Suggest Treatment For Anxiety, Rapid Heart Rate While On Ativan

Posted on Sun, 16 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 16 Aug 2015 Answered on

Tue, 1 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have anxiety and am concerned about my fast heart rate. I take Ativan. Will that help slow it down?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
if palpitations related directly to anxiety then would help

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic'

Ativan is a benzodiazepine, it would not work directly on the heart but it can decrease anxiety.

If the palpitations are related to anxiety they would then decrease. Palpitations are commonly seen in anxiety, it is one of the more common symptoms.

If the palpitations are related to other causes then it would not help because these particular medications do not act at any point on the heart.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (24 minutes later)

I have a follow up appt with my primary dr about my anxiety. He said if I wasn't better by then he was going to put me on an anti depressant. My appt is not until Sept 9th. Should I let my primary and my endo know about my concern before then? I have no chest pains and am breathing fine.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes, may be best to be seen earlier

Detailed Answer:
HI

If the anxiety is disabling or worsening then it would be best to be seen before this time so that you can be started on other medication.

the antidepressant/anti anxiety meds would work better than the ativan and would help to further release your symptoms

The history of anxiety and the absence of any other symptoms make it not likely related to heart disease but anxiety is also a significant illness that requires treatment

please feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar