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Is Chest Congestion, Trouble Concentrating, Aches, Chills Due To Xanax?

Posted on Wed, 5 Mar 2014

Question: Hi Dr. - I was hospitalized for high blood pressure in May 2013 and prescribed (Xanax) Alprazolam 0.25 MG Tablets of which I took 1 tablet which helped tremendously with no side effects and advised to take healthy measures to alleviate stress such as change in diet, exercise and talking to a health care professional. I have since changed my diet, exercise 5-7 days per week and have noted a drastic change for the better. I am a 31 year old female about 5'7'' and have lost 27 pounds since July to date - down from 173 to 146 and find that running really helps manage my stress levels. I had similar overwhelming anxieties and fears and felt like I was "losing control" in November 2013 so I took 1 tablet which again helped me tremendously with no side effects. I really did not want to take more than 1 every 6 months (if at all) but again on this past Friday night February 7 my thoughts were spiraling even with talking them out and exercising and I yet again took 1 tablet. My thoughts have calmed but my very hot-to-the-touch flushed face has not subsided and I am now experiencing intense chills even while bundled up and woke up this morning with chest congestion, aches and trouble concentrating. Could these be side effects of taking the tablet on Friday night? I'm trying to combat the side effects with staying hydrated and well rested but was concerned these might be side effects from taking the medicine. Any advice you can offer is greatly appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (3 hours later)

Brief Answer: Side effects of using Ocella.... Detailed Answer: Hi my dear, You are having flushed face and feeling very-hot-to-the-touch. You have been using Xanax other times, and felt good with no side effects. So, there are other factors causing your symptoms. As you have been hospitalized for high blood pressure, I strongly suggest to monitor your blood pressure. Usually, oscillations in bp might cause what you are currently experiencing. Next, chest congestion and having chills might be related to possible common viral infection/cold. However, I insist to monitor your blood pressure to rule out spikes in bp. You are reporting in your medical data to be taking Ocella 3 mg (a birth control pill). Please bare in mind that the use of this pill could cause hormonal changes that could be a cause to flushing face. In addition, this pill is also associated with increased risk for cardio-vascular events and might cause spikes in bp. Once again, I strongly suggest to: - monitor blood pressure, record the results and pass them to your doctor for further evaluation - discuss with your doctor about the side effects of ocella (especially when it comes to your heart and bp) and to change therapy. Hope it was of help! Dr.Bardha

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T