High Blood Pressure and Dizziness: Seeking Guidance
I've reached out to my doctors but am eager for feedback in the meantime. I'm a 29-year-old female, standing 5'6" and weighing 190 pounds. I deal with chronic migraines and also have suspected autism, ADHD, depression, and anxiety. Currently, my medications include Namenda, Zyrtec, a multivitamin, and Rizatriptan as needed, along with a Cefaly device when necessary. After a long stretch without needing preventative treatment for my migraines, they have recently resurfaced. My migraine specialist has re-prescribed Namenda, 5 mg twice daily, although I understand this is an off-label use. I’m comfortable with that as long as it proves effective. In the past, I took Namenda alongside several other medications, but now it stands alone as my only preventative option. I began this regimen about a month ago. Shortly thereafter, I started experiencing occasional and seemingly random chest tightness, similar to heart palpitations. Initially, I associated this with a possible increase in anxiety attacks, despite being unable to identify any specific triggers. I began to suspect the Namenda might be influencing these sensations. To assess the situation, I decided to skip the medication on Sunday night and Monday morning to see if there would be any change. While the palpitations seemed to ease, I was struck by a severe migraine by late Monday afternoon. I resumed taking the medication on Monday night and Tuesday morning, intending to contact my doctor thereafter. However, I got sidetracked and forgot to make that call. Later, as I prepared for bed on Tuesday evening, I experienced a sudden episode of dizziness, as if the room was spinning. I rested for a while, and though I felt a bit better, the dizziness persisted. Driven by curiosity, I took my blood pressure, which read 146/98 with a heart rate of 96. I didn’t notice any other concerning symptoms and also forgot to take my Namenda. Historically, I have not suffered from high blood pressure outside of my pregnancy, during which I developed preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome two years ago. This morning, my blood pressure read 126/75, with a heartbeat of 77. I still haven’t taken the Namenda, but I am feeling intermittent heart palpitations, largely due to my heightened anxiety at the moment.
Answers (1)
8/6/2025, 12:31:28 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing some concerning symptoms, including high blood pressure, dizziness, chest tightness, and palpitations, especially in the context of managing chronic migraines and other mental health conditions. It’s good to seek additional information while waiting for your doctor's guidance.
Explanation
- High Blood Pressure: Your elevated blood pressure reading of 146/98 indicates that it may be worth keeping an eye on, especially since you have a history of high blood pressure during pregnancy. Stress and anxiety can also contribute to spikes in blood pressure.
- Dizziness and Palpitations: These can be caused by various factors, including anxiety, medication side effects, and changes in blood pressure. Since you noted these occurred after starting Namenda, it's reasonable to consider whether this could be a factor, or if they stem more from anxiety.
Next Steps
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of your blood pressure readings, palpitations, and dizziness, noting when they occur in relation to medication intake and stress levels. This information will be helpful for your doctor.
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Regular Blood Pressure Monitoring: Continue to check your blood pressure daily or as often as comfortable. Make notes of the time and circumstances surrounding each reading to identify patterns.
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Consider Anxiety Management: Given your history, anxiety may be playing a larger role in your symptoms. Explore relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, guided imagery, or mindfulness exercises to help manage anxiety.
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Medication Review: Consult with your doctor about your current medications and symptoms, particularly relating to Namenda and any possible side effects. They may want to adjust your treatment plan or explore alternative migraine prevention options.
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Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Ensure you are drinking enough water and eating balanced meals, as fluctuations in hydration and nutrition can also impact blood pressure and overall well-being.
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Seek Care for Severe Changes: If you experience worsening symptoms such as severe headaches, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or if your blood pressure continues to remain high or fluctuates frequently, consider seeking immediate medical attention.
Please reach out to your healthcare provider soon to discuss these concerns, as they can offer specific guidance and monitor any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. You're taking the right steps by being aware of your body’s signals and seeking more information.
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