Citalopram qt prolongation
Common Questions and Answers about Citalopram qt prolongation
lexapro
Yes, a well known side effect of the majority of SSRI''s is that they can prolong the QT interval. This does not mean that they will and "prolonging" the QT interval is not the same thing as having a "prolonged QT interval".
I know someone with LQTS who takes Lexapro but isn't that similar to Citalopram which is on the QT prolonging drug list. If you know of a safe antidepressant or some other medication that works for anxiety and is safe for someone with LQTS I would appreciate some more info.
Most of the time a person who is diagnosed with prolonged QT interval (often expressed as corrected QT or QTc) have a reversible cause, such as taking medications which could lengthen the QT interval, or having nutritional/electrolyte abnormalities (low potassium, magnesium or calcium). You should check your medication list for agents that could prolong QT (go to http://www.qtdrugs.org/ for a comprehensive list).
The main thing I am worried about it that I have had a heart problem with svt which I had ablated in october. I read that citalopram can cause QT prolongation which can result in death, I was so worried I made me dr do an ecg which was ok but I am still worried. Most of my anixety centres around my health especially my heart and breathing. I was going to post a question to one of the drs but you have to pay now the last time I did it it was free.
Changes in the electrical activity of the heart (prolongation of the QT interval of the electrocardiogram [ECG]) can lead to an abnormal heart rhythm (including Torsade de Pointes), which can be fatal."
Here is the link to the provided information: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001041/
You should also know that the shaking you are experiencing may not at all be a side effect from alcohol at all. It may be anxiety which can be triggered by alcohol but also hereditary.
There are tons of meds out there for people with arrhythmias. Celexa is a drug that is known to prolong the QT interval and is on the QT Drug List. (google it) I can't imagine that a doc would prescribe this for arrhythmias, my guess is he is probably thinking your problems are related to anxiety (who wouldn't be anxious when they are nearly passing out!) and trying to dismiss this as nothing since you are healthy.
Beta-2 adrenergic agonists can cause dose-related prolongation of the QT interval and potassium loss. Theoretically, coadministration with other agents that can prolong the QT interval may result in elevated risk of ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and torsade de pointes, because of additive arrhythmogenic potential related to their effects on cardiac conduction.
Recommended
The Content on this Site is presented in a summary fashion, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease; or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. Med Help International, Inc. is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. We disclaim all responsibility for the professional qualifications and licensing of, and services provided by, any physician or other health providers posting on or otherwise referred to on this Site and/or any Third Party Site. Never disregard the medical advice of your physician or health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you read on this Site. We offer this Site AS IS and without any warranties. By using this Site you agree to the following Terms and Conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your physician or 911 immediately.
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
Copyright © 1993-2012 Med Help. All rights reserved.
