Medications

I could really use your help.  I am trying to compile a list of common heart medications for one of the Health Pages. So many times someone asks for suggestions, about side effects, etc.  It would be great to have a place closeby where we could provide a hyperlink to more information on medications common for heart patients.  Will you please help me by letting me know what medication(s) you are currently taking, or what medication(s) you would like to know more about?  For example, I am taking lisinopril for BP control and Inderal for PVCs.  I would like to know more about cholesterol medications like lipitor, crestor and vytorin.

THANKS!!!
Connie

[Ihatepalps2]

I am on Atenolol...and a healthy dose...50 mg in the morning..and 50 mg at night. I have read posts here where people really have trouble with it, but I just love it. It keeps my heartrate down---and (most...well...some..) of the time it helps with the palpitations. I had some dizziness when I first started taking it, but thats it. Not one other side effect.
I was also on Lipitor a year ago...It really worked, and I had zero side effects from that.
Hope this helps!

[debola53]

I take Sotalol for afib and tach-no real side effects. It does work well-it is a beta blocker/anti-arrthyhmic. I used to take Coreg for heart failure-no side effects until they upped my dose, then hypotensive and dizzy alot.I was on digoxin to slow my rate, which it did too well.I used to take Profafenone for arrthymhias-no side effects for me. I take red yeast rice and fish oil for cholesterol (both with my cardiologists blessing). I take monopril at night for my cardiomyopathy-been on it for 12 years-no side effects. Thanks for doing this!

[dolfnlvr]

I take metoprolol for PVC's and SVT.  The major side effects I've experienced are TIREDNESS and, because I already have low BP and vasovagal syndrome, it has made me more prone to passing out then I have been for years.  The metoprolol knocks you on your butt when you first start taking it.  It also caused me to have really weird dreams when I did sleep.  My heart rate went from an average of 65 bpm to 55 bpm with 12.5mg/day.

I take prozac for the anxiety that was caused by PVC's and SVT.  It causes me to have very vivid dreams and when taken along with metoprolol the dreams are so vivid that sometimes it makes you wonder if you actually experienced something or if it was a dream that you are remembering.

I take omeprozole for reflux due to a hiatal hernia and it can cause dizziness, but doesn't for me.

That's about it...don't know if you care about any of those but there it is.

Have a good day

[srm6598]

I am on the Metropolol 12.5 2x's per day as the 25mg was dropping my bp down way low! I am also taking potassium. I don't know the info on it... it says on the pill Klor-Con 10.

Question for you though... your ablation was for all those pvc you had right? Why do you still take the Metropolol? Do you still get the PVCs?

[Momto3]

Sorry about that, I should have been more clear.  I only take the Inderal when I'm under stress and I think the PVCs might kick in from the stress.  I don't even know the last time I took it, mayb 6-12 monhts ago when I was on a airplane, or maybe the night before we moved, not sure.  I rarely use it, but I have it (kind of like insurance).  When I was having lots of PVCs, I took flecainide, then rhythmol and with each of those I supplemented with Inderal for breakthroughs.  Since the ablations, 4 1/2 years ago, I've proably only taken it 10-15 times.

[Momto3]

Thanks for all the contributions....Keep 'em coming.  Even if someone wants to just list any heart meds they know of, I'll be sure they are included in the links.

[acjviolin]

Thanks for doing this, Connie!  I take 80 mg of Sotalol, twice daily for atrial fib and SVT.  My EP warned that it would do nothing to curb the PVCs- and he's right.  My PVC's are not usually too debilitating if I can resist getting "mental" about them!  I'm taking 10 mg of Prozac, once daily to control my panic disorder along with Klonipin (klonopin) (Clonipin?) 0.25 mg as needed (insurance, as you say!).  I've been pleased to experience no bothersome wide effects with the Sotalol except that I was "dog tired" for the first month, I guess.  I still get tired more easily than I used to before taking it.  OOPs- forgot to add that I take 250 mg of magnesium and an 81 mg aspirin daily,too, as instructed by my EP. Take care,

Amy

[bumble72]

I take 150mg twice a day of flecainide for svt.  still have symptoms but they are a lot milder and dont last as long.  Have been told I am not allowed to have any higher dosage.
Don't have any side effects - hope it stays that way as I know they can cause other heart arrythmias in the bottom chambers.

[Momto3]

These are all great medications to add to the list of common heart medications!  Thanks so much.  As you think of any more (even if you're not taking them), please pass them along.  I'll bet we'll end up with a great resource!!  Bring 'em on : )

Please help me keep the list going.  Thanks everyone!

