Anxiety/SVT/SSRIs

[MOasis]

Over the years I had various bouts of racing heart beat especially after exercise. I also had panic disorder so it was often hard to tell whether I am having SVT or panic. I have taken SSRI anti depression meds on and off for a long time but don’t like the side effects. After I stop taking the SSRIs I tend to be ok for a while, but then I get the SVTs again especially after exercise or for some reason in Winter when it is cold in the middle of the night.

All the cardio tests have been ok but my cardiologist thinks I have sick sinus syndrome and might need a pacemaker one day.

I was wondering if anyone else has experience with the link between anxiety and SVTs and any alternatives to anti depressants?

Also, recently I have had these episodes where I suddenly feel a bit breathless and then the SVT starts. Does anyone else have that?

I don’t think my case is too serious but once the SVTs come back they tend to get more frequent until I go back on the SSRI meds. Had to stop an exercise session today after lifting weights. Would love to get out of this cycle and understand it better.

[Avrnt]

This is , forgive the pun , very close to my heart

Anxiety and svt are closely linked

I was misdiagnosed from being a teenager until a 2nd yr student nurse

I was cast off as being a neurotic and then eventually I knew what I had from reading cardiology books

I guess it’s the adrenaline surges that trigger the svt

Deffo go back on SSRI s as anxiety is horrible and still so dissmissed by most gps

I found meditation audios very helpful

Find a cArdiologist you trust and get sorted

Hope it helps , I loved it for 35 yrs

Fiona

[MOasis in reply to Avrnt]

Love the pun and thanks for your warm reply. Yes, have started back on the SSRI and will see the cardiologist again, but I am not hopeful - most of them are not really that familiar with the anxiety and SVT connection. I think we all know our own bodies more than doctors give us credit for. Or maybe I haven’t found the right doctor yet. Thanks again!

[Spanaway]

Never heard had these issues, prayers for you and doctors to resolve this.🙏

[MOasis in reply to Spanaway]

Thank you!

[Hidden]

I was on citalopram for 7 years and never had a Svt attack, previously I had some minor ones which sent me to a and e, I didn,t know what they were at that time. I took myself off them in 2013 and started the minor attacks of Svt which stopped on their own until the big one in 2017, I,ve had 7 big ones requiring to be put back. Strange isn,t it! I get anxiety bad and occasional depression but not like the depression citalopram was advised for. I lost weight could not sleep and was disappearing down the black hole.

[MOasis in reply to Hidden]

Thanks very much for your feedback!

[rhoffman86]

I have both anxiety / panic disorder and SVT. I’m currently on Effexor and metoprolol (for the SVT). Adrenaline has always been the major factor for me getting SVT episodes. As years went by, I would start getting SVT episodes daily from taking too hot a shower, walking up my stairs, cleaning the house. Wore a two week holter and had 7 episodes in the 15 days. This is why I went on metoprolol. When my anxiety is really bad, I can feel the palpitations and and SVT wanting to start. Being on anti depressants hasn’t stopped or helped my heart one bit. The metoprolol does. My therapist says that beta blockers are sometimes effective for anxiety disorders. Not sure your reasoning for not wanting to take anti depressants but you could give beta blockers a try. Might not be for you if you have sick sinus as it would make your HR too low. I also have other weird things in addition to SVT. Doctor thinks it’s probably POTS or inappropriate sinus tachycardia. I hope you get it all figured out. I’d not wait on the pacemaker if your doctor suggests it.

[MOasis in reply to rhoffman86]

Thank you so much. You are correct that I am not in beta blockers because of sick sinus. When not experiencing SVT, my year rate is usually veering towards being too low. I have decided to try Luvox again and see if it helps while I wait for the next appointment with the cardiologist. Thanks again.