These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT
be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An indi
vidual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
[posted 09/29/1999]
Question: I diagnosed 4 years ago with PSVT. They concluded that I have an extra pathway in my heart. I was experiencing a PAC, followed by a rapid heartbeat of 220bpm for up to 30 minutes. I felt very little dizziness, but could feel no pulse in my arm when this would occur. I still have breakthroughs occassionally (1-2 x a year) I still aware of the PACs, they occur sometimes several times a week. The medication has caused me feel very tired, and sleepy. Usually if I sit down, I can easily fall asleep. I have gained about 20 lbs. I have NEVER had a weight problem in my life. I have 5 children, 5’3″ and now weigh 138. I walk 2 miles a day and with a careful diet, still have a hard time shedding the extra pounds. My b/p was (last April) 85/58 90/60 and my pulse was 60. I have experienced some depression and recently, I had been having MUCH bleeding with my Menstrual cycle. does the weight gain and the bleeding relate to using the atenolol or lanoxin? I am very active, even though I am tired.
Answer: Lanoxin has a structure similar to estrogen, and some women will have menstrual problems. The fatigue is clearly the cause of the fatigue and probably the depression. I would see a cardiologist who specializes in electrophysiology. This problem can be fixed pretty simply and you wouldn’t be expected to be on any drugs.
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