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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Am I in danger
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
Am I in danger
by Squims, Mar 18, 2002 12:00AM
I have been taking Cipramil 20mg/day for about 7 months for panic attacks caused by bereavement. In that time I have had the constant symptom of skipped heartbeat which I'll be honest has always scared the living daylights out of me, but I have read on this page that this symptom can be a side effect of SSRi's and have tried to perservere. In the last fortnight my stress levels have increased, as have the heart irritability which really brings me to my question. Is this reaction to stress or anxiety normal when using this kind of medication? or is something else going wrong/is this dangerous?. I feel so sensitive at the moment that somebody even speaking to me can be enough to startle me.
Thanks in advance
Simon
Thanks in advance
Simon
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Mar 19, 2002 12:00AM
, Mar 19, 2002 12:00AM
It is most likely that the underlying anxiety is breaking through and you should either change the dosage of the medication with your doctor, or change medications, or get some good supportive counseling in order to get to the root of the anxiety.
On the other hand, if you are having frequent skipped beats you must have a good cardiac workup...and if any problems, you should discontinue this drug and try another...there are many to choose from.
On the other hand, if you are having frequent skipped beats you must have a good cardiac workup...and if any problems, you should discontinue this drug and try another...there are many to choose from.
