A fast heartbeat, also known as tachycardia, can be the result of stress and being frightened. It can also stem from such heart diseases as heart failure or cardiomyopathy (an enlarged heart). Sometimes, medications such as clemastine can lead to a fast heartbeat. An erratic and fast heartbeat can lead to fainting and, sometimes, death. Fortunately, medications exist to lower the heart rate.
Adenosine
Drugs.com says that adenosine is an antiarrhythmic medication used to slow the heart rate and bring the heart rhythm back to normal. Adenosine's common side effects include chest pressure, a headache, facial flushing, nausea and shortness of breath. Other common effects include tingling in the arms, lightheadedness and neck, throat or joint pain or tenderness. These side effects should not last for more than five to seven days.
Adenosine's serious side effects include chest pain, and it may elevate the risk for developing a heart block or heart attack. An allergic reaction to adenosine may lead to chest tightness, trouble breathing, hives, a rash and itching.
Drugs.com says that combining adenosine with verapamil or digoxin may lead to potentially fatal heart rhythm problems such as ventricular tachycardia. Tell a physician about all the over-the-counter and prescription drugs taken to prevent drug interactions.
Adenosine is available as an injection that must be taken as prescribed.
Diltiazem
Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that is also used to slow the heart rate and reset the heart rhythm back to normal. Drugs.com says that diltiazem also treats high blood pressure and angina (chest pain).
Diltiazem's common side effects include nasal congestion, nausea, a skin rash, a headache and fatigue. Itching and redness, tingling or warmth of the skin can also result from diltiazem use. A slow or fast heartbeat, fast weight gain, shortness of breath, a sore throat and fainting are diltiazem's serious side effects. Also, diltiazem's other effects include swelling, clay-colored stools, yellowing of the skin and blistering of the skin. Call your doctor if diltiazem causes these effects.
Diltiazem is a tablet taken daily or as a physician prescribes.
Verapamil
Verapamil, like diltiazem, is also a calcium channel blocker that is also used slow the heart rate. Specifically, it relaxes the blood vessels in order to reduce the work of the heart, the National Institutes of Health says.
Verapamil's typical effects include heartburn, constipation, dizziness, lightheadedness and a headache. Trouble breathing or swallowing, blurry vision, fainting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, a fever, flu-like symptoms, extreme fatigue, nausea and swelling of the feet, legs or ankles are just some of verapamil's serious effects. Notify a physician if these effects develop.
Verapamil is available as an extended-release or regular tablet and as an extended-release capsule. The NIH indicates that the regular tablet is taken three to four times daily. The extended-release tablet or capsule is typically taken one or two times daily.
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