Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
I Am A 36 Year Old Male From Germany Who
Question: I am a 36 year old male from Germany who is experiencing the following symptoms:
- Extreme exhaustion for no obvious reasons
- Problems falling asleep
- Waking up with a racing heart
- Change of very cold and (unbearably) hot feet
- Heavy legs, feeling like stone
- Often blurred vision
- Quickly out of breath
All symptoms have been present, on and off, for > 6 months, many even > 2 years.
Information about myself that might be relevant:
- Smoker since the age of 16
- I drink 2 L of sugar-free caffeine-drinks per day
- Weight is a bit above normal, but not by much
- Lack of exercise
- Diet is mostly pizza
- I take antidepressants (prescribed by a local psychiatrist)
I realize that the fatigue could be solely due to mental health reasons, however, with the problematic thermoregulation in my feet, the heavy legs, waking up with a racing heart and the blurred vision, I strongly wonder if there might be a physical issue as well.
- Extreme exhaustion for no obvious reasons
- Problems falling asleep
- Waking up with a racing heart
- Change of very cold and (unbearably) hot feet
- Heavy legs, feeling like stone
- Often blurred vision
- Quickly out of breath
All symptoms have been present, on and off, for > 6 months, many even > 2 years.
Information about myself that might be relevant:
- Smoker since the age of 16
- I drink 2 L of sugar-free caffeine-drinks per day
- Weight is a bit above normal, but not by much
- Lack of exercise
- Diet is mostly pizza
- I take antidepressants (prescribed by a local psychiatrist)
I realize that the fatigue could be solely due to mental health reasons, however, with the problematic thermoregulation in my feet, the heavy legs, waking up with a racing heart and the blurred vision, I strongly wonder if there might be a physical issue as well.
Brief Answer:
Lifestyle change needed to get better.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor's service.
I read your query and here is my advice.
I believe there can be several issues related to your symptoms. The racing heart, difficulty falling asleep, fatigue, difficulty breathing may be related to anxiety and depression. Having 2 L of caffeine drink per day can contribute to these symptoms. You have to reduce caffeine intake to two drinks per day. Don't drink coffee after 6 pm.
The heavy legs,hot and cold legs ( problematic thermoregulation) may be sign of neuropathy caused by smoking and caffeine. I can suggest you to reduce or better stop smoking. Being a smoker for so long may have affected your lungs capacity and caused you lungs diseases such chronic bronchitis which is causing difficulty breathing.. You may need a spyrometry.
You may need to increase physical activity and exercising too.
You actually need to increase the antidepressants ( ecitalopram )dosage because it is not working anymore since you are getting used to it.
Stopping smoking, lowering caffeine intake, increasing physical activity and exercising will improve your overall health.
Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Lifestyle change needed to get better.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor's service.
I read your query and here is my advice.
I believe there can be several issues related to your symptoms. The racing heart, difficulty falling asleep, fatigue, difficulty breathing may be related to anxiety and depression. Having 2 L of caffeine drink per day can contribute to these symptoms. You have to reduce caffeine intake to two drinks per day. Don't drink coffee after 6 pm.
The heavy legs,hot and cold legs ( problematic thermoregulation) may be sign of neuropathy caused by smoking and caffeine. I can suggest you to reduce or better stop smoking. Being a smoker for so long may have affected your lungs capacity and caused you lungs diseases such chronic bronchitis which is causing difficulty breathing.. You may need a spyrometry.
You may need to increase physical activity and exercising too.
You actually need to increase the antidepressants ( ecitalopram )dosage because it is not working anymore since you are getting used to it.
Stopping smoking, lowering caffeine intake, increasing physical activity and exercising will improve your overall health.
Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
