Lightheadedness: Causes, Medications, and What to Do When You Feel Dizzy
When you feel lightheadedness, a sensation of faintness, unsteadiness, or floating that often comes with dizziness. Also known as dizziness, it’s one of the most common reasons people visit their doctor — and it’s often tied to the medications they’re taking. It’s not just about standing up too fast. Sometimes, it’s your body reacting to how drugs build up over time, how your sodium levels drop, or how your brain interprets signals from your inner ear and blood pressure.
Many medication side effects, unwanted physical reactions caused by drugs include lightheadedness. For example, SSRI hyponatremia, a dangerous drop in blood sodium caused by certain antidepressants can make you feel off-balance, confused, or like you might pass out — especially if you’re over 65. It’s not rare. Studies show older adults on SSRIs are more likely to end up in the hospital from this. Even blood pressure meds, diuretics, or painkillers can lower your blood pressure just enough to trigger that floating feeling. And if you’re mixing supplements or changing doses without talking to your pharmacist, you’re increasing your risk.
It’s not always the drug itself. Sometimes, it’s how your body handles it. low blood pressure, when your heart isn’t pushing blood hard enough to reach your brain is a big player. That’s why people feel dizzy after standing up — your body didn’t adjust fast enough. But if it’s happening often, it’s not normal. It could mean your meds need tweaking, your kidneys aren’t balancing fluids right, or you’re dehydrated from too much caffeine or diuretics. And don’t ignore it just because it’s "mild." Lightheadedness can be the first sign of something bigger — like an electrolyte imbalance, heart rhythm issue, or even a reaction you didn’t know you had.
What you’ll find below isn’t just a list of articles. It’s a practical toolkit. You’ll see how cumulative drug toxicity can slowly sneak up on you, how antidepressants can mess with your sodium levels, and why some people feel dizzy even when they’re on a placebo. You’ll learn how to spot real danger signs versus harmless side effects, and how to talk to your care team before things get worse. These aren’t theory pieces — they’re real-world guides written for people who’ve felt that sudden spin, the wall tilting, the urge to sit down right now. If you’ve ever thought, "Is this normal?" — these posts have the answers.
