Cardiomyopathy and Psych Meds

[Michael Amory]

I was wondering if there are any contraindications to patients with CM who are taking effexor, Clonazapine, and Ambien.  I have had horrible problems sleeping for quite some time and am on these meds along with lanoxin, coreg, and vasotec. Unfortunately I have a lot of problems sleeping if I don't take these meds.

Also, I was wondering if flu shots are contraindicated with CM.  I work in a hospital and probably will be very exposed to the flu this season.  
Thanks, Michael

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Thanks for the feedback.  The Clinic is thinking of cutting funding for the site so it's important that people who have come to the Clinic through this service let them know about it.  You can email Jon Catanese at ***@**** letting him know if you came to the clinic as a result of this site.

[debbie]

Thank you for responding to my letter about my mom. I did end up taking her to CCF where she ended up being admitted for 10 days. She feels alot better now and hopefully will continue to improve. I didn,t get to read your responce till now so didnt mention referral from this site, but again thank you.!

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

I would encourage her to be as active as possible.  If you would like to come to Cleveland we have a heart failure center and you can make an appointment by calling the number below and ask to make an appointment in the heart failue clinic.  Be sure to bring all your records and mention you were referred through this site.

[debbie]

Im writing about my mother (63yrs) who until 7 weeks ago led a very busy and active life. Her only problems were hiatal hernia and reflux. She went to the ER one evening and was diagnosed with pulmonary edema which led to a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy and 3-vessel coronary arterty disease. She had bypass surgery done 6 weeks ago (beating-heart) and since then seems to be worsening. A 6wk post-op Mugga scan shows an EF of 9%.Prior to surgery told 10-15%. She becomes fatigued and sob with minimal exertion. Her meds are vasotec 5mg bid and lopressor12.5mg qd which have been decreased and stopped at times due to low blood pressure 70 systolic at times. also on lasix prn.Has a resting heart rate of 100-108 usually. Doctors say have to make changes with medicine slowly. Should we try to encourage her to move around more and should we keep waiting for medicines to help.Im considering taking her to Cleveland for evaluation there! Any suggestions please ? She feels the lopressor makes her feel worse and nothing is helping her.Thank You for any advise you can give me.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

No, there is no contraindication to these medications.  They may have an increased effect but no reason not to take them if your doctor has prescribed them.  A flu shot is definately a good idea.