Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is no joke. If you're one of the millions of Americans living with this common heart rhythm disorder, you already know how important it is to monitor your heart health closely.
7 Common Medications
But what you might not know is that some everyday medications — even ones you can buy over the counter — could be making your condition worse.
Yep, certain cold remedies, pain relievers, and even supplements might be increasing your risk of dangerous side effects or triggering new episodes of irregular heartbeat. The scary part? Many of these are medications people take without thinking twice.
So what should you look out for? Here are seven common types of medications people with AFib should approach with extreme caution:
1. Decongestants (like pseudoephedrine)
That “non-drowsy” cold medicine might perk you up — but it can also spike your heart rate. Pseudoephedrine and similar decongestants stimulate the nervous system, which can trigger AFib episodes or make them worse.
2. NSAIDs (like ibuprofen and naproxen)
Popular painkillers such as Advil and Aleve can increase your risk of bleeding — especially dangerous if you’re already on blood thinners for AFib. They may also raise blood pressure, which puts more stress on your heart.
3. Certain antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs)
Some antidepressants have been linked to heart rhythm changes. While not all are risky, people with AFib should always discuss antidepressant options carefully with their doctor.
4. Stimulants for ADHD (like Adderall or Ritalin)
These meds speed things up — including your heart rate. In people with AFib, that can mean a higher risk of palpitations or more frequent irregular rhythms.
5. Thyroid medications (like levothyroxine)
Too much thyroid hormone can send your heart racing. If your dosage is too high, it might inadvertently trigger AFib symptoms or make existing ones worse.
6. Certain antibiotics (like azithromycin)
Some antibiotics can affect electrical signals in your heart, potentially causing arrhythmias. Always tell your doctor you have AFib before taking any new antibiotic.
7. Herbal supplements (like ginseng or St. John’s Wort)
“Natural” doesn’t always mean safe. Some herbal remedies can interfere with blood thinners or speed up your heart rate, both of which can spell trouble for AFib patients.
Why This Matters
If you’re living with AFib, managing your heart rhythm is a daily responsibility — and even small decisions, like which cold medicine to grab at the drugstore, can have big consequences.