Antihistamines and Sedatives: A Hidden Risk for Heart Disease?

Q: Antihistamines and Sedatives: A Hidden Risk for Heart Disease?

I recommend that you： 1. <br>Discuss the above situation further with your attending physician, focusing on symptom management, or see if further examinations are necessary. <br>2. <br>Consider seeking treatment from other medical institutions. <br>Thank you, and wishing you good

Antihistamines + sedatives can lead to heart disease?

I previously took a bit of a sedative and an antihistamine, and at that moment, my heart was racing.
Later that night, in the car, with temperatures exceeding thirty degrees Celsius, I was in excruciating pain, experiencing heart weakness, chest tightness, cold sweats, and shortness of breath.
After that, I was so scared that I stopped taking the medication, but I often experienced a racing heart, palpitations, shortness of breath, and feelings of suffocation.
Initially, I thought this was just withdrawal symptoms from the sedative during the first three months.
However, over the past year, I have felt completely weak.
I can't even lie flat to sleep, or else I feel like I'm suffocating.
Walking a little makes me very breathless, and often my blood oxygen levels drop to 70 while eating.
It has been almost two years, and I still have no strength.
Although I can breathe a bit better while sleeping now, I still struggle to breathe while eating.
As soon as the weather gets a little warm, my heart races, and I find it hard to breathe, with my heart rate reaching 120 just from sitting.
I don't even have the strength to open a can, and I don't know how to continue living.
I can only walk slowly; if I walk quickly, I faint.
I visit the doctor every week, but they all say I'm neurotic.
What should I do? Should I get a cardiac CT scan? (I saw online that the symptoms of coronary artery disease are very similar to mine.) However, I'm also afraid that the contrast agent will exhaust my heart and cause it to stop (because I already feel weak and breathless after walking a little).
Yesterday, after eating, I was so breathless that I couldn't sleep (my Xiaomi watch kept showing a heart rate of 120 with sinus rhythm).
It was so painful that I took half a tablet of Sorede and half a tablet of Mavik from a friend, which helped reduce my breathlessness and irregular heartbeats, allowing me to finally sleep well.
However, by noon the next day, I was still sleeping and felt weak.
Now, I feel completely weak and can't get out of bed, have lost my appetite, and experience shortness of breath even when lying down (previously, I only felt breathless while walking).
Could this be a side effect of drug interactions, or is it because I have congestive heart failure? Did I use the wrong medication? I feel more like a patient with myasthenia gravis or someone in the ICU.
I can no longer eat normally or move around.
When I visit the doctor, it's only when I'm feeling a bit better (which might be why my ECG doesn't show my condition).
I can only see the doctor about once a month; otherwise, I'm too breathless to leave the house.

nv vivian, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/11/04

Dr. Cai Guiqin reply Cardiology

I recommend that you: 1.
Discuss the above situation further with your attending physician, focusing on symptom management, or see if further examinations are necessary.
2.
Consider seeking treatment from other medical institutions.
Thank you, and wishing you good health!

Reply Date: 2022/11/04

More Info

Your situation is indeed concerning, and it sounds like you are experiencing a complex interplay of symptoms that could be related to both medication use and underlying health issues. Let's break down your concerns regarding antihistamines, sedatives, and their potential risks for heart disease, as well as the symptoms you are experiencing.

Antihistamines and Sedatives: Understanding the Risks
Antihistamines, particularly first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can cause sedation and have anticholinergic effects, which may lead to increased heart rate (tachycardia) and other cardiovascular issues. When combined with sedatives, these effects can be amplified, leading to significant side effects such as dizziness, confusion, and increased heart rate. The sedative effects can also mask underlying issues, making it difficult to assess the true state of your cardiovascular health.

In your case, the combination of a sedative and an antihistamine seems to have triggered a severe reaction, including heart palpitations and chest discomfort. This could indicate that your body is particularly sensitive to these medications, especially if you have a history of anxiety or panic attacks, which can also manifest as physical symptoms like palpitations and shortness of breath.

Symptoms and Potential Underlying Conditions
The symptoms you describe—persistent shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and extreme fatigue—are concerning and warrant further investigation. While it is possible that these symptoms are related to medication interactions or withdrawal effects, they could also indicate underlying conditions such as:
1. Heart Failure: Given your description of shortness of breath, especially when lying down, this could suggest congestive heart failure, where the heart struggles to pump effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs.

2. Anxiety and Panic Disorders: These can cause physical symptoms that mimic heart disease, including palpitations, shortness of breath, and a feeling of impending doom.

3. Medication Side Effects: The medications you mentioned, including the use of PerSantin (which contains the active ingredient cilostazol), can have side effects that affect heart rate and blood pressure.

Recommendations
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Given the severity of your symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. You may need a comprehensive evaluation, including blood tests, an echocardiogram, or a stress test, to assess your heart's function.

2. Consider a Holter Monitor: This device can record your heart's activity over 24-48 hours, providing valuable information about your heart rhythm and any potential arrhythmias.

3. Discuss Medication Use: Be open with your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including any over-the-counter drugs or supplements. This will help them assess potential drug interactions and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

4. Lifestyle Modifications: While awaiting further evaluation, consider lifestyle changes that may help alleviate some symptoms. This includes managing stress through relaxation techniques, ensuring adequate hydration, and avoiding caffeine and stimulants that can exacerbate heart palpitations.

5. Mental Health Support: If anxiety or panic attacks are contributing to your symptoms, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be particularly effective in managing anxiety-related symptoms.

Conclusion
Your symptoms are complex and could stem from a combination of medication effects, anxiety, and potential underlying heart issues. It is essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action. Do not hesitate to seek emergency care if your symptoms worsen or if you feel that your health is at risk. Your well-being is paramount, and addressing these issues promptly can lead to better management and improved quality of life.

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