Beta blocker newby

[mdot5384]

I recently saw my cardio and she has prescribed a low dose of beta blocker due to my high-normal resting heart rate which is about 95. We conducted a stress echo which was classified as perfectly normal but the heart rate was still of concern to me even though I know the number I top out at isn't high at all for some people.
She has me on 12.5mg of atenolol once a day. I know with such a low dose there shouldn't be any problems but I'm curious if anyone else is on a low dose and has any information or had any issues.
Thanks

[dolfnlvr]

Tired.  They made me soooo tired.  I am also on a very low dose, and the doctor did not expect me to have any real problems, but I was EXHAUSTED for two weeks.  I decided to take the meds before bed.  It was harder to wake up in the morning, but at least I didn't float around like a zombie all afternoon.  

Hey, they make us stop caffiene AND put us on Beta Blockers.  It's gonna have an effect, even at low doses.

[meredith_jrsj]

what were your symptoms?  Did you have skipped beats?

[bonnytiz]

I am on a low dose also, they make me exhausted and because the dose is so low they arent having much effect and I dont really want to increase the dose, the dr said he thought the dose would be too low but I havnt been back yet, I thought I would l give it more time.I have thousands of skipped beats per day and they really affect my life, they affect my head badly as well.Maybe I will go back and see if a different b/blocker will be better. Good luck

[dolfnlvr]

I was put on BBs because of persistant PVC's ("skipped beats") and infrequent episodes of SVT (supra ventricular tachycardia)..."racing heart."  I was started on 1/2 of a 50mg tablet of metoprolol or 25 mg, but was ZONKED, and decided to cut it to 1/4 tablet (12.5 mg).  It does not stop my PVC's but it does make them less persistent....and I am more able to function.  The cardiologist who prescribed them told me (remember this was advice to ME during a follow-up exam) that I could adjust my dose from nothing to 1/2 tablet depending upon the severity of my symptoms.  He said that some of his patients have more trouble during their period (as do I) and that a higher dose may be warrated during that time of the month if I desired it.

G'luck!!

[dolfnlvr]

By the way, when I refered above to being "more able to function," I was referring to the effect of the medication (drowsiness) NOT the PVC's.

[jkfrench]

I'm on 1/4 (6.5mg) of tenormin.  I take it at night.  It doesn't make me tired at that dose and it seems to keep my heartrate down.  Mine was as yours, always between 90 and 100 and I didn't like the feeling.  Plus it has helped with my pvc's.  Sometimes I have a day when it just speeds up and I take another 1/4 tablet.  My doctor also told me I can up my dose or lower my dose as needed.
If I have a PAT attack, I usually take 1/2.

I'm also finding that a big glass of gaterade in the am is helping.  I'm drinking that instead of juice now.  (lower calories too  :))

Frenchie

[mdot5384]

did you have skipped beats or just the tachycardia? Also was yours a constant rate of 90-100 or was it sometimes normal?

[jkfrench]

My 90-100 was pretty constant. I even remember it being high in high school.  (I'm 45 now)   It was always highest in the morning after I woke up.  I also have skipped beats.  Some weeks barely any, some weeks several a minute.  The tenormin works great for me.  My heart rate stays between 70-80, and that is by just taking 1/4 of the pill.
Don't hesitate to ask me anything else if it will help ease your mind.
Frenchie

[mdot5384]

I do have a few other questions/ comments since I am still trying to take this all in.

During my visit the Dr. stated that my heart rate "is what it is" but she couldn't say why, meaning there was no abnormality or skipped beats.

She said that the more invasive testing to find out  wasn't something she would recommend for someone my age (23).

I guess I should also mention to you, that I am having severe left sided shoulder blade pain when inhaling and what I would call severe tigtness on the entire left side of my body, including a really gassy feeling under the left rib cage. All my doctors are saying its purely a muscular issue.

The cardio is aware of all this, but never said the heart rate might be a reflection of all this left sided discomfort. Do you have any thoughts on this?

