Bystolic side effects?

I was taking the generic form of Toprol (?) for my high blood pressure, 25 mg and it was giving me problems after being on it for over a year. Horrible dreams, head aches/pressure, and pain in the area of my left kidney. The Dr put me on Bystolic, but it was samples and there is no information on side effects. I have started having stomach problems and acid reflux lately. Can the Bystolic be causing this? What would be other good choices?

[Jennifer R, RPh]

Bystolic does have listed on its possible side effects abdominal pain and diarrhea, although the studies document only in about 2% of the population. I would make sure that if you are using antacids for your acid reflux that you are spacing out the dosing of these medications as certain medications, supplements and even some foods may affect your ability to absorb levothyroxine. Talk to your doctor if you eat large amounts of soy products or a high-fiber diet, or if you take any of the following:

Iron supplements including multivitamins that contain iron
Cholestyramine (Questran), a medication used to lower blood cholesterol levels
Aluminum hydroxide, which is found in some antacids
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate), used to prevent high blood potassium levels
Sucralfate, an ulcer medication
Calcium supplements

I would suggest you speak to your prescriber at your follow up visit to discuss other options for lowering your blood pressure. When your prescriber gives you a medication he will need to look at your full health profile to determine what is best for you considering your multiple disease states. I would suggest asking your doctor to do some bloodwork to check on your thyroid levels. Then you can go from there. I cannot recommend a better medication for you as I cannot diagnose and do not have your chart in front of me.

I hope the information that I have supplied can help you out. Best of luck to you.

Jennifer R RPh www.drugstore.com

[Tony0626]

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[Tony0626]

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