Depression meds & afib

I've got 3 questions:
1: Does anyone have experience taking anti-depressant meds along with AFib? Most anti-depressants are stimulants which can aggravate our heart rhythms. I've not had luck googling this topic, so would be grateful for nay feedback.

2: Does anyone take large amounts of daily Omega 3 fish oils (instead of blood thinning meds) for their blood thinning effects?

3: Does anyone have experience taking the European herb Strohanthus? I understand it keeps the heart in a steady rhythm and does this by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.

good topic. I am interested in the replies. I was told by Natale's NP my pvcs could be triggered by stress. If I could take a magic pill to help my stress load instead of another ablation I will consider it. My concern is that my HR was clocked at 34-36 for nearly two hours at my oncologist office last week. Today I saw someone else for a surgery to prevent possible gallbladder cancer and my HR was 40-41. Nobody will operate on me when I have almost steady PVCs. Would a magic pill to calm my heart lower my HR further?

1. Most antidepressants aren't stimulants. Not sure where you heard that. Some stimulants can often provide the same effect, but the two aren't the same.

2. It would require a huge, unreasonable, and unknown amount of fish oil to provide the same anticoagulant properties as something like Eliquis, warfarin, etc.

3. No, and the herb is known to be toxic. From what I've read I wouldn't touch it since there's no way to know the actual dosage and purity you're receiving.

Maybe a better question would be just telling us what you're trying to achieve.

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californiagal
3: Does anyone have experience taking the European herb Strohanthus? I understand it keeps the heart in a steady rhythm and does this by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.

In my opinion, if someone had a vagal trigger, this would likely not be helpful. Perhaps for an adrenergic trigger.

In answer to the replies above, in my experience, the antidepressants that increase dopamine and /or dopamine and norepinephrine WOULD stimulate the nervous system and most likely, increase heart variability. Before my diagnosis of Paroxysmal AFib 5 years ago, I took Wellbutrin for many years and it worked well for my mild depression symptoms. But it wasn't good for my heart.

My afib seems to be adrenergic, not vegal.

An alternative specialist in heart issues mentioned (online) his protocol of Fish oils 2 grams TID (with each meal) for 100 lb individual with an upper target of 6 gms TID. Routine clot assessment labs must be done to determine effectiveness. If needed, other anti-coagulation supplements can be added, such as nattokinase.

I have always wanted to take more fish oils as I have extreme stiffness in my knees and fish oils in higher amounts help this symptom. Moreover, I was tested a year ago for essential fatty acids and my omega 3s were below normal.

The article mentioned that large clinical studies have shown that Omega 3 fatty acids have an anti-arrhythmic efficacy. (Has anyone heard this, too?)

I AM aware one has to be judicious when scanning the internet for health info.

But what are you trying to achieve?

You seem to be looking for an antiarrhythmic and an anticoagulant from alternative sources, but you've never told us what you're situation is.

Carey,
I have mild a-fib and have been on 50 mg Metroprolol tartrate -prn ('as needed') for 3 years. I've also been on Xarelto, 20 mg daily, as an anticoagulant. I'd like to get off the Xarelto and use alternative sources for blood thinning. Taking the Xarelto AND a decent daily intake of fish oils thins my blood too much (spontaneous capillary breakage/ bruises).

(Side note: I use other heart healthy supplements such as magnesium glycinate and L-taurine).

If you are out of NSR most of the time, why on Earth would you want to risk a devastating stroke or worse, on any unreliable supplement, not to mention any potency or toxicity issues? Most fish oil sold is filthy, even the so called "purified" ones. If you're bruising, maybe adjust the dosage.

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The article mentioned that large clinical studies have shown that Omega 3 fatty acids have an anti-arrhythmic efficacy. (Has anyone heard this, too?)

Some of us have noticed the opposite. I found that even a modest dose of a good quality fish oil gave me PACs. Some others mentioned the same. You might want to do a search and read others’ experience.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/11/2020 05:16PM by Daisy.

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californiagal
Carey,
I have mild a-fib and have been on 50 mg Metroprolol tartrate -prn ('as needed') for 3 years. I've also been on Xarelto, 20 mg daily, as an anticoagulant. I'd like to get off the Xarelto and use alternative sources for blood thinning. Taking the Xarelto AND a decent daily intake of fish oils thins my blood too much (spontaneous capillary breakage/ bruises).

My advice would be cut down on the fish oils instead. Replacing the Xarelto with fish oil is a complete guessing game with the penalty for guessing wrong being spending the rest of your life in a long-term care facility drooling on yourself.

Yes, I'm asking myself the same.
I'd like to lower my Xarelto to 15 mg /day but my cardiologist says all adults should have 20 mg. Anyone have experience taking 15 mg?

Daisy,
Thanks for your note on Fish Oils sometimes causing more PACs. I will research.
And thanks, everyone, for your cautionary words re: my desire to trade fish oils for Xarelto.

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californiagal
I'd like to lower my Xarelto to 15 mg /day but my cardiologist says all adults should have 20 mg.

The 15 mg dosage is for people with impaired kidney function. If you had impaired kidney function, taking the 15 mg dose would provide provide adequate protection, but if you have normal kidney function, taking the 15 mg dose would not provide adequate protection. I don't think I would want to do that.

I am on 15 mg of xarelto, I don't have impaired kidney function, perhaps it is because of my age.

Heart conditions: Strophanthus may cause irregular heartbeat. Don’t use strophanthus if you have a heart condition, without the direct supervision of a healthcare provider.
[www.webmd.com]

Strophanthus may cause irregular heartbeat, search. [www.bing.com]

So, getting back to only the antidepressant question. Are there any recommended meds one can take along with a diagnosis of A Fib? / Does anyone have experience treating both issues?