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What Causes Rapid Heart Rate After Taking Wellbutrin?
Question: Hello,
I have bad anxiety issues and need to take medication to keep it under control. I was taking celexa (20mg) for a few years, and stopped taking it cold turkey about August of last year. I stopped because I literally had to renew my prescription every 3 months. I did pretty good once I was off until January of this year. I had a major panic episode and decided to get back on meds. I tried taking celexa again, only to find that it made me feel much worse. So I was switched to Wellbutrin XL 150, and have been on it for about 6 weeks. It has improved my mood but I have noticed a bad side effect. I now have tachycardia. My resting bpm is 77, but when I try to do anything of normal physical activity, like walking, my heat rate shoots to 150bpm. Even sitting normally in a chair trying to read, it can reach 120bpm. And doesn't go down until I go to bed. Is this something that will go away over time? Or should I switch medication?
I have bad anxiety issues and need to take medication to keep it under control. I was taking celexa (20mg) for a few years, and stopped taking it cold turkey about August of last year. I stopped because I literally had to renew my prescription every 3 months. I did pretty good once I was off until January of this year. I had a major panic episode and decided to get back on meds. I tried taking celexa again, only to find that it made me feel much worse. So I was switched to Wellbutrin XL 150, and have been on it for about 6 weeks. It has improved my mood but I have noticed a bad side effect. I now have tachycardia. My resting bpm is 77, but when I try to do anything of normal physical activity, like walking, my heat rate shoots to 150bpm. Even sitting normally in a chair trying to read, it can reach 120bpm. And doesn't go down until I go to bed. Is this something that will go away over time? Or should I switch medication?
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Tachycardia in this case might be related to the dopaminergic activity of Wellbutrin. A heart rate of 150 when walking is not safe. You should discontinue this medication immediately, and work with your doctor to find a suitable replacement.
I'd suggest an SNRI medication such as Effexor or Cymbalta.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Tachycardia in this case might be related to the dopaminergic activity of Wellbutrin. A heart rate of 150 when walking is not safe. You should discontinue this medication immediately, and work with your doctor to find a suitable replacement.
I'd suggest an SNRI medication such as Effexor or Cymbalta.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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