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Antihistamines and s v t.

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Guest
Guest

Hi. I was wondering if anyone else experiences problems with their heart and extra beats/palpitations when taking cetirizine or other allergy meds. I have cut out caffeine and reduced my alcohol intake and my 'attacks' ( don't know correct term) stopped during exercise( main catalyst). However since the heyfever season has started i've commenced my cetirizine and i have had 4 'attacks' in the past 10 days whilst out running. The B N F ( drugs handbook) does state that rare side effects include palpitation and arrhythmias. So has anyone else experienced this? Any comments would be most appreciated. Thanks Steve.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Steve - I took Cetirizine daily when I had Pityriasis Rosea in March/April of this year. I have had palpitations ever since and generally felt worried about my health. I am a very healthy person normally and 'I don't do sick' however, I have even been to see a heart consultant because I was that scared that something terrible would happen to me. I am constantly aware of my own heartbeat (it pulses in my ears) which means that I am also aware of every palpitation. I haven't taken Cetirizine since my illness passed (at least 6 months) yet my symptoms still persist. Hope you have been feeling better. Elaine
  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    I had a fairly long SVT attack last year after I had been taking Loratidine and though it may not be at all connected, when I went to take them this year for hayfever I read the contra-indications bit on the leaflet and it stated that it could cause SVT (or trigger an SVT). I never thought about the link before so perhaps there is an issue with the action of certain antihistamines on heart rhythm. Needless to say, I went for the steriod nasal spray instead as I really do not like SVT attacks!
  • Tiny_Tim
    Tiny_Tim Guest

    Posted

    I experience this problem. I wake up early in the morning with a pounding, racing heart after taking just half a tablet. I feel very anxious and a bit scared. I get a few ectopic beats anyway and these seem to be amplified by the experience. I never used to experience this, only since I started taking testosterone (as I had a deficiency). But I do have a history of being sensitive to many common drugs - including caffein and nicotine,  ibruprofen but oddly the drug that hospitals give you for 'concious sedation' MIDAZOLAM has little or no effect on me. I guess there's something genetic going on and I metabolise drugs differently from the norm.
  • k14450
    k14450 Guest

    Posted

    I started taking cetirizine 4 months ago after diagnosied with dust allergies and have had heart palpitations everyday. I went to my PCP and he ran an EKG, said everything is fine. I cannot imagine that its fine to have tachycardia daily but they're the doctors right? I quit taking it for a couple weeks and still had it although maybe 1-2 x / day vs 4-5 x's. I am on a mission to see if I should be worried about long term heart effects. Good to hear I can at least attribute it to something since others experience this as well. I like taking them because for the first time in over a year I can sleep through the night. Terrible insomnia.

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