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Does Alprazolam cause fluttering in patients with already existing premature ventricular contractions?

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Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have been taking 0.5 mg of Alprazolam, once daily, for approximately three weeks. I have used it for things like airplane flights or to get good sleep, for many years. My last dose was a couple of days ago and today my heart has been fluttering pretty much all day. There is no real pattern to it and I am not having any lightheadedness. I have a history of PVCs but I never experienced this amount of flutters. I have also been experiencing brain fog and nausea. Could this be a withdrawal symptom? Can that happen so quickly? Please help.

Answered by Dr. Aneel Kumar

Education:

FCPS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Aneel Kumar is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Suhail University. With extensive clinical and academic experience, he also serves as the in-charge of the Department of Psychiatry and is an executive member of the Pakistan Association for Mental Health (PAMH). He is also a registered member of the Pakistan Psychiatric Society. Dr. Kumar has played an active role in advancing mental health awareness through workshops, seminars, and continuing medical education (CME) programs for medical students, healthcare professionals, and the corporate sector. He is experienced in diagnosing and managing a wide range of psychiatric conditions and is committed to improving mental health outcomes through patient-centered care, education, and advocacy.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and understand your concern.

Alprazolam belongs to the benzodiazepine group of drugs that are used for sleep problems, and to control anxiety. It is indicated for short-term use only, that is until other medications start working because it has a propensity for dependency. It should not be given for more than 4 weeks and if prescribed for a longer duration, it needs to be done under the advice of a specialist after being assessed for anxiety and depression. For further guidance please tell me more about your PVCs (premature ventricular contractions). Have you been investigated for that or is it due to anxiety symptoms?

Hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At April 25, 2023
Reviewed At May 8, 2026

Education:

FCPS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Aneel Kumar is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Suhail University. With extensive clinical and academic experience, he also serves as the in-charge of the Department of Psychiatry and is an executive member of the Pakistan Association for Mental Health (PAMH). He is also a registered member of the Pakistan Psychiatric Society. Dr. Kumar has played an active role in advancing mental health awareness through workshops, seminars, and continuing medical education (CME) programs for medical students, healthcare professionals, and the corporate sector. He is experienced in diagnosing and managing a wide range of psychiatric conditions and is committed to improving mental health outcomes through patient-centered care, education, and advocacy.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

FCPS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Aneel Kumar is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Suhail University. With extensive clinical and academic experience, he also serves as the in-charge of the Department of Psychiatry and is an executive member of the Pakistan Association for Mental Health (PAMH). He is also a registered member of the Pakistan Psychiatric Society. Dr. Kumar has played an active role in advancing mental health awareness through workshops, seminars, and continuing medical education (CME) programs for medical students, healthcare professionals, and the corporate sector. He is experienced in diagnosing and managing a wide range of psychiatric conditions and is committed to improving mental health outcomes through patient-centered care, education, and advocacy.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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