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Irregular heartbeats, palpitations, tachycardia, bradycardia


peggy

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I had fluttering the other day and it was scary. One big thump then a few seconds later I felt my heart fluttering. Scared me so much but I've been cleared by a cardiologist in the past...anxiety from WD?

Lexapro 10 MG 3 years on (Begin Summer 2014)

3 months taper duration (Begin taper Jan. 2018, end late March 2018.)

Reinstated 1MG liquid on April 9, 2018

Upped dose to 2.5 mg (2.5 ML) on April 12, 2018

Upped dose to 4mg on April 16, 2018

Upped dose to 5mg tablets on May 1, 2018

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  • 5 months later...

 I have a question and I dont semm to find any responses on the internet...

 

Is it possible to have extrasystoles when tapering as a withdrawal ? 

I had that few years ago while taking effexor but now, it seems to be relate to when I taper my zoloft?

 

Anybody had that?

Its like skipped beat and appears when I move or lay down. Like couples if it in a row . I dont think I have palpitations and my heart was always doing good before. That scares me. And clonazepam doesnt seem to help that?

2006-2010 effexor 

2010-2011 differents ad for a year: cymbalata, lexapro, wellbutrin, pristiq, lexapro, trintellix 

2011-2015 zoloft

2015-2017 lexapro 

2017 to 2018 lexapro, effexor, zoloft, lexapro, zoloft, citalopram, lexapro, and

 

prozac 20 February: Prozac 10 mg,  1 March: Prozac 20 mg,  4 April: 30 mg,  8 April: 20 mg,  28 April: 10 mg,  10 May: 8 mg,  13 May: 7.5 mg,

19 May: 5 mg, 23 May: 4 mg, 29 May: 5 mg., 1 June: 8 mg, 9 June to  of july: 5 mg.

switch to zoloft 25mg (10 days), 50mg from july 30 to august 20. Down to 37.5mg until sept 12th, now at 25mg.

 

clonazepam 0,5mg since january 2017. I take 1/4 to 3/4 mx everyday.

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I also have what I think might be heart flutters or extrasystoles.

The only time I got that was when I took effexor at the end wich is why I stopped that med.

Had a cardiac test last summer and it was all perfect.

Now I have it since being on zoloft once in a while but since tapering its everyday but mostly after I eat and at night.

Just moving, standing up or when walking , I feel like a couple of flutters.

Its really annoying and scary.

Maybe I will go see my doc to check. But it appeared in tapering so it must be relate.

Start taking mag glycinate. Hope it helps.

I have read it can be also from thyroid or iron deficiency...

2006-2010 effexor 

2010-2011 differents ad for a year: cymbalata, lexapro, wellbutrin, pristiq, lexapro, trintellix 

2011-2015 zoloft

2015-2017 lexapro 

2017 to 2018 lexapro, effexor, zoloft, lexapro, zoloft, citalopram, lexapro, and

 

prozac 20 February: Prozac 10 mg,  1 March: Prozac 20 mg,  4 April: 30 mg,  8 April: 20 mg,  28 April: 10 mg,  10 May: 8 mg,  13 May: 7.5 mg,

19 May: 5 mg, 23 May: 4 mg, 29 May: 5 mg., 1 June: 8 mg, 9 June to  of july: 5 mg.

switch to zoloft 25mg (10 days), 50mg from july 30 to august 20. Down to 37.5mg until sept 12th, now at 25mg.

 

clonazepam 0,5mg since january 2017. I take 1/4 to 3/4 mx everyday.

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On ‎9‎/‎21‎/‎2017 at 4:54 AM, Barbarannamated said:

 

 

Years ago, I was referred out to a cardiac electrophysiologist, but I never followed through.  After years of seeing so many doctors for these crazy symptoms with nothing accomplished, I became very jaded.  

 

 

 

 

@Barbarannamated Why did you not follow through...….could it be Paroxysmal Supra Ventricular Tachycardia???

 

This is either caught during an episode on ECG or an Electrophysiology Study?

Zoloft: Sometime early in 2014 Three days only. Torture!

Lexapro: Early 2015- Mid 2015 10mg

Lexapro: Mid 2015-March 2017 20mg

Tapered too fast, Withdrawal started through April-June 2017. Told by Doctor that it was rebound anxiety and have now developed MDD

Pristiq: July 2017-October 2017 50mg (total 56 days)

Lexapro: October 2017-October 2017 10mg (6 days)

Lexapro: October 2017-October 2017 20mg (5 days)

COLD TURKEY>>>>>>>>>>>>October 11,2017

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Yes, it is highly possible...….cardiac symptoms are a highly reported symptom of both SSRI/SNRI and Benzo (Clonazepam). but please, please get checked out and have diagnostics done to confirm it is all okay. IF tests come back all okay then put it down to withdrawal.

Zoloft: Sometime early in 2014 Three days only. Torture!

