Dizzy Spells

Updated on May 21, 2008
A.G. asks from Spring, TX
37 answers

Recently I have been experiencing dizzy spells. The only other time I've been dizzy like this was when I was pregnant with my son. I took a pregnancy test and have ruled that out. Anyone have any ideas on what could be causing these? I have recently stopped taking effexor and am wondering if the dizziness is just a lingering withdrawal symptom. I also started taking a B12 supplement. I've taken this in the past and not had any problems. I also take a multi-vitamin and a DHEA supplement. Could it be a reaction between the B12 and the other supplements? Has anyone experienced this?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.H.

answers from Houston on

You are correct. I take Effexor and when I run out and forget to refill my rx, I get the dizzy spells and just feel out of sorts. It will last awhile but should go away.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.C.

answers from Austin on

Hi well I don't know if it would help but for me I am always a little anemic and that also causes dizzy spells. personally I double up on the green vegies and pop an extra iron pill, with me being a vegetarian I find that I don't always eat properly just something to think about, hope it helps, S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.J.

answers from Austin on

Try taking a benedryl. I developed vertigo for some reason. It feels like you can't walk a straight line. The benedryl makes me drowsy for about 45 minutes, then the dizziness goes away. Just a thought.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.T.

answers from Houston on

I had the same withdrawal symptoms when stopping Effexor. It takes several weeks! Did you stop cold turkey or did you lower your dose gradually? Sometimes that helps with the symptoms.
L.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.H.

answers from Killeen on

you have some sort of vertigo ,thats an infection in your inner ear ,go see the DR to make sure but thats what it it sounds like to me
;L.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.P.

answers from Corpus Christi on

Perhaps you are experiencing Vertigo. Mine started when my children were small. A visit to your Dr. could tell you. Vertigo is an inner ear problem.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.M.

answers from Sherman on

See a doctor, the sooner the better, for you and your son. What happens if you pass out while alone with him. Besides it will ease your husbands mind to know his wife is ok.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.J.

answers from San Antonio on

If I were you, I'd go and get a blood test just to rule out any serious complications. It could be that you're anemic and need iron supplements, but it could be pretty much anything. I would recommend that you have your blood tested.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.B.

answers from Houston on

Well - if you hear of a cause and/or cure - let me know. I have recently been having dizzy spells again for the past two weeks, usually quick waves of dizziness. My doctor prescribed a medication for me (I forgot the name) but it makes me so sleepy and does not seem to make a difference anyway - so i quit taking it.

My last bout with dizzy spells was about 12 years ago. They came on and off for a couple of years. Back then, a few times a spell would last for 4 hours or more. Although i wound up in the ER twice, since it was not life threatening, by the time I actually saw a octor, over 4 hrs later, the dizzy spell was finally gone. They ran all sorts of tests on me - but never found a definate cause.

Unfortunately, I have spoken to many women who too experience dizzy spells, and no exact cause has been identified. But i recommend going to see your doctor to rule out anything else. Then, if nothing is found, just endure it i guess.

About me - a 53 yr old mom, married 31 yrs

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.W.

answers from Houston on

It could be related to the medication or supplements but I'd still go to the doctor and have it checked out. Some other possibilities, your blood pressure could be high or you may be at the begining stages of diabetes (sp), either of which you want to know. Hope you get to feeling better!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.E.

answers from Austin on

I would have your blood pressure checked and your glucose. If your blood sugar is low( which it often gets in pregnancy) you feel dizzy. If it is BS eat high protein every 2 hours.
Sam Evans LM CPM
www.wholisticmidwifery.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.H.

answers from Houston on

Hi! I experienced the same problem when I tried to get off of effexor...I had to talk it over with my doctor and she actually had to gradually step down the Mg. and I had to take something to lessen the dizziness...it was aweful. It took 8 weeks to be completely off of the effexor.
Good Luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

F.J.

answers from Houston on

I had this problem a little over a year ago. I was severly anemic. I had to get a couple of blood transfusions and now all is well. You should go to the doctor and ask them to get a complete blood count.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.H.

