I have just been to see my EP for a 6 monthly check up and at the moment he is quite happy that my medication of Sotalol 40mg and Apixaban is controlling my afib even though I have had a couple of 'wobbles' (2 episodes in 6 months following diarrhoea on both occasions). We talked ablation but he doesn't feel it's the right time yet - I am 64.
The dilemma I have is that I have developed health anxiety which is out of control at the moment and my GP wants me on anti-depressants, the problem is I tried Sertraline and it made me so ill with nausea and dry mouth I stopped it after 3 days of not eating at all.
My EP has spoken about this new anti-depressant called ESCitalopram (I have been on citalopram before) but he still commented that these csn upset and/or interfere with heart arrhythmias. Does anyone else in this group take this medication successfully? I am getting desperate and at the moment having to take diazapam to help calm me down
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Karendeena
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These are all broadly similar drugs and from the same family of "SSRI" anti-depressants. Escitalopram is nearly identical to citalopram but requires less metabolising by the body (i.e. citalopram has to be converted to escitalopram in the body, I believe, to be active).
My own experience is that the different drugs affected me identically. I was told that citalopram was a milder drug (escitalopram is identical in effect). Well, "mild" most certainly was not the word for its effect on me.
I'm not convinced that these drugs are sufficiently different from each other, myself, but I do know two people who found citalopram did little, yet swore by sertraline. I gather that all of the SSRI antidepressants have been called "activating" drugs because they first increase anxiety before later dampening it (or in my case not doing). I read once that there seems to be a genetic variant in some of us that means we react badly to them. That must be me.
This might be different from you, of course. The problem with SSRI drugs, however, is that it seems some people need to work through about 2-4 weeks of unpleasant side effects before the drugs settle and start to work. In my case, my GP, a well-meaning chap, kept telling me to press on and, in the end, it was well over twelve weeks before I decided I could cope no longer so I wound myself off them quite rapidly, with no issues in doing so. Some of the multitude of side effects persisted for a very long time after stopping, though.
I've come to believe that anxiety is not at all easily treatable. Perhaps the “best” drug treatment is diazepam to calm the mind when things are awful, but, overall, I suspect the most effective is self-taught or counselled "cognitive" stuff, that helps us to stop the negative and racing thoughts themselves. I can't say this works very well, but it helps.
Hi Steve, thanks for your detailed reply. I was on citalopram for years before I developed afib. The cardiologist then wanted me off it and transferred to sertraline which didn't do much for me, citalopram seemed to keep me on a even keel. I then transferred to an EP who wanted me to try and stop sertraline which I did, he told me all antidepressants can aggrivate arrythmia. I stopped these gradually, however I am now really struggling with health anxiety that has affected my GI system (started when on prednisolone). I tried sertraline but it landed me in AE with severe nausea, dry mouth that wouldn't go away and urine retention. After 3 days I gave up even though the consultant said push through the side effects I couldn't. I never ate for a few days and lost weight. Not going there again. I have booked CBT and taking some diazapam so maybe I will stick to this route!
Oh my - poor you. Life with anxiety can be a truly difficult struggle. The SSRI drugs are not good in my view and are now even given to younger people despite that they are known to bring on suicidal thoughts.
I think diazepam does help a little in its way but that’s only if you can take it or leave it without rebound issues or dependency. About a third, I’ve read, can get into trouble with it. Mind you, I’ve read horror stories of people coming off SSRI drugs, too - in fact there used to be a web site aimed at such sufferers. Goodness you’d have thought they’d have a better answer by now.
I hope you go on okay. Life does tend to resume a balance eventually, even if a fragile one. If you haven’t read her books before then look up “Claire Weekes” on the internet. You’ll enjoy reading what she has to say.
I took Escitalopram, otherwise known as Lexapro, a few years ago for almost 2 years when dealing with mercury toxicity induced depression and it was quite effective with no side effects. However, I would do it under the supervision of a psychiatrist or other qualified physician. Doses must be brought both up & down in very small amounts.
I did have AF at the time and it had no negative effect whatsoever as far as AF was concerned. Imo, it could only lessen any stress that could possibly bring it on.
I’ve been taking Lexie pro for a few years for anxiety. Low dose 5mg. I starting having anxiety when I was diagnosed with a fib. It helps me and I don’t seem to have any side effects.
Hello, I was on Escitalopram for anxiety due to PVC’s. When I was diagnosed with AFib and put on blood thinners and Solatol the pharmacy called to say the two medications were not coherent. The specialist said to go ahead with Solatol. Fast forward and I am now off Escitalopram and the same specialist yesterday said “good for you”, you cannot take those two medications together for long term.?!?
Karendeena - as it’s a few years since I was on Sotalol - you’d be better to read my blogs from then as the fine details re this drug evade me now - other than to say it really didn’t suit me physically and mentally - best wishes Cathy
Hi i was on warfarin but was put onto the new anti coag. drug three years ago.Have had no side effects aghainst it but you do need to carry that card with you at all times as u need to give to parameds. if you cut yourself badly .
With warfarin one injection and your blood goes to normal but with this one it will take 48 hours in hospital to settle it down and as there ids no quick injection to give
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