What Causes Heart Palpitations After Drinking Alcohol?

Posted on Sun, 8 Mar 2015

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

Sun, 8 Mar 2015 Answered on

Mon, 6 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a 59 year female in good health. Lately when I drink a glass of wine or a beer my heart will pound on into the night keeping me awake. Is this something I should be concerned about? I just had my thryroid level checked and there were fine.

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
reaction with cymbalta

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
You may be having a drug interaction between the alcohol and the cymbalta. It is nothing to be alarmed about but it is an indication that you should not be drinking any alcohol.
Many of the medications used to treat anxiety and depression exacerbate the effects of alcohol on the body. It is always best when taking any of these medications to avoid alcohol.
Alcohol also raises the blood pressure so make sure that your blood pressure is in the normal range.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (35 hours later)

I was having this problem before I started taking the Cymbalta> Ive only been on Cymbalta one week.

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
check your blood pressure

Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for your follow up.
Alcohol causes an increase in blood pressure, it is possible that when you drink any alcohol your blood pressure is increasing. It would be a good idea to stop drinking alcohol and make sure that your blood pressure is normal.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D