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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Palpitations While On Citalopram For Anxiety?

Hi I'm a 27 yr old female. I suffer from anxiety and palpitations my dr has examined me and thinks the palps are anxiety related so prescribed citalopram. I'm on day 2 taking 20mg a day. I'm finding it has increased my palpitations slightly. I've been experiencing 3 extra systoles followed by a pause and then a thump. I normally have this on average once or twice daily but had it a bit more often since on the tablet. My hearts not beating any faster though was just wondering if it was normal side effect of citalopram.
                                                                 
Fri, 21 Nov 2014
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

Citalopram is SSRI group of antidepressant and anti anxiety drug. When the drug is prescribed to any individual rebound increase in anxiety may occur for first few days and this can be minimised by starting from low doses. You have been prescribed high dose of 20 mg per day and this has caused palpitations. Citalopram is known to cause cardiac arrhythmia in susceptible patients. It can cause prolongation of QTc interval and this can have serious consequences on heart. I would advise you to get your ECG done and visit your psychiatrist. Stop the drug if condition persist.

Thanks, hope this helps you.
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What Causes Palpitations While On Citalopram For Anxiety?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM Citalopram is SSRI group of antidepressant and anti anxiety drug. When the drug is prescribed to any individual rebound increase in anxiety may occur for first few days and this can be minimised by starting from low doses. You have been prescribed high dose of 20 mg per day and this has caused palpitations. Citalopram is known to cause cardiac arrhythmia in susceptible patients. It can cause prolongation of QTc interval and this can have serious consequences on heart. I would advise you to get your ECG done and visit your psychiatrist. Stop the drug if condition persist. Thanks, hope this helps you.