Lexapro: Early 2015- Mid 2015 10mg

Lexapro: Mid 2015-March 2017 20mg

Tapered too fast, Withdrawal started through April-June 2017. Told by Doctor that it was rebound anxiety and have now developed MDD

Pristiq: July 2017-October 2017 50mg (total 56 days)

Lexapro: October 2017-October 2017 10mg (6 days)

Lexapro: October 2017-October 2017 20mg (5 days)

COLD TURKEY>>>>>>>>>>>>October 11,2017

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  • 3 weeks later...
On 3/15/2013 at 7:31 AM, dunerbug said:

Not sure about the others but I had a very slow pulse and very low blood pressure. Not much was made of it. I still struggle with low blood pressure off and on since quitting prozac.

Yes. I had so many symptoms, this one was so bad with Prozac withdrawal. Very low blood pressure, low sodium, low potassium, skipped heartbeats. The drs just shrugged their shoulders. Told me to eat hamburgers. My vitamins and minerals were so depleted, still trying to bring levels up. Still get low BP and fatigue, esp with low blood sugar. 

 

Rachel - 1998-2012 Prozac 20mg

2012-2014 Prozac 40mg

Sept 17 Remeron 15mg, March ‘18 7.5mg

Jan 31 - Feb 13 1/4 - 1mg Ativan

Jan 31 - feb 5 - 2mg Prozac, 4mg feb 7

feb 10 - 10mg rem, Feb 27 - 7.5mg rem

Feb 27 - March 6th - 5mg Baclofen 

March 12th - Keppra 250mg

March 24 - 30mg phenobarbital 

 

 

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  • 1 month later...

Hi, 

 

I recently started having palpitations and they have been pretty severe. Tonight, I managed to induce them with exercise, which I know is not a good sign when they get worse during stress. Granted, I did check my heart immediately after exercise because it is hard to check the pulse when I am moving about so fast. I saw a doctor today and I wish I had done some star jumps or something for him so he could check my heart under stress. Here is a link to my most recent question about it. I am posting it here in case my story is useful. I will update here and/or there when I know what's wrong with my heart:

 

 

I hope you are all doing okay these days.

2012: 2 weeks of paroxetine, I cannot recall the dose. Strong side effects, stopped cold turkey, had intense, horrible withdrawal thereafter

2012 to 2016: Fluoxetine 40mg daily, sometimes 20mg daily, a couple of bad tapers under doctor's advisement, increasingly bad withdrawal symptoms with each major dose change

Oct 2016 to June 2017: 10-month reinstatement of 20mg fluoxetine daily to stabilize. A very difficult period but withdrawal gradually improved

July 2017: At 20mg (100%), started a linear tapering regimen using water titration (20mg fluoxetine into 300ml of water).

June 2019: Currently at 0.200mg (1.00%). I have many symptoms, most I attribute to fluoxetine, some to withdrawal, and the rest to hypothyroidism. Continuing to reduce anyway.

July 2019: Jumped from 0.066mg (0.33%) to 0.000mg (0.00%); I'm now free of the poison.

 

My introduction thread: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/14226-kittygiggles-generic-prozac-fluoxetine-stabilization/

 

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My Dr. Prsecribed 20 mg Propranolol up to twice a day as needed for palpitations.   I dont want to have to take it everyday and my palpitations have been pretty steady most days recently.  What have others done to deal with palpitations?  

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

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  • 3 months later...
On 12/21/2018 at 2:10 AM, Rezten said:

My Dr. Prsecribed 20 mg Propranolol up to twice a day as needed for palpitations.   I dont want to have to take it everyday and my palpitations have been pretty steady most days recently.  What have others done to deal with palpitations?  

 

Hi Rezten, 

I'm sorry no one has replied to you yet. I'd like to know how your palpitations are now. I performed a 24-hour Holter monitor test, they discovered a very low level of extrasystoles. I knew I wasn't imagining them! It felt like they were happening a lot because I could feel a significant proportion of them. Mine then diminished a few weeks later to about 1 every few days, which is negligible and I would consider them disappeared at this point.

 

Luckily in my case, they did not occur during exercise. I wish I knew what I did to get rid of them but I have no conclusive idea; I don't think updosing fluoxetine or taking/stopping supplements (notably potassium, sodium, and magnesium) had any effect. I then decided to continue tapering and the palpitations did not return. I had also decided to increase my levothyroxine medication but split the dosing over the day. It isn't necessary to do that but it coincided with my palpitations improving so for now, I'm continuing to do that.

 

In conclusion, I'd guess that my palpitations were the result of fluoxetine, fluoxetine withdrawal, stress, and thyroid medication/hypothyroidism. Although my post may not help anyone get rid of theirs, I hope it gives someone hope that they can disappear.

2012: 2 weeks of paroxetine, I cannot recall the dose. Strong side effects, stopped cold turkey, had intense, horrible withdrawal thereafter

2012 to 2016: Fluoxetine 40mg daily, sometimes 20mg daily, a couple of bad tapers under doctor's advisement, increasingly bad withdrawal symptoms with each major dose change

Oct 2016 to June 2017: 10-month reinstatement of 20mg fluoxetine daily to stabilize. A very difficult period but withdrawal gradually improved

July 2017: At 20mg (100%), started a linear tapering regimen using water titration (20mg fluoxetine into 300ml of water).

