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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by kathryn on March 20, 2000, at 20:18:23
Why do antidepressants seem to cause heart palpitations? My doctor does not seemed concerned, but ever since I started taking (trying) antidepressants these are present everyday, sometimes all day long. I have tried prozac, zoloft and currently on celexa and they all did the same.
Kathryn
Posted by PattyG on March 20, 2000, at 21:16:18
In reply to Heart Palpitations, posted by kathryn on March 20, 2000, at 20:18:23
>
> Why do antidepressants seem to cause heart palpitations? My doctor does not seemed concerned, but ever since I started taking (trying) antidepressants these are present everyday, sometimes all day long. I have tried prozac, zoloft and currently on celexa and they all did the same.
> Kathryn
////Do you drink caffeine? I couldn't believe it, but I had palpitations and underwent all sorts of tests (that cost a lot of money) and everything checked out alright. Doc said to cut out caffeine and I've been fine ever since! It was quite amazing! Couldn't hurt to give it a try. (Remember your iced tea, soda pop, chocolate all have caffeine)
Posted by NikkiT on March 21, 2000, at 4:41:42
In reply to Heart Palpitations, posted by kathryn on March 20, 2000, at 20:18:23
I suffer form there too, and have cut nearly all the caffiene out of my diet. I canalso feel my heart throbbing throughout my body (such aqs in my legs).
Also, I get what I can only describe as "eye palpatations"... where my focus totally goes for upto 60 seconds at a time. This is happening every 10 minutes or so. I tried to call my doc about it, but i can't get to see her for another 2 weeks....
>
> Why do antidepressants seem to cause heart palpitations? My doctor does not seemed concerned, but ever since I started taking (trying) antidepressants these are present everyday, sometimes all day long. I have tried prozac, zoloft and currently on celexa and they all did the same.
> Kathryn
Posted by Anna P. on March 28, 2000, at 11:35:52
In reply to Heart Palpitations, posted by kathryn on March 20, 2000, at 20:18:23
>
> Why do antidepressants seem to cause heart palpitations? My doctor does not seemed concerned, but ever since I started taking (trying) antidepressants these are present everyday, sometimes all day long. I have tried prozac, zoloft and currently on celexa and they all did the same.
> KathrynHi Kathryn,
Sometimes they do that at the beginning of the therapy, then go away. Otherwise, try lower the doze.
Anna P.
Posted by Greg on March 28, 2000, at 15:20:19
In reply to Re: Heart Palpitations, posted by NikkiT on March 21, 2000, at 4:41:42
> I suffer form there too, and have cut nearly all the caffiene out of my diet. I canalso feel my heart throbbing throughout my body (such aqs in my legs).
> Also, I get what I can only describe as "eye palpatations"... where my focus totally goes for upto 60 seconds at a time. This is happening every 10 minutes or so. I tried to call my doc about it, but i can't get to see her for another 2 weeks....
>
>
> >
> > Why do antidepressants seem to cause heart palpitations? My doctor does not seemed concerned, but ever since I started taking (trying) antidepressants these are present everyday, sometimes all day long. I have tried prozac, zoloft and currently on celexa and they all did the same.
> > KathrynI have the same palpitations and Xanax seems to do the trick but it puts me to sleep, 6 of one, 1/2 dozen of the other I suppose.
Good Luck,
Greg
Posted by darthwribar on October 6, 2003, at 9:54:53
In reply to Re: Heart Palpitations, posted by Greg on March 28, 2000, at 15:20:19
I'm having palpitations at the moment and it's nice that this forum is here to tell me I'm not the only one! I'm very scared of what is happening inside my chest - flutters, rapid heartbeat but at the present very slow and then it almost comes to a stop. Then it starts again, with a violent feeling. I've been for all the tests - ecg, echo, x-ray, stress test - and it checks out fine. It doesn't stop me worrying about it though, particulary as I can feel my pulse all the time, especially when lying down. I'm taking Effexor 75mg - will this get better? Should I lower the dose? Any advice?
Posted by Patient on October 9, 2003, at 11:39:20
In reply to Re: Heart Palpitations, posted by darthwribar on October 6, 2003, at 9:54:53
I had heart palpitations while taking 20mg Celexa daily. It began a month or two after taking it. It would happen more than once a day, enough to make me take a deep breath feeling that I needed more oxygen. I am now taking 5mg Lexapro daily and only rarely experience this. I've been on Zoloft, Prozac, and Wellbutrin which didn't cause this for me.
If you've just started on Effexor XR, then this side effect may diminish after you've been on it for a month. You might also consider switching to another antidepressant if the symptoms continue or worsen. It can be quite a scary experience to have heart palpitations. Try avoiding caffeine, especially coffee and black teas. I still drink these, but found that palpitations were more numerous after ingesting these while on Celexa.
Posted by KimberlyDi on October 10, 2003, at 7:43:36
In reply to Re: Heart Palpitations, posted by Patient on October 9, 2003, at 11:39:20
Monitor your blood pressure carefully on Effexor. I'm having to discontinue it, reluctantly, because it raised mine to unacceptable levels. I've gone from 300mg a day to 150mg a day. I'm experiencing some withdrawal but no horror stories yet.
