Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Elevated Heart Rate While On Methimazole?

I have Graves disease and have done well on 5 mg of methimazole, but last night my heart rate shot up (in the 90s) and I was awake ALL night. I ve taken metoprolol in the past to deal with the racing HR and heart palpitations, but my body must be super sensitive to this drug b/c I couldn t get out of bed for about 2 days after starting. Then after being on it for a few months, I started to taper off, but then had withdrawal effects. Now that I ve been off it, I m hesitant to go back on. But I can t sleep with a racing HR either. If I took a low dose before bed, would it work quickly to lower my HR?
Tue, 3 Sep 2019
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

With excess thyroid hormones in the body, a heart rate of greater than 90 beats per minute (tachycardia) is common, even at rest and when asleep.

In addition, the normal increase in heart rate during exercise is exaggerated. A rapid heart rate is one of the most common signs of hyperthyroidism.

Medications such as methimazole (Tapazole) can slow down the action of thyroid hormone, and that may help control heart rate and arrhythmias like a fib.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr AJEET SINGH, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Elevated Heart Rate While On Methimazole?

Hello, With excess thyroid hormones in the body, a heart rate of greater than 90 beats per minute (tachycardia) is common, even at rest and when asleep. In addition, the normal increase in heart rate during exercise is exaggerated. A rapid heart rate is one of the most common signs of hyperthyroidism. Medications such as methimazole (Tapazole) can slow down the action of thyroid hormone, and that may help control heart rate and arrhythmias like a fib. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr AJEET SINGH, General & Family Physician