[jkfrench]

My doctor told me the same thing.  My first visit to him was at 27.  There were no skipped beats when I was there either, just the faster rate.  He also told me that we did not need invasive testing (almost 20  years later he still tells me that).   He did put the holter on me for 24 hours and I did a treadmill stress test plus the echo.  I go back every year for peace of mind for the stress test and echo.  I only ask for a holter if I notice any changes.   It is funny you mention the shoulder pain and so forth.  I notice when my heart beats 90 or so that I have some muscular pain as well.  (in those same areas).  And, when I have a breakthrough episode, meaning it decides to hit 90 or higher a few hours after I take the tenormin, my first indicaton of something wacky is that pain (or more like discomfort) you are talking about.  It goes away as soon as my heart rate goes down.
Have you started the beta blocker yet?  Which one did they perscribe?  I feel so much better on the small amount that I take.  I have taken it now for over 20 years, through pregnancies with no problem.  It is such a small amount, that I really feel no side effects.
Frenchie

[oldie]

you can adjust doses according to symptoms?? your cardio told you that?? Is there anyone out there taking amiodarone, 200mg five days a week who does this? It holds my pulse down at 60. It does not stop PVCs altogether but  some days I can't wake up and feel ill as well
oldie

[mdot5384]

First of all I cant thank you enough for your input.

I am on 12.5mg of atenolol once a day. I havent started it yet but will tomorrow. Do you feel an immediate difference or is it something that has to build up in your system?

[jkfrench]

That is what I take and you will feel an immediate difference, within about 30 minutes. (if it works on your system like it does on mine)
You will love it and you WILL feel better.
Frenchie

[mdot5384]

I cant wait to try it, I'll post tomorrow\

Thanks again

[PVC man]

Hi!! I was Rx'd 25 mg Atenolol about four years ago and I went from literally thousands of PVCs a day to about three or four...I was Rx'd for PVCs although my pulse was okay...it was like a total cure for me.... I recently have had PVCs return but I tried to get fancy and taper my drug...I'm feeling better now though

As far as the therapeutic effect, it took me a few days to get a benefit...I got PVCs like crazy on days 1 and 2, but they were MUCH BETTER day 3...so don't panic if it takes a while...my cardio said the full effects may not occur for a week.

As far as SIDE EFFECTS, it can drain you a little...it also gives you a feeling of being in a fog a litttle bit...its weird though for me it doesn't feel unpleasent at all.

I would strongly suggest consider taking the drug at NIGHT before bed.   I find it can actually make you drowsy and help you sleep, and this can help with PVCs too.  For me, a little fatigue is a miniscule price to pay for relief from thousands of these things....I am very grateful for the drug.

Oh, BTW, one other side effect for me...I did get some very vivid nightmares for a few months...but again I really did not mind for a split second.

Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!Let us know how it goes!!

[dolfnlvr]

Yeah....I have to say that the dreams are quite vivid.  Sometimes to the point where it is hard to remember whether you dreamed something or if it really happened. I am on a form of prozac for the anxiety and the metoprolol for the heart rate and the combination made dreaming more fun than TV for a few weeks.  But, like you....I didn't mind that, as it was somewhat entertaining for one and for another, I can live with some dreams if the heart beat stabilizes.

I really enjoy reading posts on this site.  The information is very interesting and the understanding from others is priceless.  I just wanted to say "thanks" to all of you.  Both for supporting me, AND for supporting each other.  Medhelp has done a very good thing by creating this site.

[Marie007]

I'm on 25MG atenolol once a day for a-flutter, and was told that's a very low dose.  Started taking it in the AM but it made me feel tired, dizzy and "drugged".  Switched to PM with much better results.  Atenolol works well on controlling my heart rate but I'm on other meds too.  