answers from Houston on

Hi A., ck your blood pressure for several days to rule that out. I started being dizzy/motion sick after I gave birth to my first baby. I began taking ginger capsules--get them anywhere--cheap is fine. I took 3 at a time and after a while I could go on a ride at the fair or anything and not be dizzy. Works in about 20 mins. No med or supplement interraction that I know of. I take effexor and other vits and herbs as well. I have taken ginger off and on for many years. It will not make you dopey or sleepy. Also make sure you're well hydrated--not caffeinated. Being dehydrated or overheated will make you weak, dizzy and confused. If you don't get relief in a couple days, see a professional. Avoid imagining worst case scenarios. It's most likely something simple. HTH C.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.L.

answers from Houston on

Hello,
The dizzy spells can definately be caused by effexor I actually had the same problem when I quit. However if it does not stop soon please see your doctor for a blood pregnancy test because there are false negatives.
Take care

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.B.

answers from Houston on

A.,

Have you ever been diagnosed with an irregular heart-beat? It's not dangerous, just annoying. When I was pregnant with my first child, I began having dissy spells. The doctor told me that I had an irregular heart-beat, which never showed up until I begame pregnant. He said it was quite common, and in many women doesn't really surface until the stress of something like pregnancy on the body occurs. It has happened on and off for years. I could be sitting down and get dizzy. It's harmless, just annoying. Might be worth getting checked out just to feel better.

S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.F.

answers from San Angelo on

Go see the doc. It could just be allergies or sinus problems as excess fluid in your ears can cause the diziness. Be really careful though and go see your doctor...vertigo may have been a factor in my girlfriends drowning death...not something to take lightly.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.K.

answers from Houston on

effexor is a doozy of a drug. did you go off of it with the help of your doctor? it is so important that you go off gradually, because your body will go into some sort of schock if taken off suddenly. i have had a bad bout with these drugs (had post partum deppression with my second baby) and it has taken me years to get back to being drug free. she is 3 1/2, and i am still working on it. and effexor is notorious for being difficult to transition through the withdrawal stage. if you live in houston, i have a fabulous doctor who knows medicine very well, and he is also a counselor. pm me if you want his name, he can help you.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.C.

answers from San Antonio on

It is a side effect of the Effexor. You cannot stop it suddenly. You have to do it gradually. I went through the same thing when I was getting off of it. PLEASE call your doctor. It can also effect your moods if you don't do it correctly!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.V.

answers from Houston on

I was recently on a medication similar to Effexor, and going off of it, gave me the dizzy spells you are referring to. It's because you're brain is trying to function without the pills now.
Also, it could be a combination of things...if you're taking supplements, does that mean that your diet isn't that great? Are you eating too many sweets? or are you having a caffeine withdrawal?
For me, the sweets and the caffeine did it to me bad.
Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.M.

answers from San Antonio on

Hi A., dizzy spells can be caused by numerous things. Have you had a physical done recently? High cholesterol is one reason, stress, high blood or low blood pressures, low blood sugar counts. You need to be checked.

We always tend to forget about our health and never stop and think that our family needs us. Get checked your family needs you healthy!

Good luck and best wishes,
Elisa

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.B.

answers from Sherman on

A., your dizziness is definatley coming from not taking your effexor. I used to take the 150mg and just quit cold turkey. That was the worst feeling ever. It felt like every time I would turn my head it would take it a minute for it to catch up with me and then another way to describe it is like if you had a serious equilibrium (spelling)problem. Anyway I started taking one every other day and gradually winged myself off of them. It seems to me it took about a month, so you might do one every other day and then move it to every 3rd day or just whatever works for you. But before you do that check with your dr because I am certainly not one, but that is just what worked for me. Goodluck let me know how it works out for you.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.G.

answers from San Antonio on

Have your Dr check your iron levels in your blood. I started having dizzy spells last year. Turned out I was really anemic.

