I had my first panic attack in early December. Since then I have little small anxiety moments, knots in stomach, etc. For the past few weeks it’s like my heart is stuck day and night in the flight or flight response. I hardly ever sleep at all. Has anyone gone through this and took Zoloft and it made them disappear? O have been prescribed 25mg for now. I feel this will never end. I’m fatigued, worn down, etc from the heart palpitations. The more I feel my heart beat the more it beats harder from the stress I am building up. I went to hospital and they did X-ray, ekg, blood work, all being good btw.
Sertraline - Does this help with what feels like nonstop heart palpitations?
- Asked
- 2 Jan 2019 by Joshlvsjesus
- Updated
- 5 January 2019
- Topics
- arrhythmia, anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, sertraline, anxiety and stress, heart, stomach
Answers
Jsums123
4 Jan 2019
No, sertraline is not for heart palpitations
WildcatVet
4 Jan 2019
Hi, Josh! Since all your tests were negative it's most likely that your palpitations and tachycardia are from an anxiety disorder. They are classic signs of anxiety/panic attacks.
Sertraline (Zoloft) does not directly affect the heart, but it acts to relieve the anxiety that's causing your symptoms. You are on the recommended initial dose which will help your system adjust to the medication with a minimum of side effects. You may note some improvement in the first week or two but it usually takes 6-8 weeks to feel the full benefits of this medication and your doctor may elect to increase your dosage if needed.
Try to be patient and keep a positive attitude and you'll be feeling better before you know it.
If you have questions or concerns along the way always feel free to post again, okay?
Joshlvsjesus
5 Jan 2019
It has definitely been keeping me up at night. I feel at times I haven’t slept for days on end. Did that subside as well?
WildcatVet
5 Jan 2019
Does this sound familiar?
"People may experience:
Whole body: fatigue, restlessness
Cognitive: lack of concentration, racing thoughts, or unwanted thoughts
Behavioral: hypervigilance or irritability
Also common: anxiety, excessive worry, fear, feeling of impending doom, insomnia, nausea, palpitations, or trembling
These are just some of the symptoms of an anxiety disorder and should subside as the medication takes effect.
Hang in there and I hope you feel better soon.
Further Information
- Sertraline Information for Consumers
- Sertraline Information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side Effects of Sertraline (detailed)
Similar Questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.