June 2019: Currently at 0.200mg (1.00%). I have many symptoms, most I attribute to fluoxetine, some to withdrawal, and the rest to hypothyroidism. Continuing to reduce anyway.

July 2019: Jumped from 0.066mg (0.33%) to 0.000mg (0.00%); I'm now free of the poison.

 

My introduction thread: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/14226-kittygiggles-generic-prozac-fluoxetine-stabilization/

 

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@Kittygiggles Hi,  I have not had heart palpitations since shortly after I posted that on December. I changed to a low histimine diet and within a few days they were gone.

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

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4 minutes ago, Rezten said:

@Kittygiggles Hi,  I have not had heart palpitations since shortly after I posted that on December. I changed to a low histimine diet and within a few days they were gone.

 

Brilliant! I am so happy for you. Identifying the cause is so helpful and I'm glad you didn't need the propranolol. It's nice that we both found what seems like permanent relief from them! :) They are very, very frightening when they happen daily and in large numbers. Fingers crossed that we never get them again :) Thank you for taking the time to let me know. 

2012: 2 weeks of paroxetine, I cannot recall the dose. Strong side effects, stopped cold turkey, had intense, horrible withdrawal thereafter

2012 to 2016: Fluoxetine 40mg daily, sometimes 20mg daily, a couple of bad tapers under doctor's advisement, increasingly bad withdrawal symptoms with each major dose change

Oct 2016 to June 2017: 10-month reinstatement of 20mg fluoxetine daily to stabilize. A very difficult period but withdrawal gradually improved

July 2017: At 20mg (100%), started a linear tapering regimen using water titration (20mg fluoxetine into 300ml of water).

June 2019: Currently at 0.200mg (1.00%). I have many symptoms, most I attribute to fluoxetine, some to withdrawal, and the rest to hypothyroidism. Continuing to reduce anyway.

July 2019: Jumped from 0.066mg (0.33%) to 0.000mg (0.00%); I'm now free of the poison.

 

My introduction thread: https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/topic/14226-kittygiggles-generic-prozac-fluoxetine-stabilization/

 

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2 minutes ago, Kittygiggles said:

:) Thank you for taking the time to let me know. 

No problem.  I hope you are doing well.

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

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For me, Mg Glycinate has been a huge help for stabilizing the BP and HR. I have only been trialing Mg Glycinate for 1.5 weeks now and already notice a dramatic difference. Unfortunately, I have a very sensitive bowel and had to very slowly work up in 100 mg intervals over the last 1.5 weeks. I now take 100 mg 4x per day. If I take more than 100 mg in a single dose I have bowel issues.

 

I was a bit concerned at first, because I naturally have very low BP and thought Mg would make it even lower. In reality, it seems it has actually stabilized it very well.

 

Good Luck.

2006-2013: Amitriptyline 25mg QD at bedtime.

Oct 2014: Clonazepam 0.5mg at night for sleep. Gabapentin 600mg x2 daily for pain.

Dec 2014: CT Clonazepam & Gabapentin on doctor’s instruction, because it wasn't helping symptoms. Caused severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks. ER due to 3 days of no sleep. ER administered Lorazepam IV.

Dec 2014: Lorazepam - 0.250mg AM,  0.125mg PM, 0.250mg Beftime; Zoloft - 50mg

Feb 15 - March 11, 2015: Tapered Lorazepam at 0.125 mg ever 5 days. Too fast and very difficult.

June 1 - Oct 12, 2015: Tapered Zoloft from 50mg at 12.5 mg every 4 weeks. Last 2 weeks I took 12.5 mg every other day. Then CT'd at 12.5 mg.

Dec 4, 2015: Reinstated Zoloft 12.5 mg.

Nov 2018: 12.5 mg to 6.25 mg. Held for 2 months then CT'd 6.25 mg on Jan 26.

Feb 16, 2019: Reinstated Zoloft 5 mg

Dec 2019: CT Zoloft 5 mg. Did okay until August 2020.

 

 

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  • 1 month later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

I've been getting occasional skipped/extra heartbeats lately.  When I had them previously I think it was caused by mild serotonin toxicity, and it is about 3 years since I've had them.  So I decided to do some research and thought that others might be interested in what I have found.  If you are concerned about what you are experiencing I suggest you see a doctor.  However understanding that anxiety can contribute to them and that even healthy people can get them may help to put your mind at rest.

 

https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-disease-overview/skipping-a-beat--the-surprise-of-palpitations

 

From:  https://www.lifelinescreening.com/health-education/disease-information/understanding-the-signs-of-an-irregular-heartbeat

(bolding mine):

 

Quote

 

Many people often confuse the symptoms of a panic attack with those of a heart rhythm problem like atrial fibrillation (AFib). ... This means that people with anxiety may think they have signs of an irregular heartbeat, but it is actually their own anxiety or panic attacks that are causing the symptoms.

 

 

From Heart Rhythm Society: (bolding mine)

 

 

Quote

 

 

Though it may feel like the heart has skipped a beat, a premature heartbeat occurs when the heart's regular rhythm is interrupted by an early or even extra heartbeat. If the beat arises from locations in the atria (upper chambers) it is called premature atrial contraction (PAC). If it arises from the ventricles (lower chambers), it is called premature ventricular complexes (PVC). In most cases, neither is considered serious.

