Strange Sensation in Chest
Age: 29, female Medical History: Diagnosed with anxiety and depression, experiencing occasional insomnia. Notably short stature at 4'2". Current Medications: - Lamotrigine 50mg - Quetiapine 5mg to assist with sleep disturbances after several days of restlessness - Vitamin D (exact dosage unknown, but it’s in gummy form) - Previously prescribed escitalopram 10mg *While my height may seem irrelevant, I thought it was worth mentioning.* I indulge in alcohol from time to time but am contemplating quitting, as it tends to leave me feeling irritable for a few days post-consumption. Additionally, I vape when I drink. Lately, I've been experiencing a constricting sensation in my chest, occasionally becoming overly aware of my heartbeat. This feeling used to occur only during masturbation, but it's become more frequent this past week. At times, it even prompts involuntary coughing. The sensation is located at the center of my chest, leading me to doubt that it involves my diaphragm. I’ve considered that the recent increase in my lamotrigine dosage might be contributing to this issue, so I plan to give my body a couple of weeks to adjust to the change. I’m seeking guidance on whether this discomfort could be linked to the medication or if there might be another underlying issue. Should I seek medical advice sooner rather than later?
Answers (1)
8/17/2025, 6:02:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's important to take any new chest sensations seriously, especially as they can be linked to various factors. Your experience of chest tightness along with your history of anxiety is significant and warrants careful attention.
Explanation
The constricting sensation in your chest, along with increased awareness of your heartbeat and coughing, could be a result of several factors, including anxiety, medication side effects, or even lifestyle influences such as alcohol use and vaping.
- Medication Considerations: Lamotrigine can sometimes cause side effects, but a constricting sensation is not commonly reported. It's also worth considering whether stress or anxiety could be exacerbated by changes in your routine or medication adjustments.
- Lifestyle Factors: Alcohol and vaping can affect your cardiovascular and respiratory systems, possibly leading to sensations in your chest. Irritability following alcohol intake can also impact your anxiety levels.
Next Steps
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of when the chest sensations occur, what you were doing at the time, and any other associated symptoms (like anxiety levels, breathing issues, etc.). This will help track patterns.
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Limit Alcohol and Vaping: Since these may contribute to your symptoms, try reducing or eliminating them for a few weeks to see if your discomfort improves.
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Practice Relaxation Techniques: Engaging in deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle yoga can help manage anxiety and may reduce the sensation you're feeling.
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Evaluate Your Medications: Stay mindful of how any medication changes impact you. If symptoms persist or worsen, consider the possibility that your medication might need to be adjusted.
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Consider Seeking Medical Advice Soon: While it's good to observe how your body responds over a couple of weeks, if you notice severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, or significant increases in anxiety, seek medical advice more urgently.
Remember, listening to your body is crucial, and it’s always okay to reach out for professional support when you feel uncertain about your health.
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