Fluid and water pills

[pa4106]

Hi,
I have been having some balance issues and nausea. I had a balance test done and the results came back that I have 27% more fluid in my left ear then my right ear. My ENT prescribed a diuretic pill and it made my heart pound like crazy so he I just got a new diuretic. My question is will all diuretics cause a rapid heart rate as I suffer from panic attacks and it's so hard to bring a new RX on board that creates a rapid heart rate. Another question is how long does it take for this to work and why do you have to remain on the rx two months.
Any other way to treat this with medication that won't raise the heart rate?
Thank you kindly for your time
Patty

[Vivek V Gurudutt, MD]

Treatment of vertigo with diuretics is most often related to Meniere's Disease (or other types of endolymphatic hydrops). The increase in heart rate could be your body responding to a perception of decreased blood pressure/intravascular fluid volume (decreased fluid in your blood stream).  Working with your physician to adjust medications or dosage may lead to alleviating this issue.  Use of a low salt diet can also be helpful.  Use of gentamicin injection into the middle ear can be helpful for patients refractory to other therapy.  It damages cells in the inner ear to decrease vestibular functioning but may lead to hearing loss.  Have a discussion with your physician regarding your diagnosis as well as adjusting your treatment regimen.  Good luck.