OpenHealth Q&A

Chilling Symptoms and Strange Episodes

A post on Reddit raises some medical concerns. The individual describes experiencing persistent nausea, intense shakiness, and cramps. They have also faced sporadic fainting spells without any prior warning. While this alarming situation has only been recorded once recently, it had occurred 3 to 5 times in the past. **Details about the individual:** - Age: 46, turning 47 this March - Gender: Male - Weight: 146 lbs (66 kg), previously 321 lbs (145 kg) in 2019 - Location: Middle Tennessee, USA **Medical History:** The person has a history of celiac disease and food intolerances, including lactose and gluten sensitivity, as well as a protein intolerance that leads to anaphylactic reactions to alliums and members of the Rosaceae family. They also struggle with mental health issues, particularly complex post-traumatic stress disorder linked to military service and childhood abuse, bipolar disorder, and suicidal ideation (with past hospitalizations during childhood). Notably, they have maintained stability without issues since age 17 and have not taken SSRIs since that time. Furthermore, they underwent umbilical hernia repair with mesh in 2019. **Current Medications:** - Descovy 200-25 mg daily - Doxycycline 100 mg as needed (typically taken 2-3 times a week) - Tadalafil 5 mg daily - Orlistat 60 mg, two pills daily - Trazodone 50 mg before bed (1-2 pills) - Phentermine 15 mg daily **Over-the-Counter Supplements:** - Stacker 3 XPLC - Products from Dr. Stephanie (sugar/carbohydrate blocker and GLP agent) - Various pre- and post-workout supplements (e.g., Alani) **Additional Considerations:** Recently experiencing unemployment, coupled with financial strain and food scarcity, could be contributing factors. **Research Findings:** There is evidence suggesting that Phentermine and Tadalafil may induce dizziness. Trazodone is associated with orthostatic hypotension, while Orlistat can potentially lead to electrolyte imbalances or vitamin deficiencies. **Inquiry:** The individual recounts having previously experienced 3-5 fainting incidents several years ago. Recently, they have been struck by what feels like waves of illness, experiencing cold chills reminiscent of mini-seizures and fainting once. Given their background as a former combat medic, they find alarming information regarding the supplements Stacker and those from Dr. Stephanie. **Should these products be halted to see if symptoms improve? If not, is an emergency department visit warranted?** Additionally, do others have insights on why these unpredictable waves of sensations occur? Could their current stress levels be a contributing factor? Any advice would be greatly valued.

Answers (1)

2/12/2026, 1:00:57 PM

OpenHealth AI

The symptoms you've described, including persistent nausea, shakiness, cramps, and fainting spells, are concerning and warrant close attention. Given your medical history and current circumstances, particularly the recent experiences of stress and food scarcity, it’s essential to take a careful approach to assess and manage these symptoms.

Explanation

1. Fainting Spells: Fainting or syncope can occur due to various reasons, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, low blood sugar, or side effects from medications. Your medications, particularly Phentermine and Trazodone, can induce dizziness, which could be a contributing factor.
2. Nausea and Shakiness: These symptoms can arise from multiple causes, including anxiety, physiological reactions to stress, or potential interactions with supplements you are taking.
3. Stress Impact: Your recent stressors (unemployment, food scarcity) can exacerbate physical symptoms and impact your mental health, which may present as episodes of physical distress.

Next Steps

1. Stop Potentially Harmful Supplements:

   • Consider halting the use of Stacker 3 XPLC and the supplements from Dr. Stephanie. These may not be safe given your history and the medications you are taking. Monitor if symptoms improve without them.

2. Stay Hydrated and Nourished:

   • Focus on hydration, especially if you have had any episodes of fainting or nausea. Small, frequent meals that are easy to digest can help stabilize your blood sugar levels.

3. Monitor Symptoms Closely:

   • Keep a detailed log of your symptoms (when they occur, their severity, any associated factors such as meals or stress levels). This can help identify patterns and inform the next steps.

4. Self-Care for Stress Management:

   • Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or light physical activity, which can help manage stress levels. Consider reaching out for community support as well.

5. Emergency Care:

   • If you experience worsening symptoms (e.g., recurrent fainting, severe nausea or vomiting, confusion, or chest pain), seek emergency care immediately.

6. Consult a Healthcare Professional:

   • Given the complexity of your symptoms and medical history, it's essential to speak with a healthcare provider about these episodes, especially if they continue. They can perform necessary evaluations and may suggest adjustments to your medications or further investigations.

Your safety and well-being are paramount, so taking these steps seriously is crucial. Please let me know if you need further clarification on any of these points or additional support.