Effect of antihistamines while on Sotalol

Does anyone else have this problem? I have a pacemaker for paroxymal a-fib and take Sotalol. I am finally realizing that certain over-the counter, as well as prescription antihistamines can cause my heart rate to play games -- going at 79-89 bpm rather than the 69. I do have rate response turned on and don't want to be permanently set at 69 when I hike, etc. I am 71.
Does anyone else have this occur??? Suggestions for natural antihistamines that won't do this?? Thanks.

8 Comments

Tikosyn vs. Sotalol

by ShadowWeaver - 2009-09-05 03:09:20

I actually preferred the effect of Tikosyn as to the control of my heart rhythms, but I had problems with it causing me chest pain. The Sotalol seems to not cause chest pain, but isn't as good at controlling my heart rhythms. So, hard for me to say due to the differences in how they affect me.

otc meds

by Tracey_E - 2009-09-05 07:09:21

A lot of otc meds do not mix well with heart problems. Read the warnings, there are some that you should not take while on beta blockers.
http://www.drugs.com/mtm/sotalol.html

If you feel weird on something even if it's not listed in the warnings, don't take it again.

I don't know of anything natural. I had some good luck with a chinese herb mix but don't remember what was in it. Just found this
http://www.allergyescape.com/natural-allergy-treatment.html

This will sound odd, but I went to a chiropractor for back pain. When the back pain went away, so did my allergies and migraines. The chiro says its because being aligned boosts your natural immune system. Sounds like hooey to me, lol, but I went from daily prescrip antihistamines and chronic sinusitus to not taking anything for the last ten years so maybe there's something to it.

Natural ways

by Eperr - 2009-09-05 09:09:45

Thanks. I agree about chiropractors doing the trick as far as sinus infections go. I have not had one since my chiropractor began using her machine to press on acupressure sinus points. I'll mention the alignment issue with the chiropractor.
However - I still have the post nasal drip. And recently I tried over the counter SinuCheck - but I had the heartbeat issue.
My doc tried to work me off Prevacid by giving me prescription Ranitidene - same problem - heartbeat issue.
I am also using a netipot and now a humidifier. Both seem to help. I am so leery of pills at this point - but need to do something. I think part of the problem is Tucson's dry air.

dry

by Tracey_E - 2009-09-05 10:09:07

My seasonal allergies went away so I got off the daily heavy duty stuff, but my mom's cat used to love to get right up in my face. I'd end up covered in cat hair with a stuffy nose (as he proudly pranced away, I swear the little bugger did it on purpose!) Anyway, I took Tavist when I was visiting her while she had the cat. It doesn't seem to have any side effects for me.

Watch out for any that also have decongestants, they're worse for messing with your hr than antihistamines.

Antihistamines will dry you up more so I'd think a humidifier would be a better choice than meds if you live in dry air.

otc meds

by thomast - 2009-09-05 11:09:25

I do not take sotalol as it makes me sick, but I take tikosyn and have had good luck taking zyrtec for hay fever. No side effects that I know of.

Thomas

OTC and cardiac medications

by maryanne - 2009-09-05 11:09:53

Interesting that you should bring this up. I recently did a case study on this very subject. TracyE would be correct that anyone with cardiac history and taking cardiac drugs should always consult the pharmacist, alerting them to the medications you are taking and asking them for thier suggestions.

With regards to antihistamines many of these drugs have a component in them that increases the heart rate very similar to cold medicines that have psuduephredrine in them. There are many different classes of antihistamines with much milder doses which have been proven to be very effective for people in your situation one such drug that comes to mind is Lorantine.....but again I would suggest you speak with you pharmacist about what would be best for you.

I was listening to a radio program on this one day...and the guest speaker again was a pharmacist. She suggested that one very easy way to help curb allergies is taking Vitamin C and using nasal rinses(just warm water and salt). I have used both with good results.

When in doubt check with your doctor or pharmacist.

All the best, Mary Anne

Zyrtec and others - Tikosyn

by Eperr - 2009-09-05 12:09:15

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check on the Tavist and Lorantine. Zyrtec and Claritin, I now realize, contributed to the a-fibs/irregular heart beats I was having in 2003-04. The salt water nasal rinse with the neti pot has been a godsend, but I can still at times feel mucus blocking my airways. All lung xrays, etc., show that I have no lung issues. I am hesitant to switch to tikosyn. Why? I don't know. I also am trying drinking warm tea with lemon juice/honey and that has helped. What percentage of folks prefer tikosyn to sotalol I wonder.

diarrhea meds or papaya enzyme

by Eperr - 2009-09-06 09:09:07

My pacemaker is still playing games. Yesterday afternoon I took Papaya Enzyme chewable pill and 2 Loperamide HDL (I deal with sinus issues and stress - the diarrhea pills work to settle things down even though I am on a gluten free diet and I thought I would try the papaya as I read it helps sinus. In the evening, I noticed pulse was 78, then it could be 70 (set on 70) and then back on 77, etc. Frustrated I am. Ellen.

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I am just now 40 but have had these blackouts all my life. I am thrilled with the pacer and would do it all over again.