Medication Side Effects
One study found that almost 28% of ventricular tachycardia cases were directly attributable to medication use. For instance, antiarrhythmic drugs are used to treat irregular heartbeats. However, some types, such as quinidine and procainamide, can cause arrhythmias like ventricular tachycardia as a side effect. Therefore, these drugs should only be used under close medical supervision.
Antibiotics such as streptomycin and linezolid have been known to cause lactic acidosis, a condition characterized by low pH levels in your blood, resulting in ventricular tachycardia. Individuals taking these antibiotics should check for symptoms like irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness.
Certain antidepressant medications, such as amitriptyline and doxepin, have been linked with arrhythmias like ventricular tachycardia. These drugs work by affecting chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters. However, they can also cause changes in the heart’s electrical activity. It is imperative to tell their doctor immediately, especially for individuals taking antidepressants and experiencing any negative cardiac symptoms.
