I know stress is my killer; it's been a real learning experience the past 2 years to "just let go" for me as a Type A personality - losing control was not on my top list to try any time soon but I had no choice =)
Before Ablation I had roughly 50,000+ pvc's depending on the day...was in bigeminy in 2007 pretty much stayed there and it didn't bother me much because I knew nothing was wrong with me. I couldn't stand taking anything other than Ibuprofen with the exception of twice trying something my dr wanted me to take - scared the heck out of me.
After my ablation in August 2009 I was afraid of the beta blockers they prescribed but my pvc's came back; so I had to go on them or face another abltion...within a few weeks I was at 10,000 pvc's again and no way after my ordeal was I going through that again so I started taking Inderal. Now I take extended release Inderal and it really does help with some of my symptoms.
I tried Lexapro after surgery for PTSD symptoms but didn't notice any difference and no increase in arrhythmia's and last month my new dr put me on Lamictal and I haven't noticed any increase. My last cardiologist told me there were 5 psych meds that really do help with arrhythmia's and anxiety as well - Lexapro and Lamictal are both on the list. So far I'm happy with Lamictal but I know it's not for everyone - we each have to find what works for us and stick with it.
I beleive they can make our condition worse. I think we all have PVCs but stress, panic and anxiety can make them much more frequent. Even my EP said that. I take Zoloft 50 mg and I have Xanax. I do not take anything "beta blocker" etc for the PVCs, I was told I can just accept them and move on pffft easier said then done LOL
Hello
I am also not into taking drugs they scare me to much. But my PVCs scare me more. I have recently started taking xanax at night only and the acebutolol 200mg in the am and 200mg in the evening. Some days I feel no PVCs some days a few here and there. I am not anymore tired then I was before I was on them. I am a smoker and have cut back due to the drug I dont feel I need it to relax me anymore. I am please for now. I hope this helps. My anxiety is stupid crazy sometimes. I blame my mother for passing this down to me ha ha ha.