.  I feel fine most of the day except when I lean forward or Im driving and I am backing out - when I turn my head I get this feeling. It feel like someone snuck up on me and scared me I get dizzy I feel my heart palpute and a pulsing feeling thru my body. I get it when I am walking up the stairs. I get it mostly at night and I feel exhausted but when I go to bed I cant sleep. I ate kfc today but I feel a tightness in the middle of my breast bone.

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Answers (1)
Martin Cane, M.D.
Martin Cane, M.D.
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Martin Cane, M.D. is Physician - Internal Medicine
Physician

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

deb,

 

Thanks for your question.  Though the dizziness and insomnia are possible side effects, the dizziness would not be positional in nature.

 

Much of what you're experiencing could be from an inner ear (or vestibular) problem.  These symptoms are brought on by changes in position, as you have described, and can take weeks to improve.  Another thought is a problem with your carotid artery, especially because you sometimes get these symptoms when you are backing out in your car. 

 

Your doctor's suggestion of the motion sickness medication is quite reasonable.  However, if there is no improvement in a couple of weeks, then a re-evaluation of your symptoms by your doctor is indicated.  Your might require some testing to check out the carotid artery, and/or inner ear area.  These tests might include an Xray or scan.  Please discuss these possibilities with your doctor.

 

If the effexor is the cause, your symptoms should clear over a couple of months.

 

Best wishes.

 

Martin Cane, M.D. 

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