LymeNet Flash: Signs of QT Prolongation

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Signs of QT Prolongation

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Author

Topic: Signs of QT Prolongation

jwick25
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 15190

posted

Hello. I was just prescribed a z-pack (generic) to treat a localized tonsil infection.

Are there warning signs of QT Prolongation?

I took my first dose yesterday late morning. At dinner, I had this 20 second or so feeling of my heart fluttering or skipping a beat a few times.

Today was my second dose. Early evening, I felt a milder and shorter lasting similar symptom.

Could this be indicative of QTP?

Thank you!

Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008 | IP: Logged |

LymeNotLymes
Member
Member # 45544

posted

It could be. Zithromax messed with my heart badly but I don't have QT prolongation. It gave me a lot of pvcs (skipped beats) and some tachycardia. PVCs can lead to ventricular tachycardia, which is an emergency.

Most likely you're okay but it doesn't sound like a good drug for you.

--------------------
CDC positive for: Lyme & Babesia duncani
Clinical diagnosis of: Bartonella

Posts: 90 | From Rocky Mountains | Registered: Apr 2015 | IP: Logged |

SickSam
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 45330

posted

My understanding is that there aren't any symptoms of it until torsades de pointes (arrythmia with very fast heartbeat) occurs, which would be scary.

QT prolongation is a huge concern for me too, because I'm taking both diflucan and levaquin. Also bactrim, which has limited data showing possible qt prolongation.

I have an AliveCor ECG monitor attached to the back of my smart phone and use it to check my QT interval daily. It's probably not as accurate as an actual ECG, but it seems to be close enough for me. So far so good, and I've been on Levaquin almost a month.

Now if only the Levaquin would kill these bugs...

Posts: 748 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2015 | IP: Logged |

Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

posted

It can mess with the heart even if it's not from QT. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor.

--------------------
--Lymetutu--
Opinions, not medical advice!

Posts: 96223 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged |

jwick25
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 15190

posted

Ok, I'll give a call today. I just hope that if it is doing something....it is not permanent.

I'm not going to take my day 3 pill until I talk to my doctor first.

Hopefully, stopping the pills won't cause other issues.....like the infection raging back.

Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008 | IP: Logged |

jwick25
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 15190

posted

Called doc. He prescribed amoxicillin instead.

Hoping they call me to give me some direction:

Can I start it right away after 2 days of Zith?

I can always ask the pharmacist.

I just hope this doesn't cause any crappy side effects, as this is going to coincide with my period....and I will be miserable enough as it is. [Smile]

Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008 | IP: Logged |

WPinVA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33581

posted

Don't think there will be any permanent damage. Glad your doctor was responsive. Don't see why you can't start it right away but good idea to check with pharmacist.

Posts: 1737 | From Virginia | Registered: Aug 2011 | IP: Logged |

jwick25
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 15190

posted

Hi WPinVA!

Both he and the pharmacist said I can start taking immediately.

He prescribed 500mg to be taken 3x a day. That seems pretty high considering I was on 250mg/day of Zith.

I'm guessing each drug is just different.

Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008 | IP: Logged |

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