KDi in Texas
> I had heart palpitations while taking 20mg Celexa daily. It began a month or two after taking it. It would happen more than once a day, enough to make me take a deep breath feeling that I needed more oxygen. I am now taking 5mg Lexapro daily and only rarely experience this. I've been on Zoloft, Prozac, and Wellbutrin which didn't cause this for me.
>
> If you've just started on Effexor XR, then this side effect may diminish after you've been on it for a month. You might also consider switching to another antidepressant if the symptoms continue or worsen. It can be quite a scary experience to have heart palpitations. Try avoiding caffeine, especially coffee and black teas. I still drink these, but found that palpitations were more numerous after ingesting these while on Celexa.
Posted by Patient on October 10, 2003, at 10:18:01
In reply to Re: Heart Palpitations, posted by Patient on October 9, 2003, at 11:39:20
As Kimberly suggested, it would be wise to monitor your blood pressure, as Effexor is more likely to increase blood pressure than SSRI's. Of the SSRI's, Paxil has been known to increase blood pressure as well.
I wanted to mention that on the very rare occasion I do experience heart palpitations, it is nothing like the severity I experienced while taking the 20mg Celexa.
Posted by HannahW on October 12, 2003, at 1:26:02
In reply to Re: Heart Palpitations-blood pressure, posted by Patient on October 10, 2003, at 10:18:01
I've been on Paxil for a few months and my blood pressure, which used to be normal, is now 140-150/87-94. I've also gained 40 pounds. My pdoc attributes the high blood pressure to the weight, although I've been this weight before and still always had good blood pressure.
I've done searches to provide my pdoc with evidence that Paxil can cause high blood pressure, but I've come up short, except for anecdotal evidence. Does anyone know of an actual study or web site that talks about this? Thanks!
Posted by Patient on October 12, 2003, at 18:02:12
In reply to Re: Heart Palpitations-blood pressure, posted by HannahW on October 12, 2003, at 1:26:02
Hi,
I'm sorry to say I couldn't find the page where I read that about Paxil-it was two years ago-should have done my homework first. It may not have been significant enough for your doctor to think differently. From what I understand, Paxil has strong anticholinergic properties compared to the other SSRIs. One common anticholinergic effect can be a racing heartbeat--more common effects are dry mouth, inability to urinate completely, and constipation. This link describes some of the common as well as severe anticholinergic symptoms:
Anticholinergic syndrome
http://www.rashaduniversity.com/asansyndxrx.htmlI don't know what mechanism it is that causes hypertension from Paxil, if it's in part from Paxil being an ACh(m) antogonist, or it's other known and unknown mechanisms, besides being a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Hypertension as a side effect doesn't seem to be common, at least not what I could find over the internet.
Where I found info about Paxil having anticholinergic effects is from the book "Feeling Good" by David D. Burns, M.D., as well as here:
anticholinergic
http://www.biopsychiatry.com/paroxfluvox.htmand
http://www.biopsychiatry.com/index.html
Rxlist monograph for paroxetine makes mention of hypertension occuring in some trial study(s):
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/parox_ad.htm
And, alas a few testaments to Paxil and high blood pressure (hypertension):
Can Paxil cause hypertension?
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030214/msgs/201628.htmlBouts of high blood pressure!
http://neuro-www.mgh.harvard.edu/forum_2/NeuromuscularF/12.12.9910.47PMBoutsofhig.htmlZoloft and high blood pressure
http://www.sleephomepage.org/discussions/clinicalP/messages/msgs06326.htmlAnd, from the book "Merck Manual of Medical Information, Home Edition" tells us this about high blood pressure:
"Blood pressure is measured after the person sits or lies for 5 minutes. A reading of 140/90mm Hg or more is considered high, but a diagnosis can't be based on a single high reading. Sometimes, even several high reading aren't enough to make the diagnosis. If a person has an initial high reading, the blood pressure is measured again and then measured twice on at least two other days to make sure that the high blood pressure exists. The readings not only determine the presence of high blood pressure but also are used to classify its severity."
For what it's worth, I've read of a few instances of complaints of high blood pressure at the Paxil board at http://rxlist.com/
and in my opinion, SSRI's aren't as selective as the makers claim resulting in a myriad of side effects. You might try reducing the dosage, but only do it in a small increment as withdrawal symptoms can occur if you jump down too low too fast. If your blood pressure continues to rise, of course you'll have to discontinue Paxil if you and your doctor think it is the cause.I'm afraid that many of the SSRI's as well as Effexor can cause weight gain in some, and this can depend on how you react to the drug-each of us reacts differently to these meds-no generalisations can really be made. If you can handle switching to another SSRI, maybe it will not have this effect. One way to avoid the weight gain is to avoid highly processed foods and simple carbohydrates, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine, and instead eat more quality protein and complex carbohydrates like vegetables, seeds, nuts, and whole grains.
If the increase in blood pressure turns out to be from Paxil, make sure your doctor informs the drug maker about your experience.
Sorry to jump in too quickly with my statement, but hopefully the information will help-the patient knows best.
This is the end of the thread.
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