I was diagnosed with Afib 3 years ago literally to the day and have found over the last few months that episodes have become more regular but sinus rhythmm is restored by using bisoprolol 2. The time it takes to restore NSR is directly correlated to my anxiety levels. . I used to take citalopram to help my anxiety but stopped these meds due to effects on QT prolongation. I have tried to keep my anxiety at bay but now reached a point where I need a chill pill.. There are three which are shown to be more sympathetic with afib, sertraline, Fluvoxamine and paroxetine. The latter is shown to be the one more gentle on the heart. Can anyone share there experience as I feel my PAF is getting more frequent. . My Chads is 0 at the moment so not on any other meds.
AFIB and Anxiety relief: I was... - Atrial Fibrillati...
AFIB and Anxiety relief
When you take a pill you are only masking the problem and providing the potential for horrible none intended affects.
You can reduce your anxiety using other than pharmaceuticals which are much safer and longer lasting and get to the source of the problem, not just mask and treat the symptom. They do take investment in time and effort though.
Taking pills to mask the anxiety is potentially adding to the reduction in your QOL because of the side effects coupled with more concerns, as you have found out. Pills yes in an emergency but change in lifestyle removes the anxiety without side effects.
We all get very entrenched in what we believe is our only way of living but of course it isn't. Take that first small step in a new direction and success will encourage you to keep doing it.
All the best.
There's absolutely no shame in admitting that we sometimes need a little pharmaceutical assistance with anxiety. Therapy can be great but it doesn't always work well for everybody.
Do a search on here for Sertraline - I think most people here on it find it works well, and causes no issues with AF. I find Sertraline a massive help.
Hi Barny, thank you for your reply. I believe all the other responses meant well but you actually have grasped what it was I was asking, personal experience.. I have researched all the anxiety relief provided by SSRI's and Sertraline is certainly well tolerated. I will speak with the Doctor about best way forward.. I was also advised certain Beta blockers help with anxiety by reducing the fight or flight condition and release of adrenaline. . As regards all the comments about self help, I have been involved with CBT and NLP techniques for many years and indeed am a product of a 12 step program which basically is grounded in mindfullness and altruism. One of the major foundations of altruism is to not to rush to judgement.. Life is full of ups and downs so we have good days bad days but no regret days.. Barny I am pleased to have received your response and glad I posted.. It is fair to say today is a good day because one of my major triggers is my IBS which thankfully has calmed down by using Buscopan.. My anxiety is relieved by being mindful of pharmaceuticals.
Have you tried a magnesium supplement? Magnesium can help reduce anxiety and there are people here who have found that magnesium supplementation has reduced their afib burden as well. All these antidepressants can have side effects and some of them horrendous withdrawal symptoms if you wish to discontinue the meds. Also in clinical trials they have often been shown to work little better than placebo and some people can be made worse by them.
Hi, I take magnesium on daily basis and do try to stick to a diet which provides a balance..
I would entirely be guided by your doctor on these. They are not "chill pills" in my experience, quite the reverse., but that was just me. They are called "activating" SSRIs for a good reason in my view. Your doctor will have a lot of experience of them in AF patients. It might be better for you to take an occasional diazepam or similar on an as need basis, but, again, GPs have the experience you need. The benzodiazepine drugs carry a 1 in 3 risk of causing reliance issues, I gather, and have fallen out of favour, but on an as need basis, at least aren't medicating you for long.
Doctors are the experts here.
Steve
Hi Steve, thanks for your response and would not touch Benzos with a barge pole..
Is it possible that anxiety is contributing to the increasing frequency of the episodes as well as their duration? As well as medication you could try CBT or ACT which are known scientifically to be effective in addressing anxiety. If you cannot access a therapist there are some very good self-help books. For example, Dr Stephanie Fitzgerald : The CBT Workbook: Use CBT to Change Your Life (Teach Yourself).
Hi,I was diagnosed with Paroxysmal Afib in September last year after experiencing episodes for about 10 years that were never ‘caught’ on a monitor. It’s funny but I never suffered anxiety until I was formally diagnosed.
Since the summer I’ve tried four different SSRIs - mirtazepine, paroxetine, sertraline and fluxotine ( for the second time, I took it successfully in the past) unfortunately I couldn’t get past one or two weeks on each and every one, as they initially increase anxiety and have additional side effects which I couldn’t tolerate as well as my anxiety over Afib. I forgot how long they take to work as they take weeks. I also found that one or two decreased my heart rate even further than the low levels than Bisoprolol. You mention that you’ve taken citalopram before and I thought I’d be ok this time taking another SSRI ( especially fluxotine) but my experiences were very different this time round. It’s just something to bear in mind and it was a surprise.
Coming off each, I also experienced withdrawal symptoms , even though I was on each for very short times. Again, unpleasant, especially when you’re anxious,
I would just say be a bit cautious and vigilant in monitoring any effects on your HR.
So…just be prepared really, but I do wish you lots of luck on whatever you do as I understand how you feel. I’m sorry I can’t be more positive over them, but I know many people are very happy on them.
I would be interested to know how things are for you now. I came across this post when searching for my own answers about AF and anxiety. I certainly don’t have an answer to your question…sorry.I don’t know how to disentangle the two conditions! Does anyone?
Afib and anxiety
Afib or anxiety 
Is Afib linked to anxiety ?
More on AFIB and CV
