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Arrhythmias and treatment side effects
I am 45 ys young, and was hospitalized in August from an ER visit for arrhythmias and panic/anxiety that would not calm down. I am now currently taking 50mg toprol xl, 200 mg amiodarone daily, and as needed, 5 mg diazepam. I seem to feel better, but still have off days. I am not sure what to expect long term for the particular meds I am taking. I had a 24 hour IV of Amiodarone in the hospital after an MRI and echocardiogram of my heart showed no structural abnormality. I believe the IV was to see how I responded to such a strong anti-arrhythmia medicine.
I am a worrier and have lived with the PVC's and PAC's since my early 20's. I have been seen by several cardiologists over the last 20 yrs. I have been told as ALL the others here at this site, that I have nothing to worry about, yet as I have aged, it has gotten worse. I am anxious, but it is from the feelings in my chest and often labored breathing that bring it on. My new cardiolgist is very caring and open to some alternative therapies too...but right now, until we get to a better place, he wants me to take these meds. My QUESTION: Am I in danger from taking the anti-arrhthmia drug? I want to do what ever is best for me and my children in the long run of course. This forum is very helpful, seems to calm me when I read all the posts. I am very happy to finally have the chance to post a question. I am concerned about the long term effects of the drugs and probably worry too much. On good days, I feel normal, and some days there's a weird anxious feeling, I worry about side effects being the cause. Thank you
I am a worrier and have lived with the PVC's and PAC's since my early 20's. I have been seen by several cardiologists over the last 20 yrs. I have been told as ALL the others here at this site, that I have nothing to worry about, yet as I have aged, it has gotten worse. I am anxious, but it is from the feelings in my chest and often labored breathing that bring it on. My new cardiolgist is very caring and open to some alternative therapies too...but right now, until we get to a better place, he wants me to take these meds. My QUESTION: Am I in danger from taking the anti-arrhthmia drug? I want to do what ever is best for me and my children in the long run of course. This forum is very helpful, seems to calm me when I read all the posts. I am very happy to finally have the chance to post a question. I am concerned about the long term effects of the drugs and probably worry too much. On good days, I feel normal, and some days there's a weird anxious feeling, I worry about side effects being the cause. Thank you
Hello,
I am a 36 year old female whose just been diagnosed with PVC's, PAC's and Supraventricular Tachycardia. At times, it feels like my heart stops for a few long seconds, once it catches a beat it goes about 150 bpm then it slows back down fairly quickly. It is such a scary feeling. My Cardiologist prescribed Toprol XL 50 mg a day but after researching the med I don't feel comfortable taking it. I'm already exhausted from chasing 3 small children around the house and need not to feel any more sluggish than I already am. This condition has brought a lot of anxiety to me and depression is another side effect I want to stay away from. My Echo came back normal and the Cardiologist said that, in my case, I would be okay either taking the med or not. My question is: Has anyone tried to take a more holistic approach to this problem. I heard that fish oil has been used in heart patients to reduce the frequecies of arrhythmias. I know that mainstream meds save people and have nothing against them, but, can anyone shed some light into this subject? Do any of you use supplements (with or without meds)and how do they work for you?
I am a 36 year old female whose just been diagnosed with PVC's, PAC's and Supraventricular Tachycardia. At times, it feels like my heart stops for a few long seconds, once it catches a beat it goes about 150 bpm then it slows back down fairly quickly. It is such a scary feeling. My Cardiologist prescribed Toprol XL 50 mg a day but after researching the med I don't feel comfortable taking it. I'm already exhausted from chasing 3 small children around the house and need not to feel any more sluggish than I already am. This condition has brought a lot of anxiety to me and depression is another side effect I want to stay away from. My Echo came back normal and the Cardiologist said that, in my case, I would be okay either taking the med or not. My question is: Has anyone tried to take a more holistic approach to this problem. I heard that fish oil has been used in heart patients to reduce the frequecies of arrhythmias. I know that mainstream meds save people and have nothing against them, but, can anyone shed some light into this subject? Do any of you use supplements (with or without meds)and how do they work for you?
Hi,
Sorry you are feeling the pesky and worrisome beats. Please re-read the posts in this thread again. There's a pretty in- depth commentary regarding Magnesium deficency and supplementation in here. It has helped several of us feel better. I would love to be able to do research to get the common factors between all of us that have irregular heart beats. I beg to know what causes them....and if I could I would solve the mystery! We should get a grant and study this. I'd much rather take Magnesium and Calcium with a spot of potassium from time to time too.
I can only hope physicians will take heed in the deficiencies being culprit to MANY conditions that do not require prescription drugs. It is almost controversial if ya think about it.
Best wishes and keep reading here, it really does help.
Angie
Sorry you are feeling the pesky and worrisome beats. Please re-read the posts in this thread again. There's a pretty in- depth commentary regarding Magnesium deficency and supplementation in here. It has helped several of us feel better. I would love to be able to do research to get the common factors between all of us that have irregular heart beats. I beg to know what causes them....and if I could I would solve the mystery! We should get a grant and study this. I'd much rather take Magnesium and Calcium with a spot of potassium from time to time too.
I can only hope physicians will take heed in the deficiencies being culprit to MANY conditions that do not require prescription drugs. It is almost controversial if ya think about it.
Best wishes and keep reading here, it really does help.
Angie
For anyone with AF, PACs, PVCs... etc.
