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Can Respiratory Depression Turn Into A Chronic Lung Depression Disease?

Posted on Mon, 17 Aug 2015

Question: Can the onset of respiratory depression turn into a chronic lung depression disease? If I had an adaptogenic herb, such Ashwaghandha, that caused my case of respiratory depression, would medication like the ones used for people who over dose on opiates, be able to treat my symptoms? I am currently experiencing shortness of breath, lung spasms, dizziness, and lethargy even though when walking even though I can take clear deep breaths. I have been off the Ashwaghandha for a week now.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
No that drug will not treat your symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your situation and problem.
No, those drugs will not help you.
In my opinion, you should consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system, chest x ray and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test).
You may need inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroid.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health. Thanks.

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

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Would the doctor be able to do a test to determine respiratory depression in the body? I'm already taking an inhaler for asthma and it is working well. My chest xray was fine. The faintness, being out of breath, and lightheadedness begin a week ago after after I took Ashwaghandha. Does it sound like permanent damage?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry for respiratory depression.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
No need to worry for respiratory depression.
In my opinion, you are mostly having worsening of asthma.
So please let me know
1. Have you ever undergone PFT (Pulmonary Function Test)?
2. Which inhaler you are using?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health. Thanks.

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

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (44 minutes later)

Thanks again. My PFT was within normal range about two months ago. I am using Provenil for emergencies and Flovent 110mg two times per day. I notice that taking the medication is having no effect on me, yet I do produce phlegm. I even had a chest xray this week and the doctor said my lungs were clear.Yet my chest tightens after walking for 1min and I grow tired and week. This begin happening after athe initial dose of Ashwaghandha. Upon doing research I came to learn that it causes respiratory depression in some instances. Now I fear irreversible damage to my lungs. I assume that respiratory depression would show up in an xray but maybe spasms do not show in xrays.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Since how long you are taking ashwagandha?

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
No ashwagandha can not cause permanent respiratory depression.
Please let me know since how many days you are taking ashwagandha?
Heart disease and Pulmonary hypertension can also cause similar symptoms.
So have you checked for them? Have you undergone ecg and 2d echo?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better.
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

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

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (14 hours later)

I know that CNS depressants such as Ashwaghandha can cause respiratory depression and respiratory issues. If I overdosed on it unknowingly for 4 days can that lead to permanent breathing difficulties? I am still experiencing breathing problems from having used it over a week ago. Shortness of breath, drowsiness, confusion, chest pain at top of both lungs. I took it for 6 days and didn't realize that it wasn't helping me. My chest xrays are normal but I still have shortness of breath. I had an EKG that went well but no other tests. Is it likely that an adaptogen has caused my body to permanently adapt to a new breathing pattern caused by Ashwaghandha? And if so, would a breathing pattern xray be detected on an xray as damage)? What test best shows my breathing patterns while walking? What type of doctor would be able to give me that test?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility of hypercarbia is more in your case.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Ashwagandha can cause respiratory depression. But the incidence is very very low.
And no need to worry for permanent lung damage or breathing difficulty.
Since you are having breathlessness, confusion, drowsiness, possibility of hypercarbia (high carbon dioxide) is more.
So you should get done ABG (arterial blood gas) analysis to detect high carbon dioxide.
And for this, you need to consult pulmonologist.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health. Thanks.

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