Hi all.
I have a familial (and personal) history of depression. It tampered off once I hit my 30's, but I've always had a tendency toward low serotonin. (A test w/ Genomind last year revealed I have 2 Variants which can affect mental health. One is 5HT2C- Serotonin Receptor, and the other MTHFR).
Being interested in alternative health, I'd take tryptophan or 5HTP to keep me smiling thorugh the years. But I noticed my OTC serotonin enhancer seemed to agravate my afib, so I stopped taking it. And I'm not liking the result. (lack of inititive, low mood, apathy). I've even entertained taking an SSRI, and recently my holistic primary care doc prescribed low dose Lexapro. Then she came running out of her office to say her 'medicine compatibility' website said Lexapro does NOT work well with Flecainide and Metroprolol, so we nixed the idea.

My EP nurse says SSRI's can be complicated with A-fib, but a low dose of Lexapro is what they recommend if needed. (I guess she doesn't have that medication compatibilty website). / When I do Google searches, I read that serotonin enhancing meds or supplements CAN aggravate A-fib. So I wonder. Depression is commonplace and so is Afib. Surely there must be a way to help low serotonin without bothering the heart. I can't seem to find any info that speaks to this.

Appreciate hearing if anyone else deals with this...

All I can say is that I take Escitalopram (Lexapro) for my anxiety issues with AFIB and such. I saw no changes with it. My GP, cardiologist, and EP all know that I take it. None of them have suggested that I stop it. You may want to give it a try and see how it affects you. It can always be stopped if the results are not as expected. Hope you find something that helps you.

kliving,
Do you take certain drugs for your afib? (Maybe they have more compatibility with Lexapro than mine do...)

No, the medications I am on are just as incompatible. Current regime is Diltiazem, propafenone, carvedilol, and Eliquis. I have also taken it with Metoprolol with the same effects. I switched to Diltiazem because Metoprolol wasn't working for me as a maintenance medication. Too many side effects with little to no reduction in symptoms. I have also taken it with Multaq, but it stopped working after a few months. Everyone is different, and we don't know how things will react without trying them. But if the results are not good, you can stop taking the medication and look for something else.