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What Causes Dizzy Spells While On Imipramine And Fluoxetine?

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Posted on Tue, 13 Oct 2015
Question: I am taking imipramine 250mg and Fluoxetine 20 mg for depression. I have been having some spells. I thought I was tripping over my feet. I had 2 witnessed spells, both observed by DR. I was in hospital when the last spell occurred. I do not remember anything the last spell. I was given CT scans, EEG, blood work, 24 hr heart telemetry. All was normal. Maybe a bit of hyponatremia and a lower bp.I have had my imipramine decreased slowly to 100mg. Remain on Fluoxetine 20 mg and Zoloft 15mg. my research has found that these meds can be toxic. Is this correct?
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Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
serious drug interactions possible.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.

I can understand your concerns.

Imipramine, fluoxetine and sertraline when taken together can cause some serious drug interactions. This can lead to serotonin syndrome.

You were taking high dose of imipramine and along with that, sertraline and fluoxetine.
All the three drugs are known to cause hyponatremia.
Imipramine in such high doses can cause hypotension.

Most probably, these drugs are the cause for your symptoms.

I would suggest you to report to your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms like agitation, mood swings, palpitations, fever, severe dizziness. These might indicate a serious drug interaction.

Hope this helps.
Feel free to ask further.

Take care.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Shubham Mehta

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 2144 Questions

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What Causes Dizzy Spells While On Imipramine And Fluoxetine?

Brief Answer: serious drug interactions possible. Detailed Answer: Hello Welcome to HCM. I can understand your concerns. Imipramine, fluoxetine and sertraline when taken together can cause some serious drug interactions. This can lead to serotonin syndrome. You were taking high dose of imipramine and along with that, sertraline and fluoxetine. All the three drugs are known to cause hyponatremia. Imipramine in such high doses can cause hypotension. Most probably, these drugs are the cause for your symptoms. I would suggest you to report to your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms like agitation, mood swings, palpitations, fever, severe dizziness. These might indicate a serious drug interaction. Hope this helps. Feel free to ask further. Take care.