Nervousness/Increased Heart Rate due to Dexamethasone?

Hi,

I was diagnosed two days ago with a rather impressive tumor on the left side of my brain stem. Totally unexpected. They immediately put me on anti-seizure medication and steroids (to reduce swelling), which I'm totally happy to take considering what's hanging out in my brain. However, I've been experiencing a dramatically increased heart rate and a lot of nervousness. I haven't been that hyperactive though, all I want to do is sit and stare at a wall and be nervous. It's like I'm crashing from hard drugs (I used to take a lot of meth and Oxycontin/heroin but I'm two years clean now and NOT enjoying this feeling). I'm also 21 years old and I absolutely relish my sleep. Is it okay to take Benadryl or melatonin to help me join the unconscious part of the world? Will either help, or is it just going to be adding more confusion to my system and make things worse? I would really love any insights anyone could provide, I'm going a little crazy here!

Thanks guys!

Katie/sleepless in North Hollywood

[Sandra Y, RPh]

It is not recommended to take melatonin while taking Prozac, but you can take Benadryl. Insomnia is a common adverse side effect to the medications you're currently taking.