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Doctor is prescribing an anti depressant: Will it affect my pacemaker?
Heart Rhythm Conditions | Last Active: Nov 27, 2023 | Replies (8)Comment receiving replies
Fellow ICD recipient and PTSD sufferer here. I have been shocked and have even had a “storm” resulting in multiple shocks. It resulted in PTSD to a pretty drastic extent. I was prescribed an antidepressant by my electrophysiologist to help my anxiety and such.
I can tell you that it has helped my situation and has not adversely affected my heart health.
I wholeheartedly agree with the other comments about getting the opinion of an expert before you proceed, but I sure wouldn’t hesitate if you get the OK.
That’s just my experience, hopefully it can provide you with a little more clarity.
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irishpeaks, I was, and in, the same boat. Several years ago I had 5 ICD shocks in a 24 hour period. It was devastating to deal with. I developed PTSD Anxiety/Panic Disorder out of it.
I am not sure of the number here but the Mayo Psychiatric Department had me do a test and anything over a 15 was definitely PTSD. My number score was double that. That is when the anxiety medications was recommended but had side affects on heart conduction (something about causing a delay in a electrical signal) and then the pyschiatric provider doing a complete team approach and consensus from all my specialist to agree on best option and medication being recommended for my PTSD anxiety/panic disorder.
Along with that medications and a lot of fine tuning my pacemaker the PTSD Anxiety/Panic Disorder has improved where I went from not wanting to leave house due to fear of a shock and embarrassment to occasionally worrying about it in crowded situations.
I exercise a lot and that too help reduce my stress over this. I am not sure everyone knows the tremendous shock you get with an ICD shock. It is really traumatic on your body and you have no control at all. Then those who have had one will agree having a panic/anxiety attack is another very upsetting situation that I hope I never had another one again.
Getting your health providers working as a team is critical. That is what I like about Mayo as they did just that when deciding how to treat my PTSD Anxiety/Panic Disorder with medications which really did and does help.