Vertigo: New Medication or Just a Coincidence?
Yesterday morning, I began a regimen of Budesonide to tackle my microscopic colitis. After trying multiple treatments with no success, I found myself exhausted from the constant bouts of severe diarrhea. Although I’ve been hesitant to use steroids due to my type 1 diabetes, I deemed this option necessary. Around 1 am, I experienced an episode of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) unlike any I've encountered before. I was unable to get out of bed without help, as the room spun uncontrollably around me, accompanied by intense nausea and sweating. Although I've dealt with vertigo in the past—often unpredictably—it's been over a year since my last serious episode. Typically, I can resolve it using the Epley maneuver, but last night, I was too dizzy and nauseous to attempt any movement. Curious about whether my new medication could be the culprit, I turned to the internet for answers. While I know that online sources aren’t always reliable, I discovered that BPPV might indeed be a side effect of Budesonide. They advised seeking medical attention if the symptoms became worse. At the ER, they administered meclizine and IV fluids, and conducted a CT scan, EKG, and blood tests. Thankfully, the results cleared me of any serious issues, but they did identify an incidental nodule on my thyroid that requires further investigation. My blood pressure was unstable when I tried to stand, necessitating a prolonged stay for additional hydration, which ultimately eased the lightheadedness. Despite all this, the medical staff couldn't determine whether the onset of my vertigo was related to the steroid or if it was simply a coincidence. I made sure to mention my concerns during the visit. The attending nurse speculated that it was likely not due to the steroids since these medications usually elevate blood pressure. I’ve reached out to my gastroenterologist for clarification, but being the weekend, I’m uncertain whether I will receive a prompt response. For context, I’m a 50-year-old female, weighing 130 lbs at a height of 5'7". My medical history includes type 1 diabetes, EPI, microscopic colitis, gastroparesis, and familial high cholesterol, along with being in perimenopause. I’m currently managing my conditions with insulin, a statin, Zoloft, birth control for hormone replacement therapy, Creon enzymes at every meal, and now Budesonide. I also take vitamin D, magnesium, and coenzyme Q10 as supplements.
Answers (1)
2/6/2026, 10:10:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
Today's situation highlights a concerning and complex interaction between your new medication and your recent vertigo episode. It’s understandable to feel uneasy given your medical history and the experience with vertigo you described.
Main Points:
- Your new medication, Budesonide, may not directly cause vertigo, but individual reactions can vary.
- The vertigo experienced could be coincidental or related to other factors such as dehydration or your existing conditions.
- Monitoring symptoms and identifying triggers will be crucial moving forward.
Explanation: Budesonide is a corticosteroid used to manage inflammation in conditions like microscopic colitis. While it's generally not known to cause vertigo, every individual's reaction to medication can differ, especially considering your complex health background. Dehydration, caused by severe diarrhea and subsequent fluid imbalance, can also contribute to vertigo episodes. It's important to consider all potential factors, including blood pressure fluctuations which you're aware of, especially linked to the instability when you tried to stand.
Next Steps:
- Hydrate: Continue focusing on hydration, using electrolyte solutions if needed, which can help prevent future dizziness related to dehydration.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a journal of any vertigo episodes, noting when they occur, their duration, and any triggers (like position changes, physical activity, or medication timing).
- Follow Up: Once your gastroenterologist is available, seek a review of your current medication regimen to assess any possible interactions or alternatives considering your health history.
- Emergency Signs: Pay attention to warning signs that may require urgent attention, such as worsened dizziness, severe headaches, visual changes, or fainting spells.
Maintaining communication with your healthcare team is crucial, especially since managing multiple conditions can bring unique challenges. It's understandable that you're concerned, but you're taking the right steps by seeking answers and monitoring your symptoms closely. Stay proactive about your health!
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