Which medications may cause fainting and numbness in the hands?

Aug 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, some medications may affect the nervous system or blood circulation during use, potentially leading to symptoms such as fainting and hand numbness. Medications that may cause such symptoms include sustained-release nifedipine tablets, propranolol hydrochloride tablets, carbamazepine tablets, ferrous sulfate sustained-release tablets, and mecobalamin injection. When using the above medications, it is important to strictly follow medical instructions.

Under normal circumstances, some medications may affect the nervous system or blood circulation during use, possibly leading to symptoms such as fainting and numb hands. Drugs that may cause these symptoms include Nifedipine Sustained-Release Tablets, Propranolol Hydrochloride Tablets, Carbamazepine Tablets, Ferrous Sulfate Sustained-Release Tablets, and Mecobalamin Injection. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Nifedipine Sustained-Release Tablets

Nifedipine sustained-release tablets belong to calcium channel blockers that dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure. If blood pressure drops too quickly or excessively, it may lead to insufficient blood supply to the brain, potentially causing fainting. At the same time, peripheral vasodilation may affect hand circulation, causing hand numbness.

2. Propranolol Hydrochloride Tablets

Propranolol hydrochloride tablets are beta-blockers that slow heart rate and lower blood pressure. When the heart rate is too slow or blood pressure too low, cerebral ischemia may occur, leading to fainting. Additionally, this medication may affect peripheral nerve blood supply, causing hand numbness.

3. Carbamazepine Tablets

Carbamazepine tablets are antiepileptic drugs that work by inhibiting sodium ion channels in nerve cell membranes. They may affect peripheral nerve function, leading to hand numbness. In rare cases, they may cause orthostatic hypotension, which can lead to fainting.

4. Ferrous Sulfate Sustained-Release Tablets

Ferrous sulfate sustained-release tablets are used for iron supplementation. Overdose may affect the nervous system, causing symptoms such as dizziness and hand numbness. Severe cases may result in fainting due to cerebral hypoxia. Additionally, iron supplements may also affect circulation.

5. Mecobalamin Injection

Mecobalamin injection is an endogenous coenzyme B12 that participates in nerve myelin synthesis. However, a small number of patients may experience allergic reactions after use, causing a drop in blood pressure and subsequent fainting. It may also cause hand numbness due to abnormal nerve sensations.

When using the above medications, it is important to strictly follow medical instructions. If symptoms such as fainting or hand numbness occur, medical attention should be sought promptly to adjust the treatment plan.