Does serotonin have an influence or effect on the heart and its ryhtms?

[I_HATE_ANXIETY]

If you were to have low serotonin levels, would it cause you to have arrythmias and tachardyas? Because my heart rate goes extremely fast or pounds very hard throughout my chest and neck and its very uncomfortable, ive been told to take SSRI anti depressants but is there a connection between the two?

[Murawski]

Yes, low seratonin levels can lead to panic attacks/ depression hence rapid heartbeats. My issue is hormone related but still have a hard pounding heartbeat that is truly scary. Try to stay away from anti-depressents/ benzo - neither are good for you plus habit forming . It's truly a catch 22- benzo helps but quick dependency and ssri are very hard to get on and off of. Truly no good answer. Check with your Dr. See if underlining issue . Found out mine is hormone related but still suffering 5 years later - been on kolonopin / Xanax , the pill, I get every sideaffect known . Sorry your dealing with that . Truly know how you feel !

[Madge270]

You're right, Bob. I took an SSRI (Zoloft) for two years, but it made my anxiety worse. Each day I'd get adrenaline rushes and hand tremors. I had to taper off the Zoloft slowly and then I was switched to a low-dose benzodiazapine at bedtime (clonazepam).  That worked much better.  I still take the bedtime dose ( 1/2 of the smallest pill) and I sleep well. During the day I'm able to control any anxiety pretty well through relaxation techniques.  SSRIs are good for serious depression, but not for anxiety.  And doctors do prescribe them too freely.  

[Murawski]

Yes, I do believe you can have an irregular heartbeat/ tachycardia from low seratonin- which is very much related to panic attacks/ depression. Anti depressants are VERY hard to get on and off of and benzo are chemically addicting so it's a catch 22- I suffer from hormone issues that r causing all my problems. I find relief with Ativan but you can't take it every day or you become dependent . Truly no easy answer. Just keep Dr. Informed - I truly feel bad for you and know how u feel - my heart pounds so bad puts me in a panic attack. So sorry!

[BobRBob]

Yes, doctors are handing them out like candy along with the benzodiazapines like Xanax which are just as bad, if not worse. They are highly addictive and tolerance can build quickly leading to up-dosing. Withdrawal from these drugs can be crippling for some. Be very careful with all psyche drugs.

[DeltaDawn23]

Be careful -- they are passing them out like candy.  I had several doctors press me to take them for my Afib.  I went to a shrink and he said I wasn't depressed, I was anxious and they were not appropriate for me.  They also mess with your mind.  I'd avoid them unless I was in the depths of depression.  I take a Atenolol, Norpace CR and Xanax for the anxiety/irregular beats.

[LindaTX]

I agree with Bob.  I took anti-depressants for years before I started getting episodes of a-fib and I've often wondered if there was a connection. I doubt the drug companies are going to try to find a link.  I wouldn't touch one either, but at the same time I know they helped me at the time of my depression and that counted for a lot.

[BobRBob]

SSRI anti-depressants are powerful and potentially harmful. They are often prescribed for anxiety so perhaps your doctor believes your heart issues are anxiety related. Personally, I wouldn't touch an anti-depressant for any reason, least of all anxiety.

[MichelleP_3811]

Have you been checked out by a cardiologist?  If not I would definitely get a check up before taking anti depressants.  Unless you feel you need them.  But regardless you should get your fast heart evaluated just to make sure there isn't any underlying health issues.  Good luck.

[bbxx]

I dont know, but be careful taking antidepressants...unless you really need them. They not only effect the heart, but the brain.

[deborah3311]

It sounds like you have a condition called SVT Supraventricular Tachycardia. Look it up. I don't know about how seritonin affect the body but I have SVT which is irregular heart rythums and increased pumping of the heart.

[maz12]

Hey

I have the same problem. My heart goes fast too. Its 120 just standing and often 134-140 walking around the house. sometimes i can actually feel it, sometimes not. This is all since being taken to casulty with a suspected SVT episode - i have been very worried since, si i dont know if mine's anxiety or not.

With regard to ur question, i dont know whether serotonin affects heart rate or not. I know adrenaline does though, and this is realeased when you have anxiety. Did they say if u had anxiety as well as depression?

What kind of heart rates are u getting - are they as high as mine? Is scary for me - how r u getting on with the symptoms?

best wishes and hope you feel better soon