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Undiagnosed Symptoms (Expert Forum)
Seizures, difficulty breathing, dizzy, etc.
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
Questions in the Undiagnosed Symptoms forum are answered by Dr. Kevin Pho. Topics covered include breathing difficulties, feeling cold, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, fever, indigestion, itching, nausea, numbness, pain (chronic), paralysis, rash, sweating, swelling, urination problems, and vomiting.
Seizures, difficulty breathing, dizzy, etc.
by questcoy, Feb 15, 2008 08:03AM
Hello,
I am a 28 year old male, 130lbs.
I was having trouble sleeping due to jet lag, so my wife gave me 600mg Seroquil. (I know taking someone else's Rx is a very stupid thing!) I am not on any other meds of any kind, and my medical history is clean. But this was my first time taking Seroquil.
After an hour, I was a bit tired. I was dizzy and feinted after walking 10 steps. Dizziness was one of the possible side effects of Seroquil.
I fell asleep, but my right arm began jerking (and waking me up), and it became difficult to breathe deeply. My speech was slurred, and I felt quite weak. I tried to drink some water. I was gasping for air (with my limited breathing capacity) after each sip, and I would either fall asleep or pass out in between each sip. It was torture. I was anxious and scared.
The twitching gradually turned into seizures--limbs flailing, and then my whole body would go rigid and quiver. Each episode lasted only seconds, but they happened every minute or two. I have a complete memory of the night, even though I was not 100% there mentally. After each attack, it felt more like I was being pulled into unconsciousness. I had a lot of trouble whispering even 1-2 words now.
By 4:30am, I thought I should probably go to a hospital, but my mind was very fuzzy and I couldn't put the words together. I absolutely could not control my own breathing (and believe me, I tried! I really thought my life might depend on it).
I finally realized I had consumed much less sugar than usual that day (and possibly the day before as well). Thanks to travel, my diet had consisted of crackers, cheese, and 125ml of cola early in the day. I had a pint of beer in the evening, at least an hour before I took the pills.
So, at 6am, I ate about 60 grams of chocolate. Within 30 minutes, my symptoms began to improve. After another 30 min (7am), my symptoms and anxiety were gone. After that, I slept until 2pm and have felt 100% ever since.
I am a 28 year old male, 130lbs.
I was having trouble sleeping due to jet lag, so my wife gave me 600mg Seroquil. (I know taking someone else's Rx is a very stupid thing!) I am not on any other meds of any kind, and my medical history is clean. But this was my first time taking Seroquil.
After an hour, I was a bit tired. I was dizzy and feinted after walking 10 steps. Dizziness was one of the possible side effects of Seroquil.
I fell asleep, but my right arm began jerking (and waking me up), and it became difficult to breathe deeply. My speech was slurred, and I felt quite weak. I tried to drink some water. I was gasping for air (with my limited breathing capacity) after each sip, and I would either fall asleep or pass out in between each sip. It was torture. I was anxious and scared.
The twitching gradually turned into seizures--limbs flailing, and then my whole body would go rigid and quiver. Each episode lasted only seconds, but they happened every minute or two. I have a complete memory of the night, even though I was not 100% there mentally. After each attack, it felt more like I was being pulled into unconsciousness. I had a lot of trouble whispering even 1-2 words now.
By 4:30am, I thought I should probably go to a hospital, but my mind was very fuzzy and I couldn't put the words together. I absolutely could not control my own breathing (and believe me, I tried! I really thought my life might depend on it).
I finally realized I had consumed much less sugar than usual that day (and possibly the day before as well). Thanks to travel, my diet had consisted of crackers, cheese, and 125ml of cola early in the day. I had a pint of beer in the evening, at least an hour before I took the pills.
So, at 6am, I ate about 60 grams of chocolate. Within 30 minutes, my symptoms began to improve. After another 30 min (7am), my symptoms and anxiety were gone. After that, I slept until 2pm and have felt 100% ever since.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Feb 16, 2008 08:37AM
, Feb 16, 2008 08:37AM
Seroquel is a powerful psychiatric medication, and should not be taken unless told to do so by your physician. It is entirely possible that the symptoms may be the effects of the medication.
If there is concern about neurological disease or seizures, a referral to a neurologist should be sought. Imaging with a CT scan or MRI, as well as an EEG to exclude seizures can be considered.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
If there is concern about neurological disease or seizures, a referral to a neurologist should be sought. Imaging with a CT scan or MRI, as well as an EEG to exclude seizures can be considered.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
