Rapid heart rate and Seroquel

Anxiousvalkyrie · Jul 06, 2016, 04:53 PM

So I upped my Seroquel dose today from 50mg to 100mg like I was supposed to. I took it a few hours ago and now I'm sitting here feeling like my heart is going to beat out of my chest. It also feels like it's beating really fast. I'm also super shaky and panicky. Not sure if he panic is because of the increased heart rate or its just a crap load of anxiety. Is this normal?

Ndscisyv · Jul 06, 2016, 05:24 PM

I'm on a fairly low dose too but I haven't had any of that. My pdoc told me to call if my anxiety got worse. I'm a little sensitive about getting the shakes when I start new meds or increase them so I always call her just to make sure she's aware and we can make adjustments. I'm not a medical professional but I would say it is not normal for a med to increase your heart rate or anxiety levels like that.

Wild Coyote · Jul 06, 2016, 05:42 PM

I am also not a medical professional.

I suggest you contact your doctor and/or pharmacist/chemist to ask questions about any potential heart-related issues.

If it gets very severe and you feel you need immediate help, don't hesitate to get yourself to an ER. Watch for additional signs/symptoms, note them. Report them when you speak with a medical professional.

Can you take your vitals? BP? Pulse?

Gabyunbound · Jul 06, 2016, 06:50 PM

Seroquel makes me very sleepy and while it doesn't help much with anxiety (it used to, though) it hasn't produced what you're talking about. Could you be having a panic attack? Have you been anxious about increasing the dose? That said, I think it would be perfectly understandable to get super anxious about the fast heart rate in and of itself, I certainly would!

I'd call your pdoc and let him/her know about this possible side effect. Maybe he'll lower the dose again or choose a different AP that doesn't make you feel that way. Best of luck to you and I hope you feel better soon!!

franz kafka · Jul 06, 2016, 09:39 PM

I feel my heart pounding in my chest when I take my seroquel. Don't know if that's normal, but I experience it too. I take a lot more than you do though (600mg).

MusicLover82 · Jul 06, 2016, 10:05 PM

I've been having palpitations due to recent med changes, too (lowering Latuda and increasing Abilify). They are going away.

Occasional palpitations are not usually serious, according to what I've read, and it could be a temporary side effect due to the change (look up Seroquel side effects). Do you have anything you can take for anxiety to see if that helps?

I agree with checking your pulse and blood pressure. Do you have any machines at a local store that you can check those vitals? If these symptoms continue, I would make an appointment with my GP or pdoc (or both). If you have serious symptoms with the palpitations, go to the emergency room.

Best wishes! I hope you feel better soon!

Spaceyspace · Jul 07, 2016, 01:21 AM

Definiely call the pharmacist. Do regular check-ins on your blood pressure and pulse whatever meds your taking. Also. Not sure what your weather is like where you are but it is summer and some meds may make a person feel weird with the sun and heat.

confusedbyself · Jul 07, 2016, 01:27 AM

I had the same heart racing and palpatations when i take even small amounts. I was told it would settle down after i got used to the dosage but it scared me to much to take the higher doses so i don't. But yes, i defenitely had it bad.

Wander · Jul 07, 2016, 03:56 AM

I too have had the same experience with Seroquel. It was one of the reasons I stopped it. It seems the XR versions has less of an impact than the fast release.

Wild Coyote · Jul 07, 2016, 04:17 AM

Many psychotropic meds can have an effect on the functioning of the heart.
It's important to note changes/symptoms are report them.

It's also important to stay well-hydrated.
Hearts will beat faster trying to pump blood during even mild dehydration.

When noticing a rapid heartbeat, esp in warmer weather, immediately hydrate, as this helps to increase blood volume, often lessening work load on the heart. Note whether hydrating helps.

Anyone taking meds on a regular basis , including med changes, might consider basics like: taking BP, pulse and temp. Vitals are taken in IP settings, esp when new meds are introduced or dosages are changed.

Be safe and well!

WC

Anxiousvalkyrie · Jul 07, 2016, 04:56 AM

Thanks for all of your responses. It really really scared me. I ended up taking a benzo and going to sleep. I'm going to call my doctor today to see what they say about it. My heart is still beating somewhat rapidly this morning.

Wild Coyote · Jul 07, 2016, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anxiousvalkyrie

Thanks for all of your responses. It really really scared me. I ended up taking a benzo and going to sleep. I'm going to call my doctor today to see what they say about it. My heart is still beating somewhat rapidly this morning.

I hope you are okay?
Thinking of you.

WC