Hi,all hope you are doing ok.

[FenderStrat63]

have any of you been prescribed antidepressants after your heart attack, what are they? I am on Venlafaxine, which I am now told are not good for the heart☹️☹️

[BeKind28-]

Hello

So many people find they are depressed after a heart attack and go on anti depressants

The one's you have had prescribed you I would imagine your Doctor knows all about your heart so even though it may say that about them they must feel it is safe for you to take them

Have you found they are helping ?

A very common anti depressant that a lot of Consultants seem to feel is a good one for heart patients is called Sertraline if you wanted you could put this to your Doctor the concerns you have about the one prescribed and do they think Sertraline might suite you better ?

Let us know how you get on x

[Bluehope81]

I have only heard of it being dangerous at higher doses as it blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine i.e increasing the norepinephrine, Beta blockers which slow the heart block epinephrine, they are somewhat similar chemicals.

Have you noticed any increase in your resting heart rate?

You could move from Venlafaxine which is an SNRI to an SSRI like Sertraline or Citalopram. Venlafaxine is considered quite strong, is there any reason that was the first medicine prescribed?

[Jules2021]

HiI was already on venlafaxine before my heart attack two years ago. I've lived with depression on and off for over 20years and tried quite a few ssri's which worked for a little while then stopped. Venlafaxine seems to work for me and i'm on the lowest dose. No-one has ever questioned me taking it along with my heart meds so 🤞

Jules x

[PaddyRedVan]

Ive been on venlafaxine for many years and i dont believe it has affected my heart. 75mg twice a day. It has been very beneficial to me. It does take a while for your brain to accept it though and similarly it has had unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

[Qualipop in reply to PaddyRedVan]

Good point about withdrawal. IF they do decide to change it she will ned to be very careful how she comes off it and no sudden straight swap.

[loucie]

Hi. I’ve been on venflaxine fir a few years because of anxiety & migraines but theGP has never mentioned about this with heart attacks. I have high blood pressure too & I know it mentions about that in the leaflet. I just keep an eye on my blood pressure. I hope this helps a bit.