Heart palpitations involve the unpleasant sensation of the heart racing, pounding, skipping beats or beating forcefully. Heart palpitations are not always serious; however, they may be a result of an underlying disease. In the case of palpitations being caused by an underlying medical condition, medications are available for treatment.
Thyroid Medications
Heart palpitations can occur in the absence of any disease, or they can occur after ingesting too much caffeine, tobacco or alcohol. Over-the-counter and prescription medications can cause palpitations as a side effect. In these cases, dietary changes or changes in medication are tried instead of using drugs to treat the palpitations.
Conditions such as hyperthyroidism can cause the heart to feel like it is racing. If a physician determines that thyroid disease is the cause of heart palpitations, iodine and anti-thyroid medications can be taken to help control the symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com. These medications aim to reduce the amount of hormones being produced and released by the thyroid gland.
Antiarrhythmic Drugs
Heart palpitations may occur during periods of stress, worry or anxiety. Learning relaxation techniques and healthy ways to deal with stress may help to control the palpitations. The Cleveland Clinic reports that in cases where heart palpitations are caused by an arrhythmia, which is an abnormal heartbeat due to heart disease, antiarrhythmic medications may be required. Various conditions can cause arrhythmias, and a physician can run tests and scans to determine the cause. If an arrhythmia is present, heart palpitations may be accompanied by dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue and chest discomfort. The type of treatment medication depends on which part of the heart is affected, what the underlying condition is and the overall health of the patient.
Anti-anxiety Medications
Conditions such as panic and anxiety disorders can cause not only heart palpitations, but intense feelings of fear, nervousness or doom. Panic and anxiety attacks may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. The symptoms may be relieved through antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
