How can I tell if my diurectic is zapping my energy

Ears, nose and throat
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or if it's the Meniere's itself?  I started on 1/2 diurectic for two weeks.  Been on full one for about two weeks now.  My overall "dizzy head" level varies from day to day, but some days I am so lethargic.  BP is 108/74 at the moment.  Feel like I should just lie down.  Would there be any issue with stopping the pills for a few days just to see how I feel?  I can not say I have noticed any difference in my weird head/disequilibrium/infrequent ear ringing since being on the pills and cuttting sodium.    I'd like to test what I am like without taking the pills.

I was just diagnosed about 4 to 5 weeks ago.

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I have wondered the same thing.  I've taken a diuretic for 9 years now and it did stop my vertigo attacks for many years and now they are moderate and seldom. But the diuretic also has side effects to kidney function and can lower blood pressure.  But both my ENT doctor and audiologist encouraged me to stay on it.  But like you, I wonder if it contributes to my feeling of tiredness or if that is just a side effect of Meniere's.  Maybe you should ask your doctor.  Keep us informed.

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Your BP should not be that low. Advise calling your Primary Care ASAP regardless of anything else first.

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High Julie,

Im guessing you'v  been under a lot of stress leading up to your diagnoses

That in itself can lead to mild depression and anxiety which brings on exteme

fatigue..the very diziness you describe is what we call brain fog where you find

it hard to think and make conversation that also brings on fatigue along with

medications..Ive been a menieres sufferer for 17 years and fatigue is a constant

problem but i also have other illness to which may add to my fatigue...

I think you should make your doctor aware of your fatigue ..diuretics are to lower

your water retention there anti inflamitorys to release the pressure on the inner

ear.. most medications take a while to kick in maybe 4 to 6 weeks so i would stick with them..

if your worried about anything you should ask your doctor he may sujest another

diuretic..wishing you well..stev..

 

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Hi Juliejean, My heart goes out to you! I was diagnosed with me about 7 years ago.. I had surgery because my vertigo and dizziness was so bad! I took fluid pills also! They did me the same way as you! I stopped taking them, and got an over the counter one that is not so strong, I take a, little bit when I need it! Try taking half or less maybe 3 times a week and see if that helps! My, vertigo is much better now, but I still have some dizziness and terrible anxiety from the MD! I will be praying for you! God Bless you! Love mowmow

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what is the name of the diuretic and what is the dosage of the pill.  The diuretic should be a potassium sparing one such as Dyazide.  Most ENT start patients on 25mg/day. 

Also, are you sure you have Meniere's Disease?  Have you had vertigo?  What tests did you have and what were the results?  Did you have a hearing test?

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Thank you for your response.  Pharmacy said it won't hurt to go a day without it.  It's only been a short time on the pill and I don't seem better.....and I think worse than before I tried it.  If I figure anything out I'll let you know

 

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Thank you Stephen.  Absolutely dealing with the stress of diagnosis and depression/anxiety.  Currently not on any anxiety meds, but am starting to think I need some, as I feel panic when my head is feeling so odd.  Woke up feeling halfway decent today. Going to try no pill today just to see.  I have not had a full out vertigo attack since Jan. 22, prior to diagnosis.  Bless you!  Good luck with all of your challenges and thanks for taking time to respond.

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Thanks mowmow.  People out here are so kind to take the time to respond.  I am attempting to log everything to check sodium.  Was jsut told chicken has sodium, so that's the latest depressing news.  I thought only canned meat would have it.  Lots to learn.......The surgery idea is scary to me!  I am sorry you are still dealing with MD

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Hi Julie. I’m sorry you are having a problem with your diuretic. I had a similar feeling initially, but then after about a month things went back to normal. The key also for MM sufferers like me is to keep sodium levels between 1000-1500mg. It’s not easy, but it seems to have worked so far. I take a 25mg pill and 72mg of betahistine. Generally speaking, processed food is a big contributor to sodium in one’s diet.

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My drug is hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg.   I had five acute vertigo attacks between Feb.2017 and Jan. 22, 2018. The last four attacks "extended" into periods of overall "weird head feeling" for two weeks to two months.  I could function, but always felt odd, somewhat off balance.  I'd call it "dizziness" but that implies vertigo to people, when it's really more of a disequilbrium

The test I had in May was an ENG. Result showed a 25 percent "inner ear weakness" in one ear. I did not show any hearing loss at that time, nor do I think I have any loss today, even though I do get the fullness now and the ringing, which was not present in May.    The ENG test also involved tracking some lights, and I apparently failed that part. The report said "can not rule out neurological causes but the result may have been due to patient being anxious."  The ENT decided to hold off on sending me to neuro at that point last summer, as I had improved.  I was basically normal through August, then had vertigo in early September.  Odd head feeling disappeared in a few weeks.  Felt fine in October and November until Thanksgiving night.  Had worst vertigo attack that night, which would seem to support the idea that sodium is a factor.  My other attacks do not seem to be related to sodium. In fact, two of them were close to cosmetic Botox injections.  Feb. 2107 after 20 units in forehead, had some hours of vertigo that evening.  Nurse said it was likely a coincidence.  Didn't have Botox again until just this January, had vertigo attack 7 days later.    I was hoping my problems were only due to having Botox, but that doesn't make sense for the May, September, or Thanksgiving attacks.

After Thanksgiving, I made a neuro appointment. Alsmot cancelled it because I felt GREAT through December and January until the 22nd night attack.

Had normal brain MRI.

Neorologist is the one who thinks it is Meniere's  (the ENT last summer also suspected it but I ruled it out since I had no tinnitus or hearing loss, not to mention I did not want to have this!).

She prescribed the diuretic and advised low sodium.  I have some good days, but still do not feel normal in the head, often fatigued.  Have trouble in the dark with balance.  Head feels spinning inside when I lie down to go to sleep. also have like flutters in my chest, which could be anxiety.  I've been taking 1/2 Benadryl to get to sleep, as I saw a post about it in one of the FB groups.  Today someone told me I should not be doing that.

I am not on anxiety meds.  Probably should be!  I am 63 in general good health.     Sorry for long explanation, but if any of that provides a clue for your opinion on my case, I am happy to have one.  I see the doctor again March 19.  Thanks