OpenHealth Q&A

Exploring Symptoms and Reactions: A POTS Inquiry

Hello there! I'm Ace, a 19-year-old currently navigating through tests for a concerning pattern of dizziness, fainting spells, and near-fainting experiences. Despite undergoing numerous examinations, I haven’t received any definitive conclusions, which has led me to consider the possibility of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). At my next medical consultation, I plan to request a tilt table test to confirm or rule out this condition, as I strongly resonate with the symptoms I've researched. I have one pressing inquiry: do individuals diagnosed with POTS experience complications relating to relaxants? To clarify my understanding, here's a brief overview of my recent episodes. After experiencing a particularly lengthy and distressing episode, where I was overwhelmed with dizziness and felt as if I was on the brink of collapse, I ended up in the emergency room. During my visit, they detected a T-Wave abnormality in my heart rhythm, although this irregularity vanished by the time I had a 72-hour heart monitor attached. The concern they noted primarily revolved around my blood pressure. While at the hospital, I was administered a saline drip. Initially, I felt okay, experiencing the customary chill and some shivers. However, the situation escalated quickly. I suddenly lost my vision, everything appeared unnaturally bright and filled with static, and my body began to tremble uncontrollably. Unable to discern whether my eyes were open or closed, I was increasingly disoriented. Throughout this incident, the monitor beside me emitted alarms, as my blood pressure plummeted below ten, at one point dipping as low as two. A nurse later found me and suggested that I was having a panic attack, though I’ve experienced anxiety before and this felt distinctly different. In another episode, I experimented with marijuana, which I obtained legally but recognized that I am technically below the legal age of consumption. Accompanied by two trusted friends, I took two small hits around 8:30 PM. At first, I felt no effects, but soon it hit me quite intensely. I started laughing uncontrollably, but then an unusual sensation overwhelmed my chest, accompanied by a ringing in my ears. Gradually, my condition worsened. I became unable to open my eyes or move my body, with the exception of the occasional movement of my fingers. My body grew cold and I felt an unsettling static sensation. I felt an intense chill, trembling intensely, with my vision clouded by brightness and distortion. Although I could hear, the environment around me was a blur. It was an agonizing state, and I found myself torn between wanting to regain consciousness or simply fade away. Eventually, around 10:30 PM, my friend called my mother and they arrived to take me home. They helped me from the house to the car and then inside, but I didn’t manage to reach the bathroom until after 11 PM. While there, even though I urgently needed to relieve myself (my friends had been giving me sips of water), I felt disoriented, unsure if I was awake or dreaming. Once I crawled back into bed, I finally slept solidly until 7 AM. The following days were marked by persistent headaches and extreme fatigue. Given these experiences, I wonder if anyone with a POTS diagnosis has gone through similar situations, or should I be exploring other potential causes for my symptoms? As I hinted earlier, I exhibit other indications of POTS. My first fainting spell occurred nearly a year ago, beginning as infrequent occurrences but escalating to three or four episodes monthly by September. Throughout this time, I've battled ongoing dizziness, particularly upon standing, experiencing faint vision and weakness. I often collapse without losing consciousness, suffer from distorted vision, have persistent ringing in my ears, and experience cold hands with diminished sensitivity. Moreover, I contend with blood pooling in my hands, relentless fatigue, and during episodes, I can feel my heart racing, difficulty breathing, a heavy sensation in my chest, and an unsettling warmth in my stomach. These episodes have occurred during various activities, including everyday tasks like using a hand air pump for a pool and simply standing still for extended periods. My exhaustion is overwhelming, and I desperately seek clarity about my condition.

Answers (1)

2/10/2026, 10:31:17 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're going through a very challenging time, and I appreciate how detailed you've been in sharing your experiences. Managing symptoms that could be related to Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) can be complicated, especially when combined with other symptoms and the effects of substances like marijuana. Let's break down your situation and address your inquiry about potential complications with relaxants and what you might consider next.

Main Points:

1. Symptoms suggestive of POTS: Persistent dizziness, fainting spells, and heart irregularities can indeed point to POTS or other related conditions.
2. Reaction to relaxants: Individuals with POTS may experience heightened sensitivity to substances that relax blood vessels, including marijuana, which can exacerbate symptoms like dizziness and faintness.
3. Next Steps: Prioritize communicating your experiences to your healthcare provider clearly and consider adaptations to your lifestyle to manage symptoms.

Explanation:

POTS affects how blood flow and blood pressure are regulated when you change positions (like standing up), leading to symptoms like dizziness, fainting, and fatigue. The episodes you've described, particularly the severe ones in the emergency room, highlight the potential for significant drops in blood pressure, which can be dangerous.

Regarding your inquiry about relaxants:

• Substances like marijuana can affect your cardiovascular system by causing blood vessels to dilate, which may lower blood pressure and worsen POTS symptoms. Your experience of overwhelming sensations and difficulty with vision after consuming marijuana suggests that it might not be well-tolerated.
• Panic attacks could mimic some symptoms of POTS but are not typically associated with the significant drops in blood pressure you've described. The acute distress during those episodes might have been exacerbated by your underlying condition.

Next Steps:

1. Discuss with Your Doctor: Bring your detailed symptoms, particularly your reactions to the saline drip and marijuana, to your next medical appointment. This open dialogue is crucial for understanding your condition’s nuances.

2. Consider a Tilt Table Test: Since you mentioned wanting to request this test, it can help confirm a diagnosis of POTS, providing measurable data on how your body responds to changes in posture.

3. Monitor and Adapt:

   • Hydration: Increase fluid intake to help maintain blood volume. Some people with POTS find electrolyte-rich drinks helpful.
   • Salt Intake: If your doctor approves, increasing salt intake can also help retain fluid, which may improve symptoms.
   • Posture Management: Gradually change positions (like standing up from sitting) to minimize dizziness.

4. Avoid Triggers: Until you have a clearer understanding of your condition, it may be wise to avoid substances like marijuana or alcohol that could aggravate your symptoms.

5. Daily Monitoring: Keep a journal of your symptoms, including daily activities and any potential triggers. This can provide valuable insight into patterns and assist your healthcare provider.

Remember, your health and well-being are the priority. Continue advocating for yourself and don't hesitate to reach out if you have further questions or need support navigating your condition.