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What Causes Low Pulse Rate While On Depakote?
Question: I've had a fast heart rate pretty much my whole life, but got more so the last 5 years of so. My last 24 hour halter monitor (about 14 months ago) put my average rate at 108. My lowest was 84 and highest 148. I had hysterectomy 3 days ago and my heart rate while I was there never got above the 80s. It was even in the 60s a few times. This was before and after surgery (or any medications). The only thing I can think is different is I started taking Depakote about a month ago to try to decrease # of headaches (think it is working). Checked my pulse right now is 78. Should I be worried? I know this is a "normal", but it is different for me. Could this be a side effect of the Depakote, if not should I get worried?
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Regarding the possibility of it being a side effect of Depakote, I don't think that is the cause, it is not a side effect of Depakote. The only way it might influence heart rhythm would be indirectly by acting as a mood stabilizer (often used for that purpose), and thus relieving potential anxiety which can raise heart rate. But if hypothesis was the case it would be a beneficial effect, not a harmful one.
Of course other causes must be considered. Thyroid function would be the first one as high thyroid function is one of the most common causes of high heart rate. At times substitute treatment (I see you get synthroid) if at a higher dose than necessary can elevate heart rate. As thyroid function can change over time and thus medication dosage, regular periodic measurements are needed.
Anyway the current rate is no reason to be concerned, not unless you experience very low blood pressure and symptoms due to it, so no need for any particular intervention right now.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Regarding the possibility of it being a side effect of Depakote, I don't think that is the cause, it is not a side effect of Depakote. The only way it might influence heart rhythm would be indirectly by acting as a mood stabilizer (often used for that purpose), and thus relieving potential anxiety which can raise heart rate. But if hypothesis was the case it would be a beneficial effect, not a harmful one.
Of course other causes must be considered. Thyroid function would be the first one as high thyroid function is one of the most common causes of high heart rate. At times substitute treatment (I see you get synthroid) if at a higher dose than necessary can elevate heart rate. As thyroid function can change over time and thus medication dosage, regular periodic measurements are needed.
Anyway the current rate is no reason to be concerned, not unless you experience very low blood pressure and symptoms due to it, so no need for any particular intervention right now.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks.
I just had thyroid check couple weeks ago - it's fine. Have been on same dose of synthroid for over 10 years now.
Didn't really know Depakote was mood stabilizer, but that maybe explains some things. My husband even commented on my improved mood over the past month, I thought it was from having fewer headaches.
My blood pressure is usually on low end. While in hospital stayed 90s-100s over 50s-70s. That's why never could find any medication to try to slow my heart rate - whenever my cardiologist would prescribe new medication it might lower my heart rate some but would always lower my BP to the point I couldn't tolerate it. Don't have BP cuff at home to check my BP right now.
What other symptoms would I watch for. Kinda difficult right now because I just had surgery. I'm still swelling (slightly pitting in ankles)and so very thirsty and I get short of breath doing the least little thing.
I just had thyroid check couple weeks ago - it's fine. Have been on same dose of synthroid for over 10 years now.
Didn't really know Depakote was mood stabilizer, but that maybe explains some things. My husband even commented on my improved mood over the past month, I thought it was from having fewer headaches.
My blood pressure is usually on low end. While in hospital stayed 90s-100s over 50s-70s. That's why never could find any medication to try to slow my heart rate - whenever my cardiologist would prescribe new medication it might lower my heart rate some but would always lower my BP to the point I couldn't tolerate it. Don't have BP cuff at home to check my BP right now.
What other symptoms would I watch for. Kinda difficult right now because I just had surgery. I'm still swelling (slightly pitting in ankles)and so very thirsty and I get short of breath doing the least little thing.
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional information.
It is good that you've been monitoring thyroid function with a recent check-up.
Yes, Depakote has several uses, initially it was used for epilepsy patients, but later it has become a first line drug for migraine prevention and also as a mood stabilizer.
By low blood pressure symptoms to watch for I mean symptoms such as light-headedness and dizziness, blurry vision and in extreme cases loss of consciousness correlated with lower than usual blood pressure values.
The swelling of the ankles and the shortness of breath on the other hand are often related to diminished heart function, so if you haven't been checked by a cardiologist recently you should.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional information.
It is good that you've been monitoring thyroid function with a recent check-up.
Yes, Depakote has several uses, initially it was used for epilepsy patients, but later it has become a first line drug for migraine prevention and also as a mood stabilizer.
By low blood pressure symptoms to watch for I mean symptoms such as light-headedness and dizziness, blurry vision and in extreme cases loss of consciousness correlated with lower than usual blood pressure values.
The swelling of the ankles and the shortness of breath on the other hand are often related to diminished heart function, so if you haven't been checked by a cardiologist recently you should.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I see cardiologist pretty regularly d/t tachycardia. The swelling in ankles & SOB just started since my surgery 4 days ago and I think that's what is going on there (and that is better than it was yesterday). My heart rate is back up to 80s to 90s so getting closer to my normal.
What a week it's been
What a week it's been
Brief Answer:
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Detailed Answer:
I hope it will stay in the 80s to 90s as even though you're used to high rate, it would be preferable to keep it under 100.
Since you seem to be regularly checked by the appropriate specialist I believe prior serious heart issues would have been known and you will be alright, the fact it's better today is reassuring.
Wishing you good health.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Detailed Answer:
I hope it will stay in the 80s to 90s as even though you're used to high rate, it would be preferable to keep it under 100.
Since you seem to be regularly checked by the appropriate specialist I believe prior serious heart issues would have been known and you will be alright, the fact it's better today is reassuring.
Wishing you good health.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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