Raynaud's and beta blockers

Hello,  I developed Raynauds like symptoms after being on a beta blocker.  I just went off of it.  Any idea how long it would take for the Raynauds like symptoms to go away?

Thanks in advance!

[ireneo]

I honestly don't know. There is a board I visit for people with Raynauds. Usually they end up taking a calcium channel blocker to help the vessels and reduce the color changes and cold sensation. Is it possible you simply have Raynauds and it wasn't triggered by the BB?

[ireneo]

Just wanted you to know I've asked over on the Raynaud's board that I visit. They can share their experiences and I'll let you know what they say.

[EFT56]

I to have symptoms of Raynaud's  and I had it confirmed its from a beta blocker - long term useage. I am seeking to change meds to another type or brand.  I see on this reply list someone said u can take a cal channel blocker med.? I cant take any cal channel blockers, now what?  as they caused me palipations in the past .. ugg!  I see the doctor this friday.  Im fearing due to the fact its hmo doctor and they are never to quick to change anything,and mostly add more meds to what your already taking , as to mask the effects
I will check the raynauds site and reports.  why so meny side effects
from these medications> ?  they are not worth taking if they cause so meny problems !!   im really mad about this one !  

[Jack54]

Please do not ABRUPTLY stop taking your beta blocker. You must wean yourself from BBs, if your system has become accustomed to them. This is a very dangerous thing to do. Watch your BP and heart rate.

Your natural sympathetic nervous system will now have to take control of your BP and HR. That is why you wean from BBs.

I think that most people that take an average dose of BBs have problems with blood circulation in their extremities. It is a very natural and understandable side effect, if you understand what this drug does to your heart. It reduces the force of the contraction of your heart, and the rate that it beats. It takes a load off the heart and is meant for people who have significant heart problems, although it is prescribed for arrhythmias and BP control.

It is the price we pay for the gift of living longer :) I am speaking for those with CHF and survivors of heart attacks.

I once had a very bad experience from abruptly stopping BBs. I didn't know any better :(

Good luck,

Jack

[Jack54]

Boy, I surely didn't mean to imply that arrhythmias are not "significant heart problems", but that is the way it sounded in my first post. My apologies to all!

Chucklehead

[Kellygirl6]

Irene, Thanks for much for offering help and your responses!  What a great community!   Jack, My dr. did taper me off the beta blocker, thanks for pointing that out.  I have been off for 10 days now and wondering when the circulation will improve.  Booger, Instead of a CCB, I read about Cozaar being investigated as possibly helping Raynauds.  Maybe ask your dr. about that one.  I am curious, how was it "confirmed" that your Raynauds was from long term use of BBs?  Thanks to all!

[ireneo]

I asked over on the Raynauds board and was told that yes, BB's can cause R symptoms or worsen the symptoms in people that already have it. As far as recovery time, no answer to that. I'm with you that all too often the meds' side effects are worse than the problem. I tried Verapamil (a CCB) and ended up spending some time in ER. Not my idea of fun. I choose to do without meds for my flippy heart and am happy with that. One of my cardios through the HMO we use was very understanding and worked with me on this whole medication business. We came to an understanding :-)

[Kellygirl6]

You are so nice to check that out for me!  Thank you.  I just assumed that they caused the problem because the Raynaud's like symptoms started just weeks after starting the BB.  My dr. even agreed that could have caused it.  But 10 days off now and not a lot of improvement.  I was hoping it would stop right away.  Maybe I just have to give it more time.  

[EFT56]

reply: to you-  I went to see my Dr. and she did blood work stat! and
looked me over good, hands feet  toes fingers so on.. and said I have the simptoms for Ranynaud's and that it was from my beta blocker medication, as iv been on it over 5.5 Yrs now !  she said its bit to long to be on a b.b. med ?  used the word (long term useage)  she is now looking into another brand of b.blocker med without heavy side effects -?  or something diffrent that I can take without too meny problems. as I can not take Generic meds and have problems with alot of meds for b.p.  I have found being on b.b meds that in one way they help with palps stopping them.  and also help lower b.p down . and keeping h.r down and controlled.  however Im shocked to read of all the side effects, from one small pill !  such as what we have here..
and also the least known but listed (bad side effects) that doctors wont tell you about !   and the mfg of meds wont list !  

I dont know what treatment shes gonna give me for the raynauds ?
or what she plans on doing soon.. I see her tomorrow friday.  so who knows ?  the worst part im dealing with a Hmo system ,so dont know what to expect !  

its interesting reading about this and I see alot of people have this
same problem , that does come from b.blockers as a side effect ..
as it is listed on most beta blocker medications (side effects lists )
whats next , we grow monkey tails ?  or a extra arm out of our necks!
????????  drug companys ???  

[EFT56]

I forgot to list this.. I did try cozarr med   couldnt stand it !  drove me nuts !  had adverse side effect problems from it  after 3 days on it...
and it didnt lower my b.p at all.   doc took me off it , like fast !!!!!
put me right back on the b.b. and then added diovan..  to the mix
b.p is down!   but wow  do I get the side effects daily !!