PVC Victim - Should I be looking for a different medication?

Question

Since early 30s (Im now 63), I have had serious bouts of PVCs.  After several tests to rule out any serious heart cond., I was put on Inderal, which worked wonderful for 30 years.  Did not feel them any longer.

Now, at 62, Inderal no longer being made, and I was put on Propanolol, (Inderal generic), does not seem to work as well.  (Sometimes several PVCs slip thru).  All my tests show PVCs and Palps benign.  Still makes me uncomfortable.  Can Menopause exaggerate PVCs, or after 30 years, is my body just rejecting (Propanolol)(Inderal).  Never had any side effects with either drug.

Is anyone taking a beta-blocker for PVCs that they are very satisfied with?  I do not have high-BP, only PVCs.  Any suggestions would be helpful.

They make my quality of life feel very depressed.  I sincerely dislike the PVC sensations.  Much Thanks.

Thanks to all for this excellent Forum.

This discussion is related to PVC/PAC and best treatment options.

Kennalea · Answer

I have been having PAC's and PVC's for the last year and a half. Have taken Atenolol and Metoprolol SUCC ER. Atenolol did nothing for me, Metoprolol would help for a few days and then would have to increase dose. When I got to 125mg of Metoprolol, I had trouble breathing. Was switched to Bystolic, started at 5mg, then 10mg. At 10mg I could no longer feel the PACs or PVCs, but again was unable to breath. Turns out I am alergic to Beta-Blockers, but the Bystolic may help you with your symptoms.

It is very irritating to me to be told that I just have to learn to live with them. I'd like to give them to the person telling me that and see how well they learn to live with them. It is very hard to concentrate on anything when you are constantly feeling like someone is choking you, and you heart is skipping beats and pounding. 

The first cardiologist I went to told me there were two things they could do for me, put me on medication or a pacemaker. Then proceeded to tell me that I was too young for a pacemaker (I'm 47). I'm not saying I'd like to have a pacemaker, but I don't like that he would take one of my two options off the table due to my age. And now that I know I can't take the Beta-Blockers, where does that leave me?

Sorry to ramble on, but it's so nice to know that I'm not the only one going thru this and it's somewhat comforting to read other people's stories so I just thought I'd share.

golftye · Answer

I am 60 and have suffered with pvc's since age 46.  They were always found benign, but I have them very frequently now, wheras I did not years ago.  I recently had a 24 hr. Holter that showed very frequent pvc's, but the report from the cardiologist said there were no underlying serious arrythmias, just very frequent pvc's.  I take med's for high blood pressure, so it could be related, but you don't have a blood pressure problem.. I Know it is very frustating to live with these constant skips, pauses, poundings etc.  I know metoprolol and atenolol are prescribed for these pvc's, but they don't eliminate them.  Beta blockers are good for high blood pressure, but not that effective for pvc's. I hope you realize that drugs like flecanide can eliminate the sensations of pvc's, but can cause a more serioujs arrythmia called a pro-arrytmia. I hope that they find a cure for them someday.

Jeannie73147 · Answer

I can't really comment on how Inderal might affect a pregnancy, as I was not put on it until after my 30's, and after the baby was born.  I noticed more frequent PVCs after the stress of raising a family started to hit me.  This is around the same period that my doctor prescribed Inderal to treat these symptoms.  Thanks for sharing; are you in the medical field, and, if not, maybe a licensed professional would care to comment?  

Thanks

christmas08 · Answer

Hello Im 29 and I am taking inderal for two months now and I am satisfied. I take it at nights only 1/4 and that covers me until next noon ,then the nightmare starts again but I try to control my stress and not take more inderal (also when I am lying down I dont have pvcs). I want to ask you did you take inderal during pregnancies? Did it affect the baby during that period? Did it cover you?
I ve not answered your questions but I am happy that I found someone that was on inderal for years