 

Interestingly, both skipped beats and extra beats or palpitations typically have the same cause: the heart's regular rhythm is interrupted by a premature or early beat. If the premature beat arises from the atria (upper chambers), it is called a premature atrial contraction (PAC). If it arises from the ventricles (lower chambers), it is called premature ventricular contraction (PVC). In most cases, neither is considered dangerous, though exceptions exist. The reason PACs or PVCs can sometimes be felt as a skipped beat, is that the heart gets a premature signal to squeeze before it has had time to fill with blood. The resulting heart contraction does not produce blood flow to the body. A pause is felt, and the following heart beat is more forceful than usual. If the PAC or PVC is less premature, and the heart has had time to fill with blood before receiving the early signal to squeeze, an extra beat will be felt rather than a skipped beat.

 

Premature beats are common in healthy people of all ages. Caffeine, alcohol, stress, and fatigue may cause PACs or PVCs to occur more frequently. If the symptoms caused by premature beats are bothersome, they can be treated with medications or catheter ablation.

 

 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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  • 4 weeks later...
On 3/28/2018 at 8:57 AM, Nuttinanna said:

Well I almost wish I hadn’t asked now!

 

Seems it is the drug that is causing the palpitations, although don’t understand why I didn’t get any problems when I first started taking it.  

 

I remember five years ago when I dropped from 40mg to 20mg I had similar and went to my GP.  I ended up having ECG and Echo but there was nothing major found - just a slight arythmia.  But by the time I had the tests the WD had subsided as I had done a fast drop.  So am concerned that as this taper is going to go one for at least another 9 months that the palpitations will continue and maybe I should do the tests again.

 

I read through the the review above that Alpha23 shared (well as much as I could understand befor it got too technical)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2493295/

 

and was quite worried at the damage these drugs may have done and how much is permanent.  No one knows for sure what SSRIs do to various parts of the brain and body and it is scary.

 

Is there anything that I can do to lessen the palpitations?  

I am wondering how you are doing now? I am in the same exact boat as you.

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  • 5 months later...
On 12/20/2018 at 5:10 PM, Rezten said:

I dont want to have to take it everyday and my palpitations have been pretty steady most days recently.  What have others done to deal with palpitations?  

 

On 10/9/2018 at 1:49 AM, PSVT said:

This is either caught during an episode on ECG or an Electrophysiology Study?

 

Hello -

 

I hope you are both doing better.  If you are still checking this thread - I would appreciate your guidance since you have had a number of possibly related issues.

 

I have been experiencing intermittent chest pounding, discomfort,  sometimes sharp pain (best way to describe) and maybe fluttering? I don't know how palpitations really feels and I see early beats and don't know about that. My blood pressure may be  on the low side and heart rate elevated as I have measured thus far

 

Chest pounding may come out of nowhere - not when exercising thus far (thank goodness) including when under general  or situational stress  (like writing this email!).(now 112/65 and 85 BPM - while sitting the past hour). BPM should be between 65-70). It doesn't quiet down.

 

I have also experienced a lot of dizziness in the mornings - shortly after getting up. It keeps me chairbound for 2 or more hours.

 

When I see my cardiologist - I don't now if there are some things I should ask her - or tests I should have. Do ECG's only the minutes they are recording?

 

Thanks,

Guilietta

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  • Administrator

Guilietta, for what are you seeing a cardiologist?

 

Your cardiologist should give you a Holter monitor to wear for a week or so. This can be a little inconvenient.

 

You can shortcut this process by going to the emergency room (if your insurance covers it) when you have a bad spell of these cardio symptoms. They will do an EKG there. Your cardiologist can use that to identify these symptoms.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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The cardiologist is a lipid specialist - I see her for monitoring genetically expressed high levels of lipoprotein(a) and cholesterol levels. She prescribes crestor to help reduce the risk of heart attack/stroke as premature heart attacks run in my family.

 

9 hours ago, Altostrata said:

Your cardiologist should give you a Holter monitor to wear for a week or so.

 

Thanks for the advice.  Do EKGs capture electrical activity only at the moment they are taken?

 

9 hours ago, Altostrata said:

You can shortcut this process by going to the emergency room (if your insurance covers it) when you have a bad spell of these cardio symptoms.

 

I have not considered this before. I have been taking deep breaths and monitorning my vitals. Maybe she can fit me in this week.

 

I apprecitate your advice,

 

Giulietta

 

 

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On 14 December 2019 at 7:44 AM, Guilietta said:

 

 

Hello -

 

I hope you are both doing better.  If you are still checking this thread - I would appreciate your guidance since you have had a number of possibly related issues.

 

I have been experiencing intermittent chest pounding, discomfort,  sometimes sharp pain (best way to describe) and maybe fluttering? I don't know how palpitations really feels and I see early beats and don't know about that. My blood pressure may be  on the low side and heart rate elevated as I have measured thus far

 

Chest pounding may come out of nowhere - not when exercising thus far (thank goodness) including when under general  or situational stress  (like writing this email!).(now 112/65 and 85 BPM - while sitting the past hour). BPM should be between 65-70). It doesn't quiet down.

