[40F] Experiencing dizziness and racing heart after starting semaglutide
Patient Description
A 40-year-old female started taking semaglutide 8 days ago and has since been experiencing moderate dizzy spells. These spells last about 45 seconds and occur three times a day. They are characterized by a racing heart, blurriness, and lightheadedness, even when sitting down. The patient also reports dull headaches, nausea, and stomach cramping. There is no chest pain, shortness of breath, or changes in vision other than blurriness. The patient has a history of high blood pressure during pregnancy but no other pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses. She consumes 2 to 3 cups of caffeine daily and has not had any recent changes in caffeine consumption. The only medication currently taken is semaglutide, 10 units weekly, along with Tylenol for headaches and nausea medicine. Recent EKG and blood tests at urgent care were normal.
Show More
Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on the information you have provided, a possible explanation for your symptoms could be:
- Side Effects of Semaglutide: Semaglutide is a medication commonly used to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It can sometimes cause side effects, including dizziness, nausea, headaches, and stomach cramping. The racing heart and dizziness you are experiencing could be related to this medication.
- Typical Treatments and Testing: Since you have already had an EKG and blood tests that came back normal, it is likely that your symptoms are related to the medication. Your healthcare provider might consider adjusting your dosage or switching you to a different medication if the side effects persist.
What you can do
While you should definitely consult your healthcare provider for a formal assessment and personalized advice, here are some general tips that might help alleviate your symptoms:
- Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can sometimes contribute to dizziness.
- Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help manage nausea and stomach cramping.
- Limit Caffeine: Since caffeine can sometimes exacerbate dizziness and a racing heart, consider reducing your intake to see if it helps.
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a journal of your symptoms, including when they occur, their severity, and any potential triggers. This information can be very helpful for your healthcare provider.
- Use MDandMe: You can use the MDandMe app to journal your symptoms, track your progress, get insights, and share longitudinal medical notes with your provider.
What you should look out for
Reasons to seek more urgent medical attention include:
- Severe or Worsening Symptoms: If your dizziness, racing heart, or other symptoms become more severe or frequent.
- New Symptoms: If you develop new symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.
- Inability to Manage Symptoms: If you find that your symptoms are not manageable with the above tips or if they are significantly impacting your daily life.
Remember, while I can provide general advice, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.
Show More
1
Hugs
0
Comments
Save
4 mo ago