Re: Restarting Citalopram after a few years....new side effects
Originally Posted by
Justanutter
On top of this dr would prefer me to try a different AD, as Citalopram at high doses has contraindications with Sotalol, the BB I take, not that I take the problem dose.
Unless you have Congenital Long QT syndrome (LQTS) the risk from taking both citalopram and sotalol is very low. I've been on a potentially much more cardio toxic AD, dosulepin, at above the recommended maximum dose for decades and more recently switched to solalol from another BP med and there has been no prolongation in QT interval prolongation in the two ECGs (EKGs) I've had since the switch. Many meds may affect the QT interval, the CredibleMeds website which maintains a data base of these meds on behalf of the FDA list over 300 medications. There are quite a few cardiovascular drugs on the list, including solalol.
However, after a dreadful experience with Sertraline and Prozac in the past, I won’t be doing that so looks like I’ll have to ditch the ADs and suffer on.
SSRIs and SNRIs are not the only ADs, nor, arguably are they even the most effective. There main claim to fame is being safer in overdose and this isn't true of all of them. Tricyclic class ADs (TCAs) are often more effective and the 3 most prescribed TCAs, amitriptyline (Elavil), clomipramine (Anafranil) and imipramine (Tofranil) are rated as having lower potential impact on QT than citalopram/escitalopram and sertraline. Fluoxetine has the same lower risk as the TCAs.
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The opinions expressed above are based on my observations and, where applicable, interpretation of cited data and are general in nature. Consult your physician before acting on anything stated.