Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Anxiety And Low Heart Rate
Question: I have been dealing with some anxiety for the past 2 months. I was put on atenolol 25mg on a split dosis daily. I have dealt with benign PVCS and had several heart tests done. Everything normal.Atenolol did control my heart rate but my anxiety was still there. So 11 days ago my doctor put me on .25mg clonazepam twice a day and 50mg sertraline once a day. I've noticed that my heart rate at night and even in the morning is sometimes 55-60. Thats very low for me considering that even with the atenolol i ran 76-80. I dont feel lightheaded or anything. I did tapper the clonazepam three days ago to only .25mg daily. I dont know which of the two drugs sertraline or clonazepam is causing my heart rate to be so low. Any advice?
Brief Answer:
Sertraline might be causing this
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for your query through HCM.
I have read your query and understood your concerns.
Sertraline decreases anxiety by increasing the amount of neurotransmitter serotonin, by doing this it also affects the brain areas which releases neurotransmitter norepinephrine but only to some extent.
I here feel that sertraline is doing it's work and that is why your anxiety has reduced and as a result you heart rate has slowed down.
For proper resolution of anxiety and panic attacks, you need to continue sertraline.
In my opinion you should visit your doctor [who has prescribed you atenolol] and ask for decrease in the dosage. Because atenolol is also decreasing your heart rate, so cumulative effects of both setraline and atenolol is not required after your anxiety level is controlled by sertraline, so it would be wise to decrease the atenolol.
Hope I have answered your query. if you have further query then I will be happy to help.
Wish you good health.
Sertraline might be causing this
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for your query through HCM.
I have read your query and understood your concerns.
Sertraline decreases anxiety by increasing the amount of neurotransmitter serotonin, by doing this it also affects the brain areas which releases neurotransmitter norepinephrine but only to some extent.
I here feel that sertraline is doing it's work and that is why your anxiety has reduced and as a result you heart rate has slowed down.
For proper resolution of anxiety and panic attacks, you need to continue sertraline.
In my opinion you should visit your doctor [who has prescribed you atenolol] and ask for decrease in the dosage. Because atenolol is also decreasing your heart rate, so cumulative effects of both setraline and atenolol is not required after your anxiety level is controlled by sertraline, so it would be wise to decrease the atenolol.
Hope I have answered your query. if you have further query then I will be happy to help.
Wish you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
So sertraline will help my anxiety more than Clonazepam?Why is this?
Brief Answer:
It is true, sertraline will help more on long run
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing again.
Clonazepam does not modify the neurotransmitters, it acts similarly as alcohol it calms the mind on temporary basis, it can not have long term effects. That is why person has to take it continuously, for it's effects.
Sertraline on the contrary, has effects on neurotransmitters like serotonin, which alters level of may other chemicals in the brain. So on long run sertraline will be more effective. Anxiety arises from the brain in panic attacks and that is why sertraline is effective.
Hope I have answered your query. If you do not have further clarifications then close the discussion and rate the answer.
Wish you good health.
It is true, sertraline will help more on long run
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for writing again.
Clonazepam does not modify the neurotransmitters, it acts similarly as alcohol it calms the mind on temporary basis, it can not have long term effects. That is why person has to take it continuously, for it's effects.
Sertraline on the contrary, has effects on neurotransmitters like serotonin, which alters level of may other chemicals in the brain. So on long run sertraline will be more effective. Anxiety arises from the brain in panic attacks and that is why sertraline is effective.
Hope I have answered your query. If you do not have further clarifications then close the discussion and rate the answer.
Wish you good health.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
