I have recently lost my Partner and my life has become very traumatic. I have APS , I had 6 months ago a cardioversion which got my Arrhythmia sorted.I am on 1.25 bisoprolol daily along with carbamazepine, thyroxine, lisinapril, warfarin and statins.My GP has recommended Sertraline but I am worried about the effect on my heart and cognitive issues.
I would be interested on your thoughts.
Thank you
I am so very sorry for your loss.
If you have a heart problem – sertraline can make your heart beat faster or cause an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). I would recommend you speak with your cardiologist before taking it.
With good wishes,
Ros
Thank You Ros. I did speak to a member of the cardiology tea! and was told "it should be alright" but I m still not sure.
I completely understand your concern. As it’s well tolerated, I might have decided to try the drug and if there is an instance, which you would recognize, I would stop taking it.
Trauma is not something that you should be living with daily. It has an adverse affect, psychologically and physically. But, this is a decision only you can make.
Are you seeing a therapist? Having psychological support is very necessary. To have to carry on alone, is very difficult if not impossible, so I hope you have a good support system.
With good wishes,
Ros
All of my emotional support is via the GP and outside parties so I am really struggling.
I would ask your GP for help as they can provide counselling or via services such as MIND.
Great you had a conversation with them, I am sure they will continue to fine tune any questions you care to ask. If you do go on it make sure you have regular check ups if you have a concern. Definitely a good idea to get some psychological support as it can effect your physical health during times of stress. MaryF
I really feel for you in these hard times I was for a long time on citopram for my depression and it helped and had no significant effect on my arrhythmia. If your cardiac team have so it’s ok then just check with pharmacist as they are the true specialists. I hope the drug achieves what you need it for.
Thank you all for your thoughts. x
Hi JM, terrible times and very sorry to hear of all your recent trauma and ongoing treatments.
FWIW, am also discussing possible antidepressant / anxiety meds with both my GP and therapist.
Thought I would have been able to cope post-APS related strokes, and have tried, but it’s almost like things need a reset.
Ref meds, my GP has also done some research and spoken with my consultant (Prof Hunt at G&StT) and opinion seems to be irtazapine and citalopram are preferred options, and probably the citalopram, still TBC. However, I’m only on Warfarin and Atorvastatin, so maybe more straightforward
I do hope you can get some good assistance, talking therapy is really helpful if you can find a therapist that you engage with openly about your trauma.
Best wishes with it all,.
Hugs
SBJ
They want to start me on Sertralene but no-one on here seems to be on it which is why I queried it.
Citalopram seems to be the most used option.
I am due to speak to talking therapies within the next few weeks, I hope they can help me as I feel i really need something.
Wishing you all the best.
Returned Hugs.
The list of meds I've taken goes on and on. Warfarin, amlodipine, hydroxycholoquine, atorvastin., Xarelto (discontinued), Eliquis (discontinued), bupoprion, lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Some of you might wonder what the hell an APS patient is doing on an amphetamine. Answer: it REALLY helps my cognition and my energy. It's presribed by my neurologist. I take a very low dose (20 mgs), which does not affect my INR, ramp up my blood pressure or cause insomnia. Everyone's different. This works for me.
Hi I have APS and recently lost my mum. Sorry for your loss. I had to go on citalopram as my mood was very low. I don't have heart problems but I read an article a few days ago about cognitive function and risk of dementia. It reported that there is a higher risk with the older type anti depressants not the newer ones SSRI. Hope this helps. My hubby had cardioversion which put his heart back in rhythm. He is now on blood thinners to lower the risk of stroke.
I hope you find the counseling and medication recommendations helpful. I’m glad you asked here. ( and I’m so sorry for what you are going through. It’s so so sad…)
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