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Suggest Treatment For Abdominal Pain And Dizziness After Taking Atropine

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Posted on Wed, 8 Jun 2016
Question: I left the ER this morning. Went for abdominal pain and had blood work done, urine analysis, and CT of abdomen. All tests normal. Suspect peptic ulcer. I also have spots in vision, ringing ears, and spells of dizziness. All these symptoms started Thursday after taking atropine for IBS. The doctor at the ER said my dizziness, spots, and ringing in ears is likely caused by the medication but is that possible if I stopped taking it 4 days ago? Should I see another doctor tomorrow?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Should look for other causes....

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Yes, atropine will cause dizziness and the visual errors. However the effects of atropine are short lived and it normally will not be present beyond 12 - 14 hours after the last dose. Since the last dose was 4 days ago, I think we should look for other causes. You should definitely see your primary physician for further evaluation.

Hope this answered your question. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (3 hours later)
What other tests should be performed? BP normal, blood work normal, blood sugar normal. I'm just not sure what to ask for. Thank you in advance!

What would you suspect could be causing this. I am physically active, not over weight, non-smoker. I did finish a regime of Cipro last week in addition to taking the atropine for IBS but this is my 5th day of experiencing occasional dizziness, ringing in ears, and spots in vision. The doctor was not concerned yesterday but I am worried these symptoms have not subsided despite stopping the previous medications.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (15 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Perhaps related to ear....

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

An ear condition is something I would consider ruling out in patients having similar symptoms. Perhaps you might have an ear problem; doesn't sound to be serious though. If you also experience symptoms like headache, nasal congestion or blocked nose and throat irritation, I will insist you have an ENT check. But if you don't, then I would wait for a few more days up to a week and observe how symptoms evolve.

Since you have already met a doctor and they are not concerned, it implies you don't have an alarming physical condition. You should stop being worried. Drink plenty of fluids, sometimes water and electrolyte dysfunction can lead to similar symptoms. Start a multivitamin pill which is available over the counter. And like I said earlier, we can wait up to a week as we observe the changes and then decide whether or not to call an ENT doctor.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Prasad J

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3708 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Abdominal Pain And Dizziness After Taking Atropine

Brief Answer: Should look for other causes.... Detailed Answer: Hi, Yes, atropine will cause dizziness and the visual errors. However the effects of atropine are short lived and it normally will not be present beyond 12 - 14 hours after the last dose. Since the last dose was 4 days ago, I think we should look for other causes. You should definitely see your primary physician for further evaluation. Hope this answered your question. Let me know if you need clarifications. Regards