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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Taking Cipralex For Anxiety And Depression. Irregular Heart Beat. Medication Side Effect?

Hello,
I recently started taking Cipralex for my anxiety and depression. For the past week or so, my heart has been beating irregularly. It feels like it stops for a few seconds, and then starts again. When I place my fingers on my neck, I can feel my heart beat normally, and then it will pause for a second or two, and then start again, and when it starts again, it beats really quickly, almost like it's trying to catch up. I'm very nervous that this is QT interval prolongation, since I've read that Cipralex can cause this.
What is your opinion? Should I be worried? Should I stop taking this medication?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Mon, 27 May 2013
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for using healthcare magic.

I have gone through yoyr available history.

your symptoms might be due to
- Cipralex side effects
- Symptom of anxiety
- Cardiac causes which is less likely.

Your symptoms are not suggestive of QT prolongation.

You should consult your psychiatrist before stopping medication. Doctor may advise to go for Electrocardiogram to rule out cardiac reasons. Doctor may advise to reduce the dose or may switch over to different drug like sertraline.

You can also go for stress management and breathing exercise for better control over anxiety.

Thanks.
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Taking Cipralex For Anxiety And Depression. Irregular Heart Beat. Medication Side Effect?

Hi, Thanks for using healthcare magic. I have gone through yoyr available history. your symptoms might be due to - Cipralex side effects - Symptom of anxiety - Cardiac causes which is less likely. Your symptoms are not suggestive of QT prolongation. You should consult your psychiatrist before stopping medication. Doctor may advise to go for Electrocardiogram to rule out cardiac reasons. Doctor may advise to reduce the dose or may switch over to different drug like sertraline. You can also go for stress management and breathing exercise for better control over anxiety. Thanks.