What Causes Dizziness Inspite Of Being On Sertraline For Anxiety?
dizziness is very common side effect of sertraline, reduce/replace the drug
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing to us.
I read your query in detail and can understand your concern.
Dizziness is very common side effect of sertaline (10-12%). It is also more as dose goes higher.
As dizzi spells are restarted first of all there is need of ruling out any ENT or neurological cause. ENT (inner ear - labyrinth) cause by consultation with ENT doctor and neurological cause through simple physical examination of cerebellar clinical testing by a physician. I think both will come probably negative.
Dizziness can be one of the anxiety symptoms but it should be with other anxiety symptoms. Overall I think your problem is due to medicine.
If you are better in anxiety since 1 year there is definitely need of reduction of the dose of sertraline. Many of my patients are stable on dose of 25 mg also. If I were your treating doctor I would like to reduce dose gradually 25 mg every week until you do not have dizzi spells and will keep you on that minimum effective dose.
In that case if anxiety symptoms worsen or at even 25 mg dose of sertaline dizziness continues, I would like to shift to escitalopram (SSRI with the least side effect of dizziness) with short course of benzodiazepine.
Hope I have answered your query, feel free to discuss further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.