Hope you feel better soon.
S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.I.

answers from Houston on

I am anemic(low iron in your blood), and if I don't take iron I get dizzy. My dizzy spells were alot worse when I was pregnant, but I still get dizzy now when I don't take iron. I don't like taking it(I'm kind of weird when it comes to taking things), but it helps! You could try an iron supplement or try to get more iron in your diet naturally. If the dizziness doesn't stop, then you should go to the doctor! God Bless!!!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.F.

answers from San Antonio on

First, depending on when and how gradually you came off Effexor, yes, it causes withdrawal symptoms. Most importantly, why on earth are you asking other moms about what could be a serious health issue--ask your doctor!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.C.

answers from El Paso on

are u diabetic?
check ur sugar levels and ur iron levels
u might be diabetic or have low iron
try another pregnancy test, some test doesn't show up early

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.C.

answers from Houston on

One of the common reasons for dizzy spells during pregnancy is due to low blood pressure. Have you checked your blood pressure lately?

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.D.

answers from Austin on

I have had experience with the low iron, and being dehydrated, but I also get dizzy from the sudden change in climate. If I get too hot and then go into a/c house or place I can feel like my head is in a pool, so be careful with the heat if you live here in Texas or in a place where temps can get up to 100 degrees, stay hydrated even indoors. And yes go have your doctor check you so that he can rule out vertigo.

Hope this helps

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.D.

answers from Houston on

I have been having dizzy spells recently too. I am chalking them up to allergies (and probably not getting enough sleep). I hope you can figure out what is going on.

-K.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.M.

answers from San Antonio on

B12 is natural, it gives you energy, and does not react to other meds, supplements, or food. B vitamins don't get stored by the body, they are eliminated through your urine. they cannot become toxic, as there is no build up. Your spells are probably from taking away the meds as most people have said, but it can also have to do with an allergic reaction to something, even a new item that you have brought into your home, (furniture, carpet, drapes etc!). do you feel like you have something in your ear and can't get it out? like fluid, wax or just an itch or ringing? those are all allergic reactions and can be quite difficult to detect what is causing it. Talk to your Dr. about taking you off that medication the right way. Don't worry about the multi vitamin or the b12, although I have heard some precautions about DHEA. so you might want to be weary of that one! Best of luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.S.

answers from Memphis on

I had dizziness two years ago and took a pregnancy test on a Monday. It came back negative. I was still dizzy for two more days so I took another test and that one came back positive!! Monday would have been 2 weeks since my daughter was conceived but I guess I didn't have enough of the hormone at that point...so you may want to wait a few days and try another test.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.C.

answers from Houston on

When I stopped taking Effexor I had dizzy spells for 4 to 6 weeks. They were annoying and I asked my neurologist and he said that is one of the withdrawal symptoms. The faster you stopped taking them the worse the dizziness is likely to be. I came off mine in 3 1/2 weeks after taking it for about 5 years. If you have any other questions don;t hesitate to ask.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.O.

answers from San Antonio on

You could be dehydrated! Make sure you're drinking plenty of fluids in this heat. I would get dehydrated and not realize it and have the same thing happen to me. You don't realize how the temperature changes are affecting you. If that doesn't stop it, then keep looking into other factors - possible low blood sugar, etc. But, I would bet on dehydration. BUT, check with your doctor regarding the Effexor (I'm not sure what that is, but I do know when stopping medication there are side effects.)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.F.

answers from Houston on

I'm not trying to make a diagnosis, but, my past experience with getting off Effexor was a nightmare. I was dizzy 24/7. The physical withdrawal was so bad that I just decided to keep taking it! Within about 30 minutes to an hour, the dizzyness stopped! It was insane! Did you wean yourself off of it slowly???? You shouldn't stop taking a medicine like that cold turkey. Your dr. can tell you how to get off of it properly.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.W.

answers from Austin on

someone is bound to have given this advice, but you might check wth your dr. it could be an inner ear infection. he or she could be able to order any necessary tests if it's not. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.H.

answers from Houston on

I suffered from a middle ear infection called Labrinythitus. It sounds like you have the same symptons that I had besides having an head cold turn into an ear infection. I exerienced major Vertigo. Dizziness in waves. Go get checked out. They have good medicine for dizziness.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.P.

answers from Houston on

Low blood pressure can cause dizziness. Diet, supplements, and their interactions can cause low blood pressure.

Do some research and/or talk to your doctor.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions