Depression and HOCM

[Barb13]

I am a 56 yr old female. I have had a long history of depression. I was diagnosed with HOCM in 7/2008 after a witnessed (thank God) cardiac arrest and had an AICD also placed back then. My psychiatrist wants me to be on Nortriptyline, but my cardiologist doesn't want me on it because it will prolong the QT interval. Cardiac med wise, I am on Verapamil CR, Norpace CR and Avapro. Any ideas or experiences with this? Thanks

[Cynaburst]

I took Paxil for awhile and was on atenolol at the same time. As far as I know it was ok for the heart.

[Sarah]

I know people who've taken Celexa and beta blockers just fine. I also know that low folic acid, Vitamins D and B, and/or thyroid level can cause depression. I just recently found out that my Vitamin D was critically low and after a month on 5,000 IU a day (doctor's orders), I feel human again.

I'm not saying you don't need anti-depressants, but it's a good idea to make sure there isn't another cause, too.

Take care,
S

[Curtis]

I'm no psychiatrist but I truly think depression and this disease go hand in hand. I currently take both Paxil and Wellbutrin and am in talk therapy as needed. I too take atenolol and have not had any heart related difficulties. Now if I could just stop the negative thinking, I'd be doing great!
:D

[Blaine]

I would go with your cardiologist. Nortriptyline is in a group of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants, an older generation of antidepressants. I do recall reading that these can have significant effects on heart rhythm and are contraindicated for those with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Sorry I can't quote the research off the top of my head, but I'm sure there are others in this forum who can.

[KReese]

Please let me know what you are taking for depression while also taking Norpace, Cardizem, Lasix. I agree that when dealing with life in general is tough enough, then when you add this awful disease to it, you need some support.

Thanks for listening. I am desparate to help my sister feel better.:confused:

[Pam Alexson]

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/antidepressants/MH00071

Because TCA's can raise the heart rate they are particularly a potential problem for those with possible ischemic heart disease. It is difficult to speculate how this would play into HCM as there can be scarring, but predominantly HCMers do not have coronary vascular scarring of the large or major vessels.