[bgrimes86]

Hello,

I am currently on the following medications:

1) Atenolol 25mg 2x/day for PVC's and tachycardia. However, I still have high BP.
2) Xanax 1mg 2x/day in addition to .5mg as needed for anxiety.
3) Lexapro 5mg 1x/day for anxiety and depression. However, the depression remains.
4) Prevacid 30mg 1x/day for acid reflux and gastritis.

The Atenolol works wonders on my PVC's and tachycardia, but it makes me so tired.
The Xanax doesn't really help anymore because I've built up a tolerance.
The Lexapro has helped to reduce my PVC's and palpitations, but I think it's giving me high blood pressure.
The Prevacid has helped significantly with my acid reflux, but I don't know about the gastritis.

[MAB22]

I take 25 mg Atenolol for tachycardia.  Side effects have been stated.  However, does anyone take CoQ10?  I have heard that this may be recommended for folks who take beta-blockers and statins.  It is a supplement.  I have read on other spots where a person should not start on CoQ10 without talking to doc about.  From what I understand, these medications can block the body manufacturing CoQ10.  Thank you.

[Momto3]

I am not familiar with how to take CoQ10, but I know there are other people who can help.

Can anyone tell me some of the medications used for treating high cholesterol?    Any that you can think of would be great.  I know so many people taking medication, and it seems they're all on different meds.  Can you guys help me out?  Thanks!!

Also, if you guys can think of other heart medications, can you please add them to the thread?  Thank you so much!  The list is coming along great!!  It will be so nice to have click-of-the-finger access to info on cardio meds.  Hope everyone is enjoying some sunshine today.  Rains have finally stopped for now, maybe more tomorow.  First the drought and now the faucet keeps running...lol

[Momto3]

Hi everyone!

Thanks again for the responses on the medications thread.  I think I may have given the wrong idea about side effects.  Just to clarify, for this thread I'm looking for just the names of medications.  MedHelp hopes to provide quick links to medications we want to know more about.  With so many people being put on cholesterol lowering meds, BP controlling meds, and a myriad of other heart-related medications, they're trying to get an idea of the various medications people are taking.  For those of you who still might like to offer ideas, you just need to list the names.  For example:

Vytorin
Tambacor

As for the side effects, you don't have to list your own sides.  Rather, MH will provide a link to infomation on Vytorin where you will be able to get that informaiton, and much more.

To those of you who have already posted, thanks very much!!

Connie

[ljd]

Hi,

I take Toprol for sinus tachycardia.  When I was switched to the generic Metoprolol succ er, I started getting PVC's.  I would stay away from generic.

[Celeste77]

Hi Connie!

I have a pretty fun little program that is great for researching pharmaceuticals.
Here is the list it brang up for heart disease and arrhythmia's. I'm not sure how thorough it is, but I thought I might list these in case you don't already have some of them.
I noticed some drugs were listed under 2 catagories, so watch for those...

1. Beta Blockers

Acebutolol (Sectral)
Timolol Oral (Blocadren)
Propranolol ER (Betachron ER, Inderal LA, Innopran XL)
Atenolol (Tenormin)
Metoprolol Oral (Lopressor)
Carteolol (Cartrol)
Nadolol (Corgard)
Bisoprolol (Zebeta)
Pindolol (Visken)
Metoprolol ER (Toprol XL)
Propranolol (Inderal)
Bisoprolol (Zebeta)
Betaxolol Oral (Kerlone Oral)

2. Statins for high cholesterol

Niacin (Niacor, Nicolar, Nicotinic Acid)
Colesevelam (Welchol)
Colestipol (Colestid)
Ezetimibe (Zetia)
Ezetimibe and Simvastatin (Vytorin)
Fenofibrate (Micronized) Capsules (Antara, Lofibra)
Gemfibrozil (Lopid)
Fenofibrate Tablets (Tricor, Triglide)
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Lovastatin (Mevacor)
Fluvastatin Extended-Release (Lescol XL)
Fluvastatin (Lescol)
Rosuvastatin (Crestor)
Simvastatin (Zocor)
Lovastatin Extended Release (Altocor, Altoprev)
Pravastatin (Pravachol)

3. Ace inhibitors

Enalapril (Vasotec)
Captopril (Capoten)
Trandolapril (Mavik)
Benazepril (Lotensin)
Moexipril (Univasc)
Fosinopril (Monopril)
Ramipril (Altace)
Perindopril (Aceon)
Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
Quinapril (Accupril)

4. Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

Telmisartan (Micardis)
Eprosartan (Teveten)
Irbesartan (Avapro)
Valsartan (Diovan)
Olmesartan (Benicar)
Candesartan (Atacand)
Losartan (Cozaar)

5. Antiplatelets

Ticlopidine (Ticlid)
Clopidogrel (Plavix)

6. Calcium Channel Blockers

Nifedipine ER (Adalat CC, Afeditab CR, Nifediac CC, Procardia XL)
Bepridil (Vascor)
Felodipine (Plendil)
Nisoldipine (Sular)
Amlodipine (Norvasc)
Nicardipine (Cardene)
Verapamil (Calan, Isoptin)
Diltiazem ER (Cardizem CD, Cardizem LA, Cardizem SR, Cartia XT, Dilacor XR, Diltia XT, Taztia XT, Tiamate, Tiazac)
Isradipine (DynaCirc)
Verapamil Extended-release (Calan SR, Covera-HS, Isoptin SR, Verelan, Verelan PM)
Nicardipine SR (Cardene SR)

7. Combined Alpha and Beta Blockers

Carvedilol (Coreg)
Labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate)

8. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors  

Abciximab Injection (ReoPro)
Eptifibatide (Integrilin)
Tirofiban (Aggrastat)

9. Cardiac Glycosides

Digoxin (Digitek, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin)

10. Diuretics

Triamterene and Hydrochlorothiazide (Dyazide, Maxzide)
Bumetanide (Bumex)
Furosemide (Lasix)
Metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn)
Furosemide Injection (Lasix Injection)
Chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone)
Torsemide Oral (Demadex Oral)
Amiloride and Hydrochlorothiazide (Moduretic)
Hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix, Ezide, HydroDIURIL, Microzide, Oretic)
Indapamide (Lozol)
Triamterene (Dyrenium)
Bumetanide Injection (Bumex Injection)

11. Anti-Arrhythmics

Flecainide (Tambocor)
Ibutilide (Corvert)
Dofetilide (Tikosyn)
Propafenone ER (Rhythmol SR)
Propafenone (Rythmol)
Amiodarone Oral (Cordarone, Pacerone)
Disopyramide (Norpace, Norpace CR)
Quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinora)
Sotalol tablets (Betapace AF) (Betapace AF)

12. Salicylates

Aspirin (ASA, Acetylsalicylic acid, Acuprin, Alka-Seltzer, Ascriptin A/D, Bayer, Bufferin, Easprin, Ecotrin, Empirin, Zorprin)


Hope this helps alittle and your doing well!!

Celeste

[Momto3]

That's an awesome list!!!  Again, THANK YOU to EVERYONE who has contributed so far.  I'm going to keep the list going so if anyone knows of anything else, please chime in at any time!  

Celeste, is the same type of information available for CAD, CHF?
connie

[Celeste77]

Connie,

I believe the drugs listed are for all heart disease...CHF included.
I will double check and see if something else pops up specifically for CAD and CHF, but
I believe the program is geared to track most meds that list a specific word like "heart".
I'm sure there's many other drugs, but my program only covers the older drugs and most popular for last year.

I haven't figured out all the different specialities with this program, but I think it will also search databases for the disease in general, popular treatments, suggestions like diet, etc. and prognosis'. I wish I was more computer literate!

I'll check back tomorrow and let you know if I find anything.

Warm wishes to you and yours!

[Momto3]

DUH!!!!  I just printed the list in its entirety....that'll teach me not to scan too quickly!  Yep, that's a GREAT list of meds for CAD and CHF.  I hope you aren't out there searching...So sorry!!!

Another senior moment : )

[bigkev414]

I take Tenormin for SVT's
Micardis for high BP
Zantac for reflux
Aspirin
Tried Lipitor for cholesterol but it made me ill. Also my 70 year old male friend took it and grew small breasts.(known side affect) Yuk!

[Momto3]

"Also my 70 year old male friend took it and grew small breasts.(known side affect) Yuk!"

This is NOT cool!!  

Thanks for posting about your meds!  

Have a great day!!
connie

[Celeste77]

Connie,

No worries!
I had an emergency come up with my daughter (testing for aneurysm) and wasn't able to get online until today and am so glad the list included the CHF meds, I was feeling like a shiznit for not getting back to you!

Got to love those senior moments! NOT! :)  I'm having lots of those myself lately!

Celeste

[upbeat633]

Acebutalol (sectral) 100mg (half of the prescribed dosage), seems to be breaking the multiple pvc patterns I've developed. If I take the other half later in the day, it seems to reduce the pvc frequency, