Medicine side effects

[flcajun]

In Jan 07 I had what was called a TIA. For almost two months after the attack my BP was moderately high and my HR was in the 80-85+ range.  Since then I have been through every heart and neuro test (except a cath)as I have continued to have "episodes".  ALL tests came back normal.  The meds I have been given are Simvastatin 40 mg, which (with my doctor's knowledge) I've be able to decrease to 20mg and am now taking every other day instead of every day for high cholesterol and Bisprolol, 2.5 mg daily, for irregular/fast heart rate. The Sim makes me dizzy. The Bis makes me weak at times, at least I think this is what is causing the weakness. I recently started suffering from strong panic attacks and will address these with my doctor soon.  Are these side effects normal?  Any suggestions on how to get these meds to work better?  Are there alternatives I can address with my doc?  Thanks.

[CCF-M.D.-CA]

Given the fact that he had a TIA you probably have cerebrovascular disease, which in many circles is equivalent to having coronary artery disease.  For this reason, he continued to have chest pressure or chest pain, then test that would be indicated will be a left heart catheterization.  You mention that you have irregular fast heart rate: You have atrial fibrillation as far as you know?  Because atrial fibrillation can cause people to have weakness and fatigue.  The sotalol and other beta blockers can cause people to have weakness, but not to the point of being unable to carry on activities of daily living.  She probably had her thyroid checked if you in fact have atrial fibrillation and panic attacks as the two are often linked.

[Carey01]

Is anyone else having trouble following the Dr's answer??  Not to be critical, but the he's and she's or throwing me off.  Is he talking about the patient or the DR or whom?

[ireneo]

It is a bit confusing but I try to focus on the other facts. I'm guessing the docs do this forum when they have a moment or two free and may be rushed at times. Grammar may suffer a bit but they still manage to get some "real" information to us, not just personal experiences and feelings like we share on the patient to patient forum.

[marlinspike]

I find the doctor's comment confusing and unhelpful, although I appreciate that they may be rushing and fitting their responses in around a busy schedule. To be frank, if the answer is as unclear and badly explained as this one is, it gives me no confidence that the doctor is giving an accurate or appropriate response.

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

is this the same dr who always answers, dont seem like it and no i cant make anything out of it either.

[ireneo]

I'm guessing the different initials after the MD part indicate different doctors giving answers. Let's hope this particular doctor will come back and clear things up for everyone.

[flcajun]

To clear up gender matters I am a she.  Yes, they have done thyroid tests (I think).  My doctor now wants me to try Diltiazem, 30mg, 4 times a day for two weeks.  Does anyone know of strange side effects with this med?  I still have to work each day, so I need to stay somewhat active and the info on this med reads as same as beta blockers.  My doc is trying to get my heart steady as it tends to jump up and down possibly causing these panic attacks.?.?  

[jmpr]

I took Diltiazem regularly for a while, but when I started having bradycardia (slow heart rate) after conversio for A Fib, they stopped it because Diltiazem will lower your heart rate.

I now take it PRN if I know there's a fibrillation going on. I've saved myself a trip to the hospital twice so far because it's worked.

You should ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects...and remember that most people don't get side effects with medication (they list about every symptom one can think of) or if you do, your body will probably adjust in time so the side effects go away.

Good luck!