 

I have also experienced a lot of dizziness in the mornings - shortly after getting up. It keeps me chairbound for 2 or more hours.

 

When I see my cardiologist - I don't now if there are some things I should ask her - or tests I should have. Do ECG's only the minutes they are recording?

 

Thanks,

Guilietta

 

As altostrata suggests . A holter monitor is a good start. Also the ER. They will keep you in for a while whenever anyone complains of chest pain or palpitations or changes in heart rate/BP.  You could also ask for an ultrasound as well just to check the heart structurally. it's a simple test.

 

Dont hesitate to get checked out as many times as you feel you need to. My SVT wasn't picked up for many years until I had an excellent paramedic come to my house and find it. 

Zoloft: Sometime early in 2014 Three days only. Torture!

Lexapro: Early 2015- Mid 2015 10mg

Lexapro: Mid 2015-March 2017 20mg

Tapered too fast, Withdrawal started through April-June 2017. Told by Doctor that it was rebound anxiety and have now developed MDD

Pristiq: July 2017-October 2017 50mg (total 56 days)

Lexapro: October 2017-October 2017 10mg (6 days)

Lexapro: October 2017-October 2017 20mg (5 days)

COLD TURKEY>>>>>>>>>>>>October 11,2017

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On 12/13/2019 at 4:44 PM, Guilietta said:

 

 

Hello -

 

I hope you are both doing better.  If you are still checking this thread - I would appreciate your guidance since you have had a number of possibly related issues.

 

I have been experiencing intermittent chest pounding, discomfort,  sometimes sharp pain (best way to describe) and maybe fluttering? I don't know how palpitations really feels and I see early beats and don't know about that. My blood pressure may be  on the low side and heart rate elevated as I have measured thus far

 

Chest pounding may come out of nowhere - not when exercising thus far (thank goodness) including when under general  or situational stress  (like writing this email!).(now 112/65 and 85 BPM - while sitting the past hour). BPM should be between 65-70). It doesn't quiet down.

 

I have also experienced a lot of dizziness in the mornings - shortly after getting up. It keeps me chairbound for 2 or more hours.

 

When I see my cardiologist - I don't now if there are some things I should ask her - or tests I should have. Do ECG's only the minutes they are recording?

 

Thanks,

Guilietta

A normal heart rate is between 60-100bpm, so 85 is completely normal despite the fact that it may be higher than what you're used to. Blood pressure is only considered too low when it dips below 90/60 and you also have symptoms. It sounds like you're experiencing autonomic dysfunction and PVCS or PACS from withdrawal, which is common. When I first developed POTS from withdrawal I was in and out of the ER constantly. My heart rate frequently goes up to 150 and blood pressure tanks to 70/49. It's unlikely what your experiencing is anything to be concerned about and doctors don't usually do anything about it unless something serious shows up on an ECG.

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On 12/13/2019 at 3:44 PM, Guilietta said:

 

 

Hello -

 

I hope you are both doing better.  If you are still checking this thread - I would appreciate your guidance since you have had a number of possibly related issues.

 

I have been experiencing intermittent chest pounding, discomfort,  sometimes sharp pain (best way to describe) and maybe fluttering? I don't know how palpitations really feels and I see early beats and don't know about that. My blood pressure may be  on the low side and heart rate elevated as I have measured thus far

 

Chest pounding may come out of nowhere - not when exercising thus far (thank goodness) including when under general  or situational stress  (like writing this email!).(now 112/65 and 85 BPM - while sitting the past hour). BPM should be between 65-70). It doesn't quiet down.

 

I have also experienced a lot of dizziness in the mornings - shortly after getting up. It keeps me chairbound for 2 or more hours.

 

When I see my cardiologist - I don't now if there are some things I should ask her - or tests I should have. Do ECG's only the minutes they are recording?

 

Thanks,

Guilietta

Hi Guilietta, my heart palpitations went away within a,week of starting a low histimine diet. Your symptoms, to me anyway, sound like typical withdrawal symptoms, but its good you are checking with your doctor.

 

Effexor 2008 - 2017 37.5 Mg . Upped to 150 mg on 2017.  November of 2017 to March 2018 went from 150 mg to 0.

Ativan May 2018 started 1 - 2 mg daily stayed at 1mg Sept 2018. 03/9/19 .975mg, 03/16 .950mg, 04/13 .94, 04/20 .93, 04/27 .916 slowly tapered from April to  August 2019 at .77mg,  December 2020 .10mg, Jan 2021 0.0 MG 

Valium June 2018 started 10 mg currently 2.5 mg daily, September 2021 0.0 mg

Trazadone started March 2018 100 mg at night to sleep Oct 16, 2018 went to 75 mg , November 13, 2018 67.5 mg, Dec 11 60.75 mg, January 21, 2019  54 mg, 02/09 50 mg, March 2022 0.0 mg

Six Ketamine treatments September 2018.  2 treatments a week for 3 weeks

Completely drug free as of March 2022

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Hello @Rezten @Eastcoastgirl @PSVT @Altostrata

 

A great big thanks to you all for your information and suggestions.  