[chattychicky]

I have been on the same drug for 19 years. I've never had any problem with it. I was on 25 mg for 18.5 of those years and recently went to 50 mg a day for PAC's.
Diane

[bill1963]

I've been on a beta blocker (Metoprolol - 25mg) for one month now for moderately high BP and sinus tachycardia (due mainly to stress, anxiety, etc.).  At first it wasn't too bad, fingers were cold the first few days, but that went away.  Noticed being slightly short of breath, when walking or even just talking.  Then started having a heavy, tired feeling around my eyes.  This got progressively worse, to the point where I now feel like a zombie most of the time, very sluggish.  It's a real effort to do much of anything.  It's getting to be intolerable and I will ask the Dr. to switch meds or stop altogether.  

Other side effects I've experienced with this medicine: occasional insomnia; wild, vivid dreams; a frosty throat; mood swings, irritability, depression.  So, beta blockers do have side effects, and I would procede with caution if your symptoms are not bothersome or dangerous to your health.

Like you, I was also diagnosed with a high resting heart rate (around 100 - 105).  But found it tends to be high in the doctors office.  I got a heart rate monitor (about $50 at any sporting goods store) and my real resting heart rate is anywhere from 65 to 80 - perfectly normal.  So maybe I don't even need the medication.  Something you may want to think about.
Good luck !

[PVC man]

Bill is right and people can have different side effects to medications but the proposed dosage (12.5mg) is EXTREMLEY LOW.  I want to emphasize that I'm not an MD butI think the odds of having severe side effects from this low a dose would be low indeed and low dose medication has helped quite a number of us...

like Bill said I think it does depend on if the symptoms are bothering you enough.  

I know that when I was suffering from bad PVCs I was distracted from sleep and work.  I ran into SEVERAL unsympathetic MDs who told me to "live with it" and it was "not dangerous."  I finally met with a cardio who said..."that is ridiculous...there is no reason to just suffer day to day if a low dose medication might help you."  He could see the PVCs were affecting my lifestyle significantly.

I was very grateful as low dose Atenolol has overall worked very well for me.  Again, my problem was a PVC issue, not a pulse rate issue so I don't know if it will help.

But at 12.5 mg., if I were having very annoying symptoms, I sure would like to find out...

[mdot5384]

Hey there, you are right. I have found that it isn't really working and after running it by my general doctor he isnt so sure he wants me to continue it. I see the cardio for a f/u in 2 weeks so i will talk with her again but in the mean time I will see how it goes. The only thing that bothers me is that there is no solid explanation for the rapid pulse rate...

[betauser]

are any of you on nadolol or flecainide?  I was on both last week and was a complete zombie.  I told the doc we better come up with something else because chasing two young kids like that is hard.

[mdot5384]

I had a bad episode last night where the heart rate was higher than normal. Instead of the usual 90-100 it was somewhere between 110-120. I was up all night and had to drag into work this morning. The only thing I did differently that I haven't done in quite sometime is have a glass of wine last night around 9 30. The rapid heart rate kicked in around 11. Does anyone know if there is a direct corolation to the heart rate and alcohol? I called my cardio's office and her nurse didn't have much insight.

[betauser]

Mdot, my understanding is that alcohol can cause a problem.  It has always made a difference with me.  

[jkfrench]

That was totally the alcohol.  Mine does the same thing sometimes after drinking a small amount.
I just take another 1/4 of my tenormin and it quiets it right down.  Sorry you had to deal with that.  I know how tiring it can be.  
Take care and Happy Thanksgiving
Frenchie

[mdot5384]

Thank you for the good advice as usual!

[mdot5384]

I also forgot to to ask you. Since I am not really seeing any change in the heart rate on the meds (which is what we were hoping for)... what would you suggest I ask my cardio at follow up visit next week?

[deedle1976]

Alcohol is a vasodilator (that's why a glass of wine gives people rosy cheeks). Anyway this means it causes the blood vessels to dilate which causes a drop in blood pressure. The heart rate must increase in order to counteract this and make sure your body has an adequate supply of blood.

