Unusual Symptoms Over the Last Three Weeks
I’m a 20-year-old female, standing at 5 feet tall and weighing 110 pounds. For the past three weeks, I’ve been experiencing a series of odd symptoms. I find it hard to attribute this solely to anxiety, as it feels significantly different from what I’ve experienced before. I've made two trips to the emergency room within this period, but the doctor assured me everything appeared normal and referred me to a neurologist, although I have yet to receive a follow-up call. Currently, I’m taking Lexapro at a dosage of 10mg, along with two capsules of rifAMPin daily due to latent tuberculosis. Here are the symptoms I've been facing: - Nausea and vomiting - Trembling in my legs - Feelings of anxiety in my arms, stomach, and legs - A burning sensation in my brain - Rapid heart rate - Decreased appetite - Fluttering in my heart - Muscle weakness - Increased frequency of bowel movements - Night sweats What strikes me as particularly odd is that most of these issues tend to manifest at night. Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
7/2/2025, 3:50:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
I understand you're experiencing a range of concerning symptoms, and it’s clear that this has been distressing for you. Your symptoms could stem from various potential causes, and while it's positive that you've sought medical care, follow-up is crucial given the breadth of what you're experiencing.
Key Points:
- Your symptoms, including nausea, heart fluttering, trembling, and night sweats, warrant closer examination, especially since they are affecting your daily life.
- It’s important to communicate with your healthcare provider to ensure ongoing assessment, particularly from the neurologist.
- Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or patterns, especially since several seem to worsen at night.
Explanation:
The symptoms you're describing can stem from multiple areas, including potential neurological issues, side effects from medications, or even interactions between them. For instance:
- Lexapro is an antidepressant that can cause side effects, including nausea and heart palpitations in some individuals.
- RifAMPin, used for latent tuberculosis, can interact with other medications and sometimes cause gastrointestinal issues or other side effects.
- Your symptoms like night sweats, increased bowel movements, and increased anxiety might suggest an underlying health issue that needs attention.
Next Steps:
-
Keep a Symptom Diary: Track when each symptom occurs, their severity, and any triggers you notice. This can help your healthcare provider in identifying patterns and possible underlying conditions.
-
Contact Your Neurologist or Primary Care Doctor: Follow up on your referral if you haven't received a call. Make sure to communicate the urgency of your symptoms, especially the new onset or increase in severity which could require adjustment in your care.
-
Regular Self-Care: While you’re waiting for further medical input, prioritize self-care:
- Stay hydrated and eat small, nutritious meals to help with nausea and decrease appetite.
- Engage in gentle physical activity if possible, like stretching or a short walk, to help with muscle weakness and anxiety.
- Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, especially at night when your symptoms seem to flare.
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Immediate Concern Alert: If you experience any new severe symptoms, like significant chest pain or shortness of breath, seek emergency care promptly.
By staying proactive and keeping lines of communication open with your healthcare team, you can better manage these symptoms and work towards finding a resolution. Please remember that you are not alone in this, and there are professionals who can support you through these challenges.
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