Lexapro

[Prettykittay]

So I'm new here and I want to find out if anyone ever had an episode of afib/svt on lexapro? I was on it for 8 years of my life and it was great! Last two years were horrible. I was depressed and never was before I gained 20lbs didn't want to go to work had issues sleeping. I was in the treadmill first episode had like two hard beats then racing heart then it was gone. I didn't go to er I just thought it was really scary but by passed it. I ended up getting off lexapro 2 years later and the withdrawals were hell. I couldn't take it. So I went back on lexapro 18 days into it ant almost two years to the date I had that same episode again I called 911 my guns and said it was just my anxiety I said I know the difference and this isn't regular racing heart it was Chaotic it started with a thump then double thump took off racing like I was running but was sitting still. It lasted maybe 10-15min and just poof just stopped and sent back to normal. Sorry long post.

[Prettykittay]

Thank you guys for your responses. I'm taking nothing now but a half of Xanax when needed. Yea the Dr called it something we're it works then stops working for me. I was never so scared in my life when I got those episodes two different times and I hope I never get it again. I never read the side effects until after I came off. I started with Paxil first after awhile that stopped working as well so all together I was on ads for about 15 years so first time my body is getting a break.  When I was on Paxil no heart issues thank god. Lexapro on the other hand can't won't do that again had all heart test and everything normal. Cardiologist said could have been either or afib/svt which he said lexapro has afib as a side effect which I never knew about. I'm doing ok though I have my good and bad days I was getting the nocturnal anxiety when you wake up from a dead sleep with a racing heart hast happen in a couple of months bc I'm learning how to control my anxiety.

[sunny1018]

I was on Lexapro for 10 years and it worked well for me until it pooped out.  My anxiety came back big time, including heart palps/racing heart. I had an ekg and wore a 24 hr holter monitor.  Both were normal.  I weaned off over 6 weeks and while it wasn't fun it wasn't hellish.  I have since tried 3 different ADs, none which have helped much.  Maybe you should try a new med or get off them altogether.  Do you go to therapy?

[Mommyju]

I'm  Sorry  to hear that! I've been on Lexapro for 5 years, stoped for 3- pregnancy and breastfeeding, and I was fine- then anxiety came back full force, went back to meds for over 2 yeara now, and now I stoped it again... Not my choice... I've been suffering horrors without it... But I never had problems while taking Lexapro. Is it possible that the meds are no longer agreeing with you and your anxiety is back and symptoms too?!? The best thing is to make an appointment with your doctor! Just to make sure everything is fine!
God bless you and keep us updated!

[sunny1018]

I have been off Lexapro since March.  I am now on my 3rd AD change since, Celexa.  They just don't seem to help anymore.  I take Klonopin as well but not sure how much it helps.  Thank you.  I hope you feel better soon!

[Mommyju]

I really recommend that if you decide to stop Lexapro, to talk to your doctor and do it slowly! I'm suffering bad withdrawals! My anxiety is awful and to the roof! Which is causing stomach issues... I've been tapering down, but did it too fast, within 3 weeks- which ideas it, it could take up to 6 months to safely tapper down. My last half pill was on October 31st, today 15 days later, my anxiety is almost unbearable.... So talk to your doctor and  ask for help, maybe it's a good idea to have something like Xanax to take as needed it to help thru the hard days. God bless you and keep us posted!

[sunny1018]

How long have you been off Lexapro now?  How was the adjustment?  I've been thinking about getting off ADs myself since they no longer seem to help.  I'm just scared because I have been on them so long and afraid my brain will freak out.

[Prettykittay]

I'm reading books and tried cbt but don't think I got someone good and I'm trying mindfulness. Sunny1018