[PVC man]

On those occasions when I have 4 or 5 beers, my heart will race all night...it just take more to have an effect on me as I am 200lbs. and wine is more potent than beer.

[jkfrench]

Maybe you need a stronger dosage?  I really don't know.  I am very sensitive to medicine and that is why the 1/4 of the pill works for me.  It drops my heart rate from around 100 to the mid 70's.  I am 5'5" and only 105 lbs.  Sometimes I have a breakthrough and it just take another 1/4.  But, I notice my heart slowing down within 20 minutes or so.  You just need to get the right dosage in you.  There may be a point when you can lower it.  Tenormin is very safe and I wouldn't worry about  "experimenting" with the dosage until you get it to work.  (I mean along with your doctor monitoring it of course).  Is your blood pressure normal?
Frenchie

[mdot5384]

Yes, I have normal blood pressure so i'm not sure how that factors into this. But you are absolutly right, I need to make sure I'm getting the right dosage.

[jkfrench]

let me know what your doctor says.  Are you taking the drug in the am?  I know people say to take it at night before bed but at the low dose you and I take, I really don't feel the side effects others do so maybe take it in the am.

[mdot5384]

I will def. let you know. In the meantime I spoke to the nurse practicioner at my cardios office this morning who told me to go ahead and take the full 25mg pill as opposed to the half. I hope that helps out until I get in there next Thursday.

[jkfrench]

I bet it will!  That I would take at night (just my suggestion) first.  If you don't notice a difference, then maybe switch to the day. - Jodie

[mdot5384]

hey there,

at work dizzy and lightheaded, SUCKS!!

[jkfrench]

you poor thing.  Must be the tenormin.  I've heard that is a side effect that sometimes goes away as you get used to it.  Are you taking it a night?

[mdot5384]

I took it this morning b/c I havent had a problem with doing that previously. I'm gonna take it at night starting tomorrow

[jkfrench]

has your heart slowed down?  

[mdot5384]

yes it has, thank goodness. Its resting at about 80 which im fine with! Have my follow up with the cardio tomorrow.

Also, I played with the dosage this morning and cut the pill so that i took a little more than half but not the whole thing. It seems to have still slowed the rate down and I'm not a zombie like yesterday.

[mmc97]

I'm on 50 mg of metropolol for almost a month now. Things seem less than before but there's still that feeling of vibration going on.  The cold hands thing went away after about a week. I'm annoyed too at not having enough information.

[PVC man]

Hang in there...the B blocker side effects definetley decrease after a few weeks.

[jkfrench]

That is great it slowed your heart down.  Did you notice that pain in your shoulder and back has subsided?  Thank goodness we can play with the dosage.  Tenormin is one of those pills that we can do that.   Let me know how the doctor's appointment goes.

[mdot5384]

Hey there,

I had the cardio apt. yesterday but I still have some things that are bothering me. All along the Dr. I have been seeing was very careful to be sure we covered all the bases and was very respectful of my concerns but I feel like I have some dangling issues. She basically told me to come back in 6 months and that I had nothing to be concerned about but since you all have been so kind to me I was hoping I could throw out a few questions.

1.) My resting heart rate on the meds duting yesterdays office visit was still 90. I feel like it should be lower if I'm taking the rx. Am I being un-reasonable or is this a genuine concern?

2.) I am still experiencing the severe left shoulder blade pain when I breathe in and the weird stomach issues. With that still going on should I be exploring any other avenues? I just dont feel like myself and even though she assured me my heart isnt causing all this pain, I have a feeling the pain may be fueling the high heart rate but no one has been able to figure out why the pain is happening or what exactly IT is. I have had x rays, MRI's and seen chiroprctors.

I have a strong feeling that if the pain was under control that the heart might be a non issue, especially since the cardio says she has no explaination for the increased heart rate.

I appriciate any advice.

