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What Causes Premature Ventricular Contractions?

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Posted on Fri, 14 Nov 2014
Question: Hi - I am a 73 year old male with history of PVCs and palpitations, but a normal heart as I have taken all these tests, CT 64 angiography, stress, echo, holter. The PVCs are frequent during times of stress so I have been taking 4x1mg Xanax daily for 3 years. Is it OK to continue or should I start thinking about detoxing. I am afraid if I detox my PVCs will get works and although not dangerous I was told, they disturb my quality of life. I am trying Ativan now which is not a good a xanax in helping to be calmer. How may PVCs can one have in a day and not be considered dangerous?
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Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (51 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Continue Xanax, try reducing stress

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.

Based on your clinical details and query, my opinion is as follows:

1. If Xanax is doing its function of reducing the stress and incidence of PVC's, I would advise you to continue it.
2. Yes, it could disturb the quality of life. However, as it is not disturbing you and rather helping you, you can continue.
3. However, if you are taking 4 mg per day, its rather high and you can discuss with your doctor regarding dosage reduction.
4. Avoid taking Ativan, its too addictive compared to xanax. You cannot take it for longer time.
5. Goal is to avoid any PVC's in a day. However, upto 60 per hour is OK.

Try to reduce stress through other methods like meditation, yoga, stress relief programmes etc. Once you can control stress, your xanax dosage can be reduced slowly, and if everything works out, you can get completely detoxified.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM
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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Answered by
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Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda

Geriatrics Specialist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2138 Questions

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What Causes Premature Ventricular Contractions?

Brief Answer: Continue Xanax, try reducing stress Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for asking. I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query. Based on your clinical details and query, my opinion is as follows: 1. If Xanax is doing its function of reducing the stress and incidence of PVC's, I would advise you to continue it. 2. Yes, it could disturb the quality of life. However, as it is not disturbing you and rather helping you, you can continue. 3. However, if you are taking 4 mg per day, its rather high and you can discuss with your doctor regarding dosage reduction. 4. Avoid taking Ativan, its too addictive compared to xanax. You cannot take it for longer time. 5. Goal is to avoid any PVC's in a day. However, upto 60 per hour is OK. Try to reduce stress through other methods like meditation, yoga, stress relief programmes etc. Once you can control stress, your xanax dosage can be reduced slowly, and if everything works out, you can get completely detoxified. Hope it helps. Any further queries, happy to help again. Dr. Prakash HM