Drug induced cardiomyopathy
Posted by: Kathryn
C on 9/14/99
Subject: Drug induced cardiomyopathy
Relation to CHF: Researcher
Message:
I logged on as a researcher but actually I am
the Mother of a CHF patient...(researching drug induced
cardiomyopathy) My son is 25 and was diagnosed in Aug 99, EF18% and
in the hospital for over a week, 4 days in CCU with a heart cath.
He was on 375mg of Desipramine (that's a tricyclic antidepressant -
also known as Imipramine and Norpramine) ALL CHF patients should be
made aware of the dangers of this type of antidepressant.. It is
extremely cardiotoxic. Causes arythmia and can cause heart block.
My son collapsed while in the hospital and also lost his BP while
in CCU. This is the toughest fight of our lives. PLEASE PLEASE pass
the word to anyone who will listen. Tricyclic antidepressants are
very dangerous drugs. ALSO think of all the children who are
currently taking drugs like Ritalin and Dexadrine for ADD. These
drugs are also dangerous to their hearts. My son was on Desipramine
for over 10 years at 375mg per day... Thats 75mg over the maximum
recommended dosage. We are struggling every day on the tightrope
walk with CHF.
Please, anyone else out there with a loved one with CHF or a CHF
patient with drug induced cardio myopathy.. write me at
Kathryncole@hotmail.com
Thanks
