Link between Seroquel and Heart Problems?

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Last night I felt as if I was going to die, my heart started beating so fast & I felt as if I was going to faint.. It lasted only about a minute.. I went to the ER and they did the ECG & some blood tests and a chest X-ray and everything looked fine is
What they said and blamed it on anxiety and sent me on my way. I feel like they weren’t trying to help me at all. Anyways I did some research linking Quetiapine to multiple cases of heart failure & just cardiovascular problems. People in their 30’s... I am 26 and have never experienced anything like this. I really am scared to take the med now but I really have no choice.. unless I want to go through severe withdrawals.. I feel like I cheated death last night... but maybe I just prolonged it... it’s Sunday night I’ve tried to talk to multiple medical professionals. I plan to call my PCP tomorrow.. if anyone has been through anything similar or has some knowledge about this kind of stuff that would be awesome.. I could really use some good advice.. Thank you

Hi @andrewj1083 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am so sorry to hear about your scare last night and that you felt as if the doctors weren't trying to help you. You will notice that I moved your inquiry to the discussion that you were involved with before that is discussing the same thing. Rather than starting a new conversation each time, it's good to post your updates in the same discussion so the people following your experience can share with you in the same place.

This link gives some very good information about the medication that you are taking.
Seroquel: Drug Uses, Dosage & Side Effects: https://www.drugs.com/seroquel.html

Besides a rapid heartbeat, are you having any other symptoms? How long have you been off the medication?

I didn't have any heart failure problems but when I was on it, I had a heart rate between 100-120 beats a minute consistently. I don't know how many years that took off my life, but I am so glad to be off it for that reason. Furthermore, I am so sorry if it was the Seroquel, I think there could be a possibility. I found it very hard to sleep after they took me off it and then about 2 years after they took me off of it I changed providers, and she put me back on trazodone which seems to do a fine job.

I truly believe the Seroquel could be behind the racing heart. When I was on it, I always had a heart rate over 100 beats/minute. I never had it get to the point yours did, but I believe if you have any anxiety and if you typically have a high resting heart beat it could easily push you up to that high heart rate. Why do you say you have no other choice, I would think a doctor could wean you off of the Seroquel and put you on something that would tax your system less. I advise you to keep looking for a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner who will help you with this. I got weaned off of it and although the sleep was a nightmare for 2 years, I found someone who got me on trazodone for sleep.

Hi,
I ran across this thread while posting in another and it caught my attention. I’ve been on 50 mg of seroquel for insomnia for several years (a horrible med for insomnia alone!). I’ve also been struggling with bouts of a racing heart. I thought it was due to anxiety (though my thoughts aren’t anxious at the time) or too much caffeine or nicotine. I am prescribed propanalol as well for anxiety, and have been taking it when my symptoms start, but now I am noticing I need the propanalol twice daily. I saw my provider today, and switched to trazodone for sleep. I’ll let you know if this helps my symptoms.

My son struggles with schizoid effect disorder. He is currently on 300mg of serequel and takes the invega shot. His heart rate has gone to 140 and is steadily above 100. His doctor has said she wants him to start taking 150mg serequel instead of the 300mg. She said it would be okay to move from the 300 to 150 right away. I am concerned. I know we need to do something I just hope that the tapering from 300 to 150 is drastic???? Any thoughts???

@jfe
Were it me I wouldnt reduce it 50% at any time. However, a 50% cut is usually easier when the dose is higher. A 50% cut when on a lower dose normally causes increased withdrawal effects.
Since large cuts frequently cause withdrawal symptoms personally I wouldn’t cut the dose by 50%. Also I wouldn’t skip days since its half life is only approximately 6 hours.
Good luck on whatever you decide,
Jake

Hi @jfe and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I think you may be interested in the following discussion I have linked below as the member who started it was also taking 300 mg of Seroquel and tapered down quite a bit as well.

Getting off Seroquel - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/getting-off-of-seroquel/

If you or your son are concerned with the side effects of tapering. I would suggest asking the physician if he could taper at a slower rate.
Did she give any instruction as to what would constitute you calling and reporting side effects that may be harmful during that time?

I am also on Seroquel but much longer dose. Started only two months ago and went for physical and they found problem with EKG. Same word used. Sleep study found elevated PVC’s. My heart was in great shape before and now blood pressure is barely making 100. I need this stuff to sleep but not at this cost. Hope this is reversible!