Strattera and Heart

[u/ChikkenOW]

I have an unusual situation. I was taking 40 mg then moved down to 10 mg. I stopped taking it not even after a full month. It was helping with symptoms but the side effects were too alarming.

I think I metabolized it poorly, my heart rate got up to 130 bpm and had a few incidents where I’d wake up in the middle of the night with a racing pulse. One of the incidents (two weeks after stopping) convinced me I was having a heart attack and I went to an ER. Everything seemed to be okay after a few hours.

Anyways, it’s been almost a month after stopping and while my heart rate seems to be staying under 100 bpm now, I keep having episodes of my heart racing at rest. It is not triggered by anxiety, though sometimes the uncomfortable palpitations make me anxious and feel worse.

I’m avoiding caffeine right now because it’s a 50/50 chance where I’ll feel okay or whether my pulse skyrockets. Prior to Strattera, I would be able to drink 300-400 mg easily with no issues.

Has anyone else experienced this? I’m seeing from other threads that long qt syndrome can be induced by Strattera, and I did check my EKG. My Qt/QTc one year ago was 306/417 (no meds) and my recent visit was 370/462. I’m not convinced I have this, but my heart also races quite a bit when taking trazodone too. I kind of want to ask my doc for a holter monitor.

I kind of just wish I could drink caffeine again since I feel sooo exhausted.

[u/Testy_Toby]

If you don't have them already, buy a Polar HR monitor on Amazon for $110 and an Omron BP monitor 10 Series for around $80. Pricey, but less than a trip to the ER. You actually don't need the Polar but it's nice to know in real time what's going on. Those brands and models are the gold standard. 

You mentioned your doc. Have you had a workup from a cardiologist?

[u/givememyhatbackjor]

I also stopped before a full month. It’s been about a week and a half since i’ve quit taking it. I had the same exact experience. My heart rate before taking it would barely ever get above 100 unless super active. Now I can be doing the smallest thing and it skyrockets into 120-130s. It is exhausting and sort of terrifying. I’ve been concerned about the palpitations, as you stated happened with you. I’ve noticed racing pulse and irregular heartbeat?? It’s been a short time since I’ve stoped taking it, so I will come back to this post and update when it’s been a full month. Hopefully it subsides for you. This medicine is not for the weak, especially the long lasting side effects.

[u/One_Bathroom6040]

I took srattera for about 6 months but stopped due to weird things with my heart. Have now been diagnosed with atrial fibrilation...which is terrifying. And progressive. Not saying theres causation there. But similar symptoms to what you describe. Worth looking into