When I raised the Risperdal to 4 mg, a week ago i had a panic attack and I swear it seemed like I was experiencing Tachycardia - a faster than normal Heartbeat - this was not the only time.
I reduced the Risperdal down to 3.5 mg, my current dose and at times my heart rate seems to race - usually with some heartburn, but not always.
Has anyone experienced a fast heart rate while taking an antipsychotic - should I call my pdoc right away - I mentioned fast heart rate with her, she said that it was most likely anxiety - I say there is more going on.
I may get an EKG at my doctors office this week, but could this be dangerous, sounds like it - this is pure ■■■■■■■■ - ■■■■ these meds!
I have a resting pulse of about 107. Unless you’re approaching the 120+ range, I wouldn’t worry about it too much. Clozapine causes tachycardia too. I would tend to agree with the doc - that it is probably anxiety.
Thanks Greg, I always appreciate your input - I think I raised the dose too quickly, so now she wants me to stay at my current dose of 3.5 mg for a while.
Was Tachycardia a constant thing with you Greg, or did it subside at times, mine seems constant, its worse after I first take the Risperdal dose for like an hour then it kind of slows down but I can still sense that my heart rate is still a bit fast
Yeah, it’s constant. It is also partially caused by being out of shape. When I was running 2 miles in 14 minutes, my pulse was around 65 - very efficient. Take your pulse four times a day for a week and see what you average. Just feel your pulse and count for 15 seconds and multiply by 4.
When my pulse has been taken in the depot clinic(on Consta) it’s been in the 90s/100s. However it’s hard to blame the risperdal as when I tested it once while starting on my exercise bike it was in the low 70s. I think it might be a case of white coat syndrome. They mentioned anxiety but I didn’t notice myself feeling particularly anxious at the time.
I notice it the most with my first morning dose - my anxiety begins, but I also notice that I am over stimulated, like I had 50 cups of coffee - my heart rate does increase.
I dont know if my fast heart rate has to do with the agitated feeling, but it is noticeable - The Risperdal is definitely over stimulating me/activating me more with the first AM dose - it leaves me feeling more anxious throughout the day.
I also have heard of Risperdal triggering manic episodes in people with a mood disorder - it does happen
I only tried a low dose 2x1mg a day for a week until a few days ago and it had the same effect on me. Sometimes my heart rate seemed to go fast for no reason and more generally it seemed much easier than usual for my heart rate to go right up. It also often made me short of breath. It also made me feel more anxious during the day, and a bit agitated.
As far as feeling the tachycardia I got that on Quetiapine almost constantly but nothing showed up on an ECG so who knows.
It could be from anxiety or it could be from the meds. Most likely the meds are having a bit of effect on your heart rate and that effect is being made stronger by the anxiety. That’s my guess. But probably worth seeing if you can get an ECG or something if it carries on.
I think this could be it @zenmind - the meds are definitely starting to stimulate/agitate me a bit, making me more anxious, but then at this point my natural anxiety increases and takes over - freaking me out
Hi Wawe, I have serious tachycardia problems. I would nip it in the but and get it checked out to determine if its drug induced. Dont let it become a more serious thing. However I think you need not panic yet, as it might just pass. Im on Invega by the way, and these drugs can create heart racing.
Yeah I also notice increased anxiety after like an hour after my first dose - lasts all day long - I used to never have it this bad before with Risperdal, I think its happening now, cause I lowered the dose to sub therapeutic levels a couple of months ago - I wonder if I should call up my pdoc and let her know - it is very uncomfortable - any thoughts on this @Mottec?
Depends on if its a permanent thing or not? Maybe if your pdoc is flexible you can switch to something else for a while. I dont think fast heart rate below 90-100 is a problem that you need special doctors for but I can totally relate to it being uncomforable. Maybe read a little about tachycardia just to know when to worry.
thanks to @anon40540444’s excellent advice and info, I took my pulse like 4 times yesterday and it was about 68 resting - the highest 70 something - this is reasuring, but I am still uncomfortably anxious - the Klonopin just helps a little
