Dr. Patil Pratik Pramod
Medical oncology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I just started taking the tablet Sertraline for anxiety and panic disorder. I have been having night sweats for the past 3 to 4 nights, and when I searched it online, it said it could be lymphoma or leukemia. I took a blood test, an ECG, and a chest x-ray three weeks ago after calling an ambulance for a panic attack, and my reports are attached. As you can see, my blood tests are unremarkable.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
The night sweats you are experiencing could be a side effect of your new medication. Please consult with your psychiatrist about this. Leukemia and lymphoma are characterized by a combination of fever, night sweats, and significant weight loss. Also, the blood test on your profile appears to be normal. Therefore, I do not believe this is a malignant process. This is simply a side effect of the medications you are taking. Please see your doctor who prescribed these and discuss it with them, as I am sure he can substitute you with another medication that does not have these side effects.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
Other oncologists advised me to get a CT scan to rule it out. Also, I had testicular cancer nine years ago and was cured, according to my oncologist. But, yes, it is just sweats, and there is no fever associated with it because a fever makes you feel bad, and I wake up sweaty and warm as if I am overheating. I feel my body is warmer during the day and sweats more after taking the tablet Sertraline.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
That is correct. It is very unlikely that it is cancer-based on the symptoms. However, if you are anxious about it and keep thinking about it, it is always a good idea to get a chest and abdomen CT (computed tomography) scan to be safe.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
I had a chest x-ray three weeks ago, which was unremarkable. My last CT scan was taken four years ago, after consulting with my oncologist, and that was also clear. I noticed that many people on the forums experience this same side effect. Another oncologist on here told me that lymphoma could start as just sweating first, which terrified me.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Please take a CT (computed tomography) scan of the chest and abdomen. Also, please check your LDH (Lactate dehydrogenase) levels. They are specific for lymphoma.
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Medical oncology
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