Sorry in advance for all of the background information, but I want to make sure you have enough details and I'm not really sure what is relevent or not. I am 43 years old and have recurring problems with anxiety and hypohtyroidism. A few months ago my doctor prescribed Celexa, but about 4 hours after taking it, I felt dizzy and almost passed out. A few weeks ago, I had the flu and I was feeling tired for several weeks (my energy levels are starting to increase now). I went to the doctor, he did some blood work, and told me he thought it was post-viral fatigue. I then developed cellutits on my nose which I am taking cloxacillin for- it is resolving. Just after starting the cloxacillin, I started taking Effexor. I took it at about 7:30 pm with dinner and felt fine. At about 2:30 in the morning, I woke up and did not feel well- like I was going to pass out and my whole body was tingling and I was sweating. I thought I was having a panic attack, but when I checked by pulse, it was extremely slow- about 40 beats per minute or less. My heart rate returned to normal in about five minutes and the other symtpoms resovled.Saw my doctor for the lab results- TSH was high, WBC and CRP were high (doctor thinks this is from the cellulitis). My doctor does not think the low heart rate at night is related to Effexor and he wants me to start it again once I am finished the cloxacillin. Since this has never happened to me, I think it could have been caused by Effexor but am also worried it my be an underlying heart problem. I often get a bit lightheaded and sometime dizzy but I've always attributed this to anxiety. I don't get chest pain when I exercise, but I do have a hard time catching my breath when I push myself.
What could have caused such a low heart rate at night?
Could this be an underlying heart problem?
Should I ask my doctor for testing?
Should I get the anxiety under control then ask for heart testing if the symtpoms recur?