 

The cardiologist advised me to stop my lisinopril (2.5 mg), which I did 5 days ago.Chest pounding has abated but is still here.  It seems like another WD symptom  and hopefully I this won't flare up again. I'll get an EKG in a few weeks when I see her.

 

Of note, I stopped the lisinopril without tapering at her direction. When I mentioned my current WD issues with cymbalta over the past year - and that I didn't want a rebound bp, etc.  she indicated that on my low dose it wasn't necessary. I am tracking my BP and HR.

 

On 12/17/2019 at 8:45 PM, Eastcoastgirl said:

When I first developed POTS from withdrawal I was in and out of the ER constantly. My heart rate frequently goes up to 150 and blood pressure tanks to 70/49.

 

I am really sorry about this. I think it must be frightening. Has it passed I hope?

 

 

Edited by Karma
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On 12/23/2019 at 5:58 PM, Guilietta said:

Hello @Rezten @Eastcoastgirl @PSVT @Altostrata

 

A great big thanks to you all for your information and suggestions.  

 

The cardiologist advised me to stop my lisinopril (2.5 mg), which I did 5 days ago.Chest pounding has abated but is still here.  It seems like another WD symptom  and hopefully I this won't flare up again. I'll get an EKG in a few weeks when I see her.

 

Of note, I stopped the lisinopril without tapering at her direction. When I mentioned my current WD issues with cymbalta over the past year - and that I didn't want a rebound bp, etc.  she indicated that on my low dose it wasn't necessary. I am tracking my BP and HR.

 

 

I am really sorry about this. I think it must be frightening. Has it passed I hope?

Still have it nearly a year later ! 

Edited by Karma
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1 hour ago, Guilietta said:

Of note, I stopped the lisinopril without tapering at her direction. When I mentioned my current WD issues with cymbalta over the past year - and that I didn't want a rebound bp, etc.  she indicated that on my low dose it wasn't necessary. I am tracking my BP and HR.

 

I gather you didn't have any problems going off lisinopril? All blood pressure drugs need to be tapered, though not at 10% per month. Your doctor was wrong.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

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  • 6 months later...

from time to time i get arrhythmya especialy on days when i feel really crap. just wonder if others have that an what they do about it? My records are stating Anxiety and my doc. always just tells me i dont have anything, its in ur head, i am in prolonged withdrawal which doesnt exist, its in my head.  

Started Venlafaxine around  2007-2008  for around 4,5-5 years 70mg

                                                   ca .2012  Taper as doctors advise 2 weeks skip a day and stop

                                                   7 -8 later months total breakdown after sruggling a lot Hospitalized

                                                   and started on Cipralex.

Taper as doctors advise: Mai 2018  from 20 to 10 mg escitalopram to zero in one Month.

 

supplements

Magnesium citrate 600 mg

Omega 3  2000 mg

vitamin D3 sometimes

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@miomio see the discussion above.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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13 hours ago, Altostrata said:

@miomio see the discussion above.

Thanks!

Started Venlafaxine around  2007-2008  for around 4,5-5 years 70mg

                                                   ca .2012  Taper as doctors advise 2 weeks skip a day and stop

                                                   7 -8 later months total breakdown after sruggling a lot Hospitalized

                                                   and started on Cipralex.

Taper as doctors advise: Mai 2018  from 20 to 10 mg escitalopram to zero in one Month.

 

supplements

Magnesium citrate 600 mg

Omega 3  2000 mg

vitamin D3 sometimes

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  • 1 year later...

Rapid heartbeat

 

Does anyone have any advice for a rapid, pounding heartbeat? My resting heart rate is about 130. Sometimes it feels like I’m going to have a heart attack, but it’s usually just a panic attack. 

I saw a cardiologist while I was in the worst of Klonopin withdrawal last summer, and we agreed I’d come back for a visit once I’m off all medication. I just started Amitriptyline tapering and my heart feels like it’s punching my rib cage. I am afraid to take any medication a cardiologist prescribes after my terrible experience with psych meds. 
 

Any advice is appreciated. 

 

Edited by ChessieCat
added topic title before merging with existing topic

Current medications:
Propranolol 40 mg (Feb. 11, 2022- present); Amitriptyline 80 mg (Mar 16, 2022-present); Amitriptyline 85 mg (Jan 20, 2022-Mar 15, 2022); Amitriptyline 100 mg (April 2021-Jan 20, 2022)

Recent withdrawals:

Klonopin 2 mg (2020-2021) (Klonopin free as of Nov. 2021!)

Lamotrigine 200 mg (2020-2021); Seroquel 50 mg (2021) 

Past medications:
Ambien (briefly in 2021); Symbyax (briefly in 2020); Mirtazapine (briefly in 2020); Zoloft (briefly in 2020)
Trazodone 150 mg (2015-2020); Venlafaxine 150 mg (2015-2020)
Wellbutrin (briefly in 2015); Xanax (briefly in 2015); Buspar (briefly in 2015); Prozac (one month in 2015)
Lexapro and/or Celexa (2010-2015)

 

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  • 2 weeks later...
On 1/27/2022 at 8:02 AM, sleepymagic said:

Does anyone have any advice for a rapid, pounding heartbeat? My resting heart rate is about 130. Sometimes it feels like I’m going to have a heart attack, but it’s usually just a panic attack. 

