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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by sheilac on January 26, 2012, at 16:39:42
I have developed low blood pressure and low pulse rate with irregular heartbeat. Right now my MD is running tests on me, but I am wondering if my Geodon is causing the bradycardia?
I usually drink 2 big cups of coffee in the morning and take Adderall (5mg). My pulse and blood pressure should be up, not down. And the heart rhythm issues only happen when I a sitting still or when I go to stand up.
Anyone know if these symptoms are from my Geodon. I'm afraid they are.
Posted by Phillipa on January 26, 2012, at 18:03:09
In reply to Geodon/heart problems..., posted by sheilac on January 26, 2012, at 16:39:42
Does your doc think they could be? And so far you don't know if you actually do have problems right? Phillipa
Posted by Sheilac on January 26, 2012, at 18:14:10
In reply to Re: Geodon/heart problems... » sheilac, posted by Phillipa on January 26, 2012, at 18:03:09
Right now we know that something is causing the heart rhythm issues along with the low pulse (bradycardia) and low blood pressure. I'm just worried that it's either my thyroid out of whack or that Geodon is causing these issues. I just had my thyroid checked in Nov and it was fine so I'm worried that Geodon is messing with my heart rhythm.
Plus, there is a seriou family history of atrial fib which can be a side effect of Geodon.
I guess right now I'm just scared that I've messed up my heart with Geodon, caffeine and Adderall.
Not sure what drug I will have to move to next?
Posted by emmanuel98 on January 26, 2012, at 18:58:43
In reply to Re: Geodon/heart problems..., posted by Sheilac on January 26, 2012, at 18:14:10
Unusual to have low BP and low heart beat. Usually they move in opposite directions. Don't know about geodon, but good luck. Get care.
Posted by Phillipa on January 26, 2012, at 20:52:35
In reply to Re: Geodon/heart problems..., posted by emmanuel98 on January 26, 2012, at 18:58:43
Very true usually the heartrate increases to raise blood pressure. Thyroid is it effected by any of your meds? As thyroid doesn't wierd and funky things. Phillipa
Posted by SLS on January 29, 2012, at 12:36:35
In reply to Geodon/heart problems..., posted by sheilac on January 26, 2012, at 16:39:42
> I have developed low blood pressure and low pulse rate with irregular heartbeat. Right now my MD is running tests on me, but I am wondering if my Geodon is causing the bradycardia?
> I usually drink 2 big cups of coffee in the morning and take Adderall (5mg). My pulse and blood pressure should be up, not down. And the heart rhythm issues only happen when I a sitting still or when I go to stand up.What does your ECG show?
- Scott
Posted by sheilac on January 31, 2012, at 15:32:38
In reply to Re: Geodon/heart problems... » sheilac, posted by SLS on January 29, 2012, at 12:36:35
My EKG and Eco cardiogram both looked good. She did hear my heart skip a beat both times she listened to it, but said overall, I am in good health (this was my MD).
She said she would for sure suggest stopping the Adderall. When I told her about my family history of atrial fib and heart issues and my concerns about what I was experiencing with Geodon she said she would suggest either (a) trying 900mg of Lithium a day (300mg, 3x a day) and coming back in a week for bloodwork or (b) consulting a psychiatrist.
I am terrified of gaining weight and losing my hair with Lithium. Plus, does it help with treatment resistant depression (I tend to be more low than high)?
My psychiatrist called and told me to stop the Adderall until I see her. I'm not sure what she will suggest.
What are heart healthy meds? Is there such a drug that will take away the bad depression and not damage my heart, liver or kidneys?!
I don't know what to do or what to take.
I just worked so hard to lose 40 lbs and don't want to gain it back with Lithium!
Posted by papillon2 on January 31, 2012, at 20:35:40
In reply to Scott - Re: Geodon/heart problems..., posted by sheilac on January 31, 2012, at 15:32:38
Lithium is better at treating mania than it is at treating depression, but it is referred to as the "Gold Standard" in treating bipolar disorder so I would assume it is good for bipolar depression too. Just not as much of a magic bullet perhaps? That said, Lithium is frequently used in treatment resistant depression to augment an antidepressant.
This might help you in your search - Cardiometabolic risks of antidepressant and anti-psychotic drugs.
The tables are the most useful part of these docs.
Do you take after that side of your family with the heart issues? My father's side have a ridicously high rate of cardio problems, with a significant number having had their first heart attacks before 30. I don't take after them at all however, having no weight or cholesterol problems. As such, having had my heart checked out (ECG, echo, stress echo - all clear), I feel reasonably safe in taking medication with cardio side effects - tachycardia, chest pain and palpitations. The side effects are uncomfortable and a nuisance but it is better than (a) worsening depression and (b) other medication with side effects that are more distressing, namely uncontrollable weight gain.
All the best,
Papillon
Posted by SLS on February 3, 2012, at 18:03:22
In reply to Scott - Re: Geodon/heart problems..., posted by sheilac on January 31, 2012, at 15:32:38
> My EKG and Eco cardiogram both looked good.
That's good.
> She did hear my heart skip a beat both times she listened to it,
She heard something anomalous that the EKG didn't detect? I don't understand this.
Are you sure that what you experience with Geodon is not heart palpitations?
- Scott
Posted by papillon2 on February 3, 2012, at 21:18:20
In reply to Re: Scott - Re: Geodon/heart problems... » sheilac, posted by SLS on February 3, 2012, at 18:03:22
A lot of people (myself included) have somewhat irregular heart rates, but it is clinically insignificant and not damaging their health. The degree to which one's heart rate is irregular shows up on an ECG/EKG.
If your ECG/EKG was deemed normal (as you have said), then your heart rate while being somewhat irregular is fine. If you don't believe your ECG/EKG is correct then get another one done, if only to put your mind at rest. When we are anxious our hearts pull a number on us.
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