Does escitalopram cause chest pain? (3+ findings)

In this article, we will discuss whether or not escitalopram causes chest pain, potential mechanisms underlying the connection between escitalopram and chest pain, research findings on the potential association between escitalopram and chest pain, other contributing factors to chest pain, suitable alternatives to escitalopram, and home remedies to alleviate muscular chest pain.

Does escitalopram cause chest pain?

Yes, escitalopram can cause chest pain. Lexapro is the brand name of the medication escitalopram. It’s a member of the SSRI, a class of medications known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. SSRIs treat depression by assisting in the restoration of the appropriate serotonin balance in the brain. (1)

SSRIs are linked to QT prolongation, which raises the possibility of arrhythmia and chest pain. However, at therapeutic levels, they do not cause a life-threatening arrhythmia. (2)

Escitalopram causes the QT interval to lengthen in cells by inhibiting a component called delayed rectifier potassium current (IKr). By extending the duration of the ventricular action potential, blocking IKr causes an increase in sodium influx or a decrease in potassium outflow.

A prolonged repolarization phase results from the overabundance of positively charged ions, which in turn lengthens the QT interval and results in arrhythmias that cause symptoms of chest pain. (3)

Muscular chest pain is another side effect of Lexapro. Certain people may get muscle spasms or tightness across their chest if they take large doses of Lexapro. Though uncommon, this side effect is possible in some circumstances. (4)

What does research suggest?

Studies suggest that SSRIs may not be fully free from cardiovascular adverse effects. An increasing number of publications are describing cardiovascular side effects associated with their usage, such as arrhythmias and syncope, both of which can cause sensations of chest pain.

SSRI use has been linked to reports of vasoconstriction and MI (Myocardial Ischemia). If taken in excess doses, SSRIs can lead to QT interval prolongation in some individuals. (5)

A randomized-controlled study was conducted and involved a sizable number of individuals to examine the cardiovascular effects of escitalopram. Escitalopram was given in daily doses ranging from 5 to 20 mg. In both short-term (eight to twelve weeks) and long-term (24 weeks).

Heart rate, blood pressure, electrocardiograms (ECG), and other techniques were used to assess cardiovascular safety. According to the study’s findings, escitalopram has a statistically significant influence on HR (Heart Rate) but no effect on ECG readings or BP (Blood Pressure). (6)

Both muscular and cardiac-related chest pain can be brought on by escitalopram. A case of an 80-year-old woman with SPS (Stiff Person Syndrome), a rare autoimmune condition characterized by severe muscle spasms and stiffness, was reported. (7)

She had a history of depression and anxiety that had been treated with venlafaxine, sertraline, and escitalopram (which increased her muscle spasms).

Once the link between citalopram use and muscular stiffness was established, she discontinued citalopram and her symptoms improved. Her symptoms improved by 33% after 5 months.

The study found that in certain individuals, SSRIs like escitalopram can make muscle spasms worse. The chest may feel constricted or tense as a result of these muscular spasms.

What are the contributing factors to chest pain while taking Lexapro?

The following are some of the most common factors of chest pain when using Lexapro:

• Age: as you age, your risk of developing angina, CHD (Coronary Heart Disease), and chest pain increases because of genetic or lifestyle factors that might lead to the buildup of cholesterol in your arteries.

• Sex: Compared to men, women have a lower risk of developing chest pain before the age of 55. Both men and women are at equally high risk of developing heart diseases and chest pain beyond the age of 55.

• Race: Black or African-American individuals are more likely to experience heart disease and chest pain.

• Medical Illnesses: People with cardiac diseases are more likely to experience chest pain, as are people who are anaemic, have high blood pressure, have metabolic syndrome, or have any other condition that causes their bodies to produce less oxygen-rich blood than their hearts require.

• Lifestyle habits: lack of exercise, alcohol consumption, smoking, narcotics use, and stress increase the risk of experiencing chest pain while using Lexapro. (8)

What are the suitable Lexapro alternatives if the chest pain persists?

If you experience persistent cardiac or muscular chest pain from Lexapro (escitalopram), consult your physician to switch to Zoloft (sertraline).

Sertraline is the most researched SSRI in Chronic Heart Diseases (CHD) and the preferred option. It can alleviate the symptoms of both cardiac and muscular chest pain. Zoloft has a lower ability to increase heart rate and cause chest pain than Lexapro.

According to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and specialized mental health resources. SSRIs are the first line of treatment and choice in patients with heart failure and chest pain. It doesn’t interact with cardiac medications and has few harmful effects on the heart. (9)

Which home remedies are best for treating muscular chest pain?

There are a number of home remedies for alleviating muscular chest pain, some of which include:

• Lay down comfortably and keep your head up.
• Drinking hot beverages, the heated beverage may improve digestion, expel gases, and relieve your chest pain.
• Eating garlic. It is believed that garlic can treat chest pain in some individuals.
• A muscle strain is a typical source of chest pain, this can occur as a result of physical activity, icing the chest area with a cold pack will be helpful in this situation.

If the chest pain is resistant despite using these techniques, chew aspirin and immediately contact your healthcare provider because it could be of cardiac origin. (10)

Conclusion

Even though SSRIs, which include Lexapro, are the first line of treatment for depression in HF patients. According to my knowledge and research, Lexapro can still induce both cardiac and muscular chest pain in certain individuals when used in excess amounts.

Contact your healthcare provider to lower your dose or change the medication if you suffer chest pain while taking Lexapro.

References