Experiencing Episodes of Near-Fainting
I’m a 30-year-old female, weighing 230 lbs and standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall, residing in Texas. I do not smoke or consume alcohol. I have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. My current medications include a daily regimen of 100 mg of Zoloft, 25 mg of Seroquel, and 4 mg of Prazosin, along with a Nexplanon implant. On top of these prescriptions, I take several supplements and over-the-counter medications, such as potassium, vitamin D, daily Zyrtec, and Benadryl for allergies as needed. These episodes of feeling faint have only recently started occurring, usually quite infrequently until about a month ago. The symptoms I experience include cold sweats, a sensation of lightheadedness, blurred vision, a peculiar underwater-like sound in my ears, and a tingling sensation beneath and just behind my ears. Let me detail the last two incidents that took place, as I can recall around four occurrences in total: 1. The first incident happened while I was waiting for some food to heat up in the microwave. I stood in my kitchen when I suddenly felt strange, as if my vision and hearing were being disrupted like a TV losing signal. Although I managed to get to the couch with my food, I felt nauseous for around ten minutes after sitting down. Eventually, I was able to eat and felt normal again. 2. The second incident occurred today, making it the most vivid in my memory. I woke up around noon to unpack a grocery order, which came with ice packs. While at the kitchen sink, cutting them open to dispose of the plastic, I found myself needing to grab a stool for support. A wave of fatigue hit me, reminiscent of the feeling I had when I was anesthetized for my wisdom teeth removal—I had to consciously push against the drowsiness. After completing the task, I snacked on some chips and drank water, feeling well enough to prepare an easy meal shortly after. While eating, I still experienced slight dizziness when I stood up to clean up. Later, I took a nap and since waking up, I have noticed a general improvement in how I feel.
Answers (1)
3/30/2025, 4:40:31 AM
OpenHealth AI
Experiencing episodes of near-fainting can be concerning, and it's great that you're seeking to understand what might be happening. Given your symptoms—cold sweats, lightheadedness, blurred vision, peculiar sounds in your ears, and tingling sensations—it's important to consider various factors that could contribute to these experiences.
Explanation
The sensations you're describing might relate to several factors, including your medications, anxiety levels, hydration status, and possibly blood pressure changes. Some common causes for near-fainting episodes include:
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Orthostatic Hypotension: A sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up can cause dizziness and lightheadedness.
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Dehydration: Low fluid levels can lead to dizziness, particularly if you're not drinking enough water or if you're experiencing any side effects from medications.
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Anxiety and Stress: Your history of anxiety and PTSD might also exacerbate physical symptoms, leading to feelings of unreality or wooziness during stressful situations.
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Medication Side Effects: Some of your medications can contribute to fatigue and dizziness, especially when combined with other substances like Benadryl.
Next Steps
1. Monitor Hydration: Ensure you're drinking enough fluids throughout the day, aiming for at least 8 glasses of water. Pay attention to your body's thirst cues and increase your intake if you feel dry or fatigued.
2. Moderate Physical Activity: Engage in gentle exercise, like walking, to improve circulation and help maintain stable blood pressure. Avoid sudden movements, especially when getting up from sitting or lying down.
3. Maintain a Consistent Routine: Regular meal times and adequate nutrition can stabilize energy levels. Include protein and carbohydrates in your meals to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
4. Keep a Symptom Journal: Record episodes, including what you were doing before they occurred, how you felt, and any possible triggers (like stress or medication taken). This information can be useful in understanding patterns or triggers.
5. Review Medications: Given your complexity of prescribed medications, consider evaluating them with a healthcare professional if episodes persist or exacerbate, as adjustments may be necessary.
Take note of any worsening symptoms, such as prolonged faintness, palpitations, severe headaches, or any new symptoms that develop. Implement these steps and check in with how you feel over the next few weeks. If the episodes do not improve or worsen, additional medical evaluation may be warranted. Your health and well-being are important, and taking these initial steps can help you feel more in control.
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