I have this! My resting hr sits around 115 at its worst. I started taking atenolol initially but was switched to metoprolol. The meto doesn’t make me feel as funny as the atenolol did. I think it’s also the least reactive to other meds. I would advise you look into something because a rest hr over 100 for weeks on end cant be good for your heart. 
 

You will have to taper off if it eventually but it’s nothing like SSRI/psych meds.  

~Lexapro 5mg 2009;  ~increased to 10mg; 2013ish.  ~increased to 20mg; 2017
~January 2021 had an episode of Serotonin Syndrome (from one single 50mg dose of trazodone) reduced from 20mg to 10mg. 
~Mid April 2021- Followed doctors taper schedule to get off lex. Within 6ish weeks I went from 10mg to 5mg and then 5mg every other day and then every 3 days and then quit. 
~Early June 2021 stopped Lexapro 

~July 5th; reinstated 2.5 mg Lexapro 

~July 6th; started atenolol 12.5 2x day for heart palpitations (resting bpm 110). 
~July 19th; upped to 3.75

~Sept 12; Updose 5mg (want WD to go AWAY-no longer trying to get off Lexapro. Want my life back!)

Lansoprazole 2000-2021

~July 27th 2021 breaking capsules and removing 40 tiny beads 

~Sept 2021- worked up to removing 300 of the 500 beads

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  • 3 months later...

Increased heartbeat.

 

I know it's because of the Anxiety, but even when the psychological effects of anxiety are gone, the heart keeps racing. I am think of using propranolol. Anyone else experience this?

 

Edited by ChessieCat
added topic title before merging with existing topic

Before 2020:

On and off various different antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines.

2020: Sertraline, Lithium, Clonazepam
2021 May: Tried to taper, doctor confused withdrawal with relapse, all drugs were reinstated.

2021: Lamotrigine was added for mood instability, Zolpidem for sleep, Risperidone for Treatment-resistant OCD

2022 (Currently): Sertraline(200mg), Lithium(400mg reduced from 800mg; Rebound Anxiety, Otherwise Okay), Risperidone(0.5mg reduced from 1mg), Lamotrigine(100mg), Clonazepam(2mg), Zolpidem(10mg) 

 

Excessive use of Nicotine(Inhaled, not Smoked) and Caffeine.

I intend to keep the sertraline and lamotrigine for a while and get rid of the rest, gradually, hopefully.

 

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I'm tapering off celexa right now. At first I thought I had a increased heart rate but it's the anxiety talking. What's your heart rate like right now?

- Late 2011/Early 2012? - Started celexa 10mg.

- Sometime in 2012? - Due to doctors advice, jumped to 20mg. Not sure when but doctor suggested 40mg. Tried it for a bit, did not like it, felt flat and had low libido so doctor told me to go down to 30mg.

- Started skipping 1 day or 2 days sometimes due to forgetting and hated being on drugs, felt it was a hassle. It became routine to skip one day and only take it when I felt withdrawal symptoms kick in like dizziness. Always took one 20mg pill and broke the second pill in half.

- May 17 2022, finally talked to my doctor about tapering. Suggested I take 10 mg everyday. Tried taking only 10mg, started getting dizzy, took another half tablet, got horrible anxiety that night. Got scared, had to stop and reinstate back to 30mg that night.

- May 18 2022 discovered and joined survivingantidepressants.org (woozy head and impaired balance lasted 1 week)

- May 19 2022, began trying a reduction, (still skipping a day). Though had no scale so was inaccurately cutting my pills. No idea what dose I was taking, 25-27mg?

- May 25 2022, bought a mg scale and started to better measure my dose. Tried 10% reduction, 27mg. (still skipping a day)

- Ending of May was when I started having horrible anxiety

- June 1 2022, finally started 13.5mg dose 8:15am, and began taking my dose everyday now

- went to 13.7mg after a few weeks and still on it currently. Still taking my dose everyday. went up to 14 on 11/6

 

 

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(deleted content bc had accidentally posted the same thing twice)

Edited by Ariel
deleted bc mistakenly repeated post

1996-2018 - misc. polypharmacy, incl. SSRIs, SNRIs, neuroleptics, lithium, benzos, stimulants, antihistamines, etc. (approx. 30+ drugs)

2012-2018 - 10mg lexapro/escitalopram (20mg?)    Jan. 2018 - 10mg -> 5mg, then from 5mg -> 2.5mg, then 0mg  -->  July 2018 - 0mg

2017(?)-2020 - vyvanse/lisdexamfetamine 60-70mg    2020-2021 - 70mg down to 0mg  -->  July 2021 - 0mg

March-April 2021 - vortioxetine 5-10mg (approx. 7 weeks total; CT)  -->  April 28th, 2021 - 0mg

supplements: magnesium powder (dissolved in water) as needed throughout the day; 1 tsp fish oil w/ morning meal; 2mg melatonin 

August 1, 2022 - 1 mg melatonin

 

Courage is fear that has said its prayers.  - Karle Wilson Baker

love and justice are not two. without inner change, there can be no outer change; without collective change, no change matters.  - Rev. angel Kyodo williams

Holding multiple truths. Knowing that everyone has their own accurate view of the way things are.  - text on homemade banner at Afiya house

 

I am not a medical professional; this is not medical advice. 