If your heart study comes out fine and you are wondering whether you have "anxiety".... it is just amazing how much like anxiety a deficiency in Magnesium is. I've been taking Mg for about three weeks now, and it is amazing how much it has helped with the AF AND how calm what a much improved sense of well being I have. Perhaps you would find this of value?
If you want to know what will decrease (or increase your palps)
These web sites are for you:
http://magnesiumresearchlab.com/Mg-and-Potassium-in-Lone-Atrial-Fibrillation-9-11-03.htm
http://mdheal.org/magnesiu1.htm
I hope to ask the MD's here on this forum to comment on these papers, unfortunately so far I have not been able to post a question to them (the board is always filled).
There is much more on Mg on the web if you do some searching.
Good luck,
CMiller
If your heart study comes out fine and you are wondering whether you have "anxiety".... it is just amazing how much like anxiety a deficiency in Magnesium is. I've been taking Mg for about three weeks now, and it is amazing how much it has helped with the AF AND how calm what a much improved sense of well being I have. Perhaps you would find this of value?
If you want to know what will decrease (or increase your palps)
These web sites are for you:
http://magnesiumresearchlab.com/Mg-and-Potassium-in-Lone-Atrial-Fibrillation-9-11-03.htm
http://mdheal.org/magnesiu1.htm
I hope to ask the MD's here on this forum to comment on these papers, unfortunately so far I have not been able to post a question to them (the board is always filled).
There is much more on Mg on the web if you do some searching.
Good luck,
CMiller
Hi Fran, in the early days every time i got a bad bout of pvc's i use to take sotolol but after awhile maybe few months i use to wean my self to a very low dose by then the pvc's would have settled i did this because i too was worried that my body would get used to the meds and not work. but even then there are quite a few meds to try if one don't work. just cross that bridge when you come to it. For the moment enjoy the fact that you are doing ok now which i'm glad to hear. I wish you and everyone all the best.
Hi everyone,
I am grateful to read about your experiences. Thank you for sharing them, as frustrating and worrisome as they are. I am still taking the anti-arrhythmic drug 100mg every 12 hours and 50mg of Toprol XL in the evening. I have also added calcium and magnesium regularly, and I can tell the supplement DOES have a calming effect....at times my heart will feel agitated and "unruly" and I believe the mg really does help. I was reading that even if your CBC count shows normal range for Mg, most of us are deficient in the cellular levels, and well, the electrical cells of our hearts may misfire due to that deficiency of multiple minerals, especially the Mg. Supplementation can't hurt and I am finding it makes me feel even better than just using the meds. I take the supplements throughout the day in hopes of better absorbtion. I will see my Cardiologist again on the 20th of Oct, and I hope to maybe reduce the amiodarone to even less. I will not lower it on my own, as the adverse reactions that could happen, but maybe if I am asked to reduce it by him, my anxiety will not be as apparent.
I think it is safe to say, we all have the panic/anxiety in common too. It is nearly impossible to prove to someone that does not experience anxiety AND arrhythmias that the irregular beats set the stage and make it impossible not to let the fear run away with you. I have generic Valium on hand in case a meal or weird beat sets me off. I sure would like to be free from this as it is like a plague.....I feel you all agree. I do wish for us all to find relief very soon. Bless you all,
Angie
I am grateful to read about your experiences. Thank you for sharing them, as frustrating and worrisome as they are. I am still taking the anti-arrhythmic drug 100mg every 12 hours and 50mg of Toprol XL in the evening. I have also added calcium and magnesium regularly, and I can tell the supplement DOES have a calming effect....at times my heart will feel agitated and "unruly" and I believe the mg really does help. I was reading that even if your CBC count shows normal range for Mg, most of us are deficient in the cellular levels, and well, the electrical cells of our hearts may misfire due to that deficiency of multiple minerals, especially the Mg. Supplementation can't hurt and I am finding it makes me feel even better than just using the meds. I take the supplements throughout the day in hopes of better absorbtion. I will see my Cardiologist again on the 20th of Oct, and I hope to maybe reduce the amiodarone to even less. I will not lower it on my own, as the adverse reactions that could happen, but maybe if I am asked to reduce it by him, my anxiety will not be as apparent.
I think it is safe to say, we all have the panic/anxiety in common too. It is nearly impossible to prove to someone that does not experience anxiety AND arrhythmias that the irregular beats set the stage and make it impossible not to let the fear run away with you. I have generic Valium on hand in case a meal or weird beat sets me off. I sure would like to be free from this as it is like a plague.....I feel you all agree. I do wish for us all to find relief very soon. Bless you all,
Angie
Hi Tictock!
I sure was thinking of you. I'm so sorry your ablation didn't work. The last time I had heard from you things were going well. I'm glad the antiarrhythmic is making you feel better - it probably is the antiarrhythmic.
I'm doing very well taking 20 mg Inderal once a day. I'm worried that the good effect might lessen with time. My cardio says it can happen, though on the internet I read it shouldn't happen. Maybe I might try posting this question.
Good luck to all!
I sure was thinking of you. I'm so sorry your ablation didn't work. The last time I had heard from you things were going well. I'm glad the antiarrhythmic is making you feel better - it probably is the antiarrhythmic.
I'm doing very well taking 20 mg Inderal once a day. I'm worried that the good effect might lessen with time. My cardio says it can happen, though on the internet I read it shouldn't happen. Maybe I might try posting this question.
Good luck to all!
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