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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Heart Palpitations

I am 27 years old. I am a healthy eater, non-smoker, and I exercise regularly. I have had heart palpitations that started after taking a high dose of Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate). I noticed the palpitations and a racing heartbeat right after taking the pills. I was scared, but thought it would be fine in the morning. They never went away. That was three months ago. I can describe it as a skipped beat and then a really hard beat. Thump, thump thump....pause....THUMP. I can feel it in my neck and throat. It also disrupts my breathing rhythm. I have seen my general practitioner several times and have had an EKG and stress test. She told me I possibly have PVC s. She is convinced it is nothing to worry about, however, they are increasing in frequency (sometimes 5-6 a minute) and are very distracting (scary too). I get them randomly with an increase during exercise and the day after. My question is: Could taking this medication have permanently alter my heart function? If not, could it have made me more sensitive to my heart rhythm? I repeat, I have NEVER experienced this sensation before taking this medication. I realize heart palpitations can be benign, but why would they start after this one dose, and continue months later? I want to know if there is anything I can do to prevent this from happening, or reverse this effect. I don t understand a whole lot about heart function, and I am not getting a very thorough explanation about how this could happen from my doctor.
Wed, 17 Apr 2019
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

Dimenhydrinate has a known side effect of palpitations due to tachycardia. However, the persistence of palpitations after the drug has been withdrawn warrants work-up for other causes of palpitations such as structural heart disease, thyroid problems, as well as electrolyte imbalances. It is also important to stop taking beverages which can cause palpitations such as caffeine-containing beverages, alcohol, and other medications which as the known side effects.

I suggest further work-up with your doctor for proper management.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Daryl Derick B. Dizon, General & Family Physician
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Suggest Treatment For Heart Palpitations

Hi, Dimenhydrinate has a known side effect of palpitations due to tachycardia. However, the persistence of palpitations after the drug has been withdrawn warrants work-up for other causes of palpitations such as structural heart disease, thyroid problems, as well as electrolyte imbalances. It is also important to stop taking beverages which can cause palpitations such as caffeine-containing beverages, alcohol, and other medications which as the known side effects. I suggest further work-up with your doctor for proper management. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Daryl Derick B. Dizon, General & Family Physician