[CYNDI1]

I was put on Atenolol for PVC's during menopause ...it really did the trick in stopping them...
I was on 12.5 also...however some days I got so dizzy and my pulse rate was low...it did subside after at least a month....it is a drug you cannot just stop...you have to be weaned off...
It is now 5 yrs later and I would like to go on it again....My BP is on the high side 140/92, I always ran 90/50 or 100/60? Now I have high cholesterol and elevated BP....
I was hospitalized with severe de-hydration secondary to Gastro-enteritis...about 2 months ago...
My electrolytes were off..and I had Potassium IV...now I tend to run a Potassium of 3.1
the norm is 5.3...so I have no idea why all systems are breaking down,,,
I have also had some pvc's each day.....
I have a new Doc and must tell him about the Atenolol....any feedback will be appreciated...
Thanks...
Cyndi1

[Artaud]

My my,

A long thread in the forum.

Drugs and tiredness. For the yuck of it, I take 50 mg Atenolol in the morning and 25 mg at night, 300 mg Dilantin in the morning and 300 mg at night, 20 mg Zocor, 80/12.5 Diovan/Hctz, and 81 mg Aspirin once a day. After all of this, whenever I have a procedure done requiring light sedation, they are amazed at how quickly I come out of it. There I sat one day, strumming my fingers after having received light sedation. They said "you might as well send him home". I had awoken during the procedure and watched it for a few seconds on the video display in the room.

Each person will have a different reaction to a drug. YOU CANNOT take a drug for two days and decide that the tiredness that it is causing is worth discontinuing the drug (unless you are profoundly affected, then consult with your Doctor). 30 to 45 days worth of taking the drug may be a more realistic amount of time to decide if the tiredness is too much. Taking a drug that slows the heart or stabilizes your nerves will cause tiredness, but the body adjusts to the feeling but usually (especially in the case of the Beta Blockers) maintains the effectiveness. Of course, taking amphetamines or caffeine will not leave you with a sense of being tired (initially), but they are not going to reduce your heart rate either.

In a rather freakish display of adaptation, I read about an experiment where an individual wore glasses that made everything appear upside down. After several days, he awoke one morning and discovered that he now perceived everything upright while the glasses were on. Eventually he removed the glasses and everything was upside down. It took a period of time, but his vision eventually returned to normal. The body, especially the mind, adjusts. It will adjust to the glasses and it will likely adjust to your dosage of Atenolol.

I do indeed experience tiredness when I change from one drug to another, such as the time I went from Atenolol to Nadolol. But after several days, I again feel normal. Switching back causes the tiredness again, but it soon passes.

Best regards.

[mdot5384]

Hey there,

quick question:

I have been having pains in my arms and legs on both both sides of the body. This has only started since taking the BB. Do you know if that is a possible side effect? All literature I have read on it doesn't mention that as one so I'm just curious.

[crazywillie]

I was taking Betaloc 50mg every 8 hours, my doctor put me on 25mg Atenolol once a day abour 4 months ago, a wonderful drug.

I was also taking an Anti Inflam drug Mobic but seems the Mobic puts the BP up, now taking Glucosamine instead, works OK for neck and lower spine Arthritis.

The Atenolol has helped stop missing beats. pulse now around 52 - 60 bpm, BP around 120 - 60, only side effect it tiredness, since taking Atenolol I wake up at 5am each morning, sleeping in is a thing of the past.

[jkfrench]

Good to hear from you
I have never heard of that being a side effect.  I think you need to relax a little.  Don't get me wrong, I know you feel the pain, but it could be anxiety and tension with everything you have gone through over the last month.  Remember, you are under a cardiologists care and they would know if it was related.  So give her office a call, then try to relax.  See how you feel in another few weeks after the BB is working and your body has adjusted.  As crazywille stated, glucosamine works really well.  I take that every day.  You can get it at the vitamin store.   - frenchie  
I don't think we can leave our e-mail addresses here.  If you know of a way to be able to contact each other let me know.  It would be easier to talk.