Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Shortness Of Breath, Dizziness, Tightness In Chest. Was On Lexapro. What Can This Mean?
I started 2 weeks ago on a Monday morning. At around 8:30 am my chest got real tight and I was experiencing shortness of breathe and my head felt very dizzy and just could not focus. So my wife made me go to er for checkup. As I was there it was protocol to check the heart. All tests come back good. They give me 3 nitro glycerin tabs under tongue and lopressor. Which seemed to help with the chest tightness. They kept me overnight to observe and check blood and blood pressure. All came back good they have set me up for stress test and nuclear test on heart to make certain of no blockage or something wrong with heart. I have been taking testosterone cypionate injections every week for bout 4 months because my testosterone level was 118 and I am a 37 year old male. And I am just coming off lexapro 20mg that I have taken for 2 years. My doctor brought me off this medication slowly. And the reason for coming off was the testosterone was making me feel better. Since all this at er they told me to stop testoterinjections. I did follow up with my doctor and he agreed until I have the stress test and nuclear test. I am still having tightness in chest and I get winded even with the smallest of tasks and some dizzy spells when I get winded. Do you think there is a link with my conditions and the testosterone or coming off lexapro?
Mon, 18 Nov 2013
Hi there,
Thanks for your query.
The very fact that your chest tightness was significantly relieved with nitroglycerine tablets, it is strongly possible that you may have an underlying heart disease (partial blockage of arteries) or an impending heart failure due to retention of fluids -->fluid overload on the heart.
Fluid and salt retention in the body is a side effect of long-term use of testosterone injection.
Your problems are not related to gradual withdrawal of Lexapro.
I therefore fully agree with your doctor. Go ahead with stress test and stress Thallium (nuclear) test as advised.
If you find my response helpful and informative, do not forget an “excellent” rating to my answer, to encourage all doctors- engaged in social service- to render sound advice to the FREE queries.
Fond regards and have a nice day
Dr. Rakesh Karanwal
Thanks for your query.
The very fact that your chest tightness was significantly relieved with nitroglycerine tablets, it is strongly possible that you may have an underlying heart disease (partial blockage of arteries) or an impending heart failure due to retention of fluids -->fluid overload on the heart.
Fluid and salt retention in the body is a side effect of long-term use of testosterone injection.
Your problems are not related to gradual withdrawal of Lexapro.
I therefore fully agree with your doctor. Go ahead with stress test and stress Thallium (nuclear) test as advised.
If you find my response helpful and informative, do not forget an “excellent” rating to my answer, to encourage all doctors- engaged in social service- to render sound advice to the FREE queries.
Fond regards and have a nice day
Dr. Rakesh Karanwal
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Neuroendocrinology
Loading Online Doctors....