freaking out over pulse rate...

[adviceseeker777]

I'm a mess. (You can probably tell that from previous posts). I have been dealing with episodes of rapid heart rate (from 150+) that after being tested from cardiologist was diagnosed as panic disorder.  My shrink had me on most recently Neurontin and Xanax and Inderal to help slow my heart rate down which makes me panic even more.  The Neurontin and Xanax weren't very effective and we just switched over to Klonopin since I need to take this every day and it's safer than xanax daily (supposedly).  I also went back to Prozac.  So at the moment, I am coming off of Neurontin (only on 600-800mg for a few weeks...now down to 100mg and stopping tomorrow), just began 20mg of Prozac 4 nights ago and started Klonopin .5 2x a day 4 days ago as well.  If i felt my heart starting to race over the past few days I took 1/2 of an inderal (5mg).   I have been obsessing and freaking out over this fast heart rate, but all of a sudden since yesterday i've noticed my resting pulse is anywhere from 50s to low 60s.  And of course I'm scared about that now...I didn't take the 2nd klonopin last night and don't plan on doing a 2nd tonight either, but could the Klonopin be slowing my heart rate down this much?  I'm normally between 60some and 70some  bpm, with frequent higher bouts due to anxiety which i haven't been experiencing in these past few days...funny thing is...i still FEEL anxious but my body isn't responding as physically as it normally does during panic attacks.
Am I safe? OR am I in some kind of danger with my pulse  this slow????
help please.  I can't stop focusing and driving myself crazy....

thank you,
k

[adviceseeker777]

thank you so much for your kind words and advice.  I know I am doing this to myself.  My anxiety and panic attacks have been out of control and i'm afraid to go anywhere or do anything. I'm constantly checking my pulse and other symptoms in my body.  These boards and people like you have been saving me. It's so hard for others to understand.  I know this will pass at some point.  I'm 39, female, and from what the docs all say...very healthy except for my mind :-)  I have been suffering with this hypochondria/health anxiety and panic/severe anxiety disorder for as long as I can remember.  Sometimes it's under better control than others -- depending on the meds and how long they last before they lose their effect.  This year has been hell for me...and it has centered mostly around these heart issues.  thank you so very much for responding to me...
it means so very much to me, you have no idea.
i'm wishing you much health and happiness...
best,
k

[tomah]

Hon - you are fine.  I just read your post about your holter monitor readings.  I wish mine looked that good.  I was where you are right now about 8 years ago.  First, let me tell you that your fast heartbeats aren't all in your head.  You are not imagining them - they showed up on your monitor.  But, and I know this is hard to believe, they are not dangerous.  I have been dealing with palps and skipped beats, and atrial fibrillation and tachycardia for over 12 years - and I'm still here.  I know how scary they are - and mine caused me to have terrible anxiety attacks and health anxiety for years.  It is tough to live everyday with those going on.  Now - for your heart rate.  It is the klonipin that is slowing down your heart rate (and maybe the Prozac too).  50 isn't NOT dangerous in anyway.  I don't think they start to worry unless it gets in the upper 30's or low 40's (but I'm not an expert).  Put a call into your doctor and leave a message that you are concerned about your heart rate.  At least a nurse should call you back and tell you if you need  to be seen (but I don't think they will be worried).  I don't know if you are male or female, or how old you are.  Sometimes palpitations can get worse "around that time of the month" or during perimenopause or menopause.  Hopefully your medications will kick in soon, and you will worry less.