Recent drop in heart rate. New meds?

Posted by kell504 @kell504, Oct 19 12:26pm

Hello all,
I am new to this group and this is my first post.
In Sept., my watch alerted me of a recent spike in my resting heart rate. For the previous 15 weeks (same week I started a new “hostile environment” job), my rate averaged 120+ bpm.

At that time I began short term disability and sought treatment.
My PCP added 12-25 mg. Metoprolol to the 40 mg. Lisinopril. She thought this might ease the heart rate and palpitations from my recent panic attacks.
Also at this time, I began taking Citalopram 10, now 20mg. for severe depression.
Last week, the Psychiatrist added 12-25 mg. Trazadone because I wasn’t sleeping.

This morning, my watch alerted me again that I have had a 5 “day” trend of LOW resting heart rate. Avg. 54 bpm. Reading about this all morning has led me to this group. I will also add this post to the Heart Health group as well.

Can anyone help me determine if this is safe, or whether I should cut back on Metoprolol or Trazadone? This past week, I have been taking both at 25 mg. before bed. My other meds are AM.
Any knowledge or experience here is appreciated!
Thank you!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

windyshores | @windyshores | Oct 19 5:01pm

@kell54 is your blood pressure also low?

From personal experience, beta blockers slowed my heart rate.

I looked up trazadone and online it says it can cause a fast heart rate https://www.bing.com/search?q=trazodone+side+effects&FORM=hlthmg&filters=IsMainlineRequery%3a%22True%22

Lisinopril and beta blockers both lower blood pressure. I can't find anything listed for lisinopril concerning slower heart rate. Obviously I am a regular lay person with some experience of beta blockers (only) and your doctor or pharmacist should be able to help you with this!

Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Oct 20 8:03am

@kell504,

Welcome to Mayo Connect, most of us are not medical professionals and can not give medical advice, but members can share their experience.

You mentioned taking your meds at different times of days, that is probably OK as long as the instructions do no specify you should take at specific time. There is also possibility certain meds should not be taken together, you would have to ask a pharmacist or provider about that.

I would not recommend changing dosages or stopping any medication without consulting your provider.

Do you plan on contacting your provider on Monday?

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Oct 25 9:53am

@kell504, I wanted to check in with you and see how things are going with your resting heart rate and also your sleep? How are you faring with the new medications you've been prescribed?