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You might be interested in this help topic:

 

Edited by ChessieCat
removed link to current topic after merging

1996-2018 - misc. polypharmacy, incl. SSRIs, SNRIs, neuroleptics, lithium, benzos, stimulants, antihistamines, etc. (approx. 30+ drugs)

2012-2018 - 10mg lexapro/escitalopram (20mg?)    Jan. 2018 - 10mg -> 5mg, then from 5mg -> 2.5mg, then 0mg  -->  July 2018 - 0mg

2017(?)-2020 - vyvanse/lisdexamfetamine 60-70mg    2020-2021 - 70mg down to 0mg  -->  July 2021 - 0mg

March-April 2021 - vortioxetine 5-10mg (approx. 7 weeks total; CT)  -->  April 28th, 2021 - 0mg

supplements: magnesium powder (dissolved in water) as needed throughout the day; 1 tsp fish oil w/ morning meal; 2mg melatonin 

August 1, 2022 - 1 mg melatonin

 

Courage is fear that has said its prayers.  - Karle Wilson Baker

love and justice are not two. without inner change, there can be no outer change; without collective change, no change matters.  - Rev. angel Kyodo williams

Holding multiple truths. Knowing that everyone has their own accurate view of the way things are.  - text on homemade banner at Afiya house

 

I am not a medical professional; this is not medical advice. 

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On 5/21/2022 at 6:53 PM, panther771 said:

I am think of using propranolol.

 

See:

 

beta-blockers-propranolol-metopropol-atenolol-etc

 

* NO LONGER ACTIVE on SA *

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:  (6 year taper)      0mg Pristiq  on 13th November 2021

ADs since ~1992:  25+ years - 1 unknown, Prozac (muscle weakness), Zoloft; citalopram (pooped out) CTed (very sick for 2.5 wks a few months after); Pristiq:  50mg 2012, 100mg beg 2013 (Serotonin Toxicity)  Tapering from Oct 2015 - 13 Nov 2021   LAST DOSE 0.0025mg

Post 0 updates start here    My tapering program     My Intro (goes to tapering graph)

 VIDEO:   Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management

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11 hours ago, Wanttofreemyself said:

I'm tapering off celexa right now. At first I thought I had a increased heart rate but it's the anxiety talking. What's your heart rate like right now?

 

It's normal right now. It's definitely the anxiety, but once I have calmed down mentally, the physical symptoms (like increased heartbeat) persists for a while.

Before 2020:

On and off various different antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines.

2020: Sertraline, Lithium, Clonazepam
2021 May: Tried to taper, doctor confused withdrawal with relapse, all drugs were reinstated.

2021: Lamotrigine was added for mood instability, Zolpidem for sleep, Risperidone for Treatment-resistant OCD

2022 (Currently): Sertraline(200mg), Lithium(400mg reduced from 800mg; Rebound Anxiety, Otherwise Okay), Risperidone(0.5mg reduced from 1mg), Lamotrigine(100mg), Clonazepam(2mg), Zolpidem(10mg) 

 

Excessive use of Nicotine(Inhaled, not Smoked) and Caffeine.

I intend to keep the sertraline and lamotrigine for a while and get rid of the rest, gradually, hopefully.

 

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I see. Well I'm glad once you calm down it gets better. 

- Late 2011/Early 2012? - Started celexa 10mg.

- Sometime in 2012? - Due to doctors advice, jumped to 20mg. Not sure when but doctor suggested 40mg. Tried it for a bit, did not like it, felt flat and had low libido so doctor told me to go down to 30mg.

- Started skipping 1 day or 2 days sometimes due to forgetting and hated being on drugs, felt it was a hassle. It became routine to skip one day and only take it when I felt withdrawal symptoms kick in like dizziness. Always took one 20mg pill and broke the second pill in half.

- May 17 2022, finally talked to my doctor about tapering. Suggested I take 10 mg everyday. Tried taking only 10mg, started getting dizzy, took another half tablet, got horrible anxiety that night. Got scared, had to stop and reinstate back to 30mg that night.

- May 18 2022 discovered and joined survivingantidepressants.org (woozy head and impaired balance lasted 1 week)

- May 19 2022, began trying a reduction, (still skipping a day). Though had no scale so was inaccurately cutting my pills. No idea what dose I was taking, 25-27mg?

- May 25 2022, bought a mg scale and started to better measure my dose. Tried 10% reduction, 27mg. (still skipping a day)

- Ending of May was when I started having horrible anxiety

- June 1 2022, finally started 13.5mg dose 8:15am, and began taking my dose everyday now

- went to 13.7mg after a few weeks and still on it currently. Still taking my dose everyday. went up to 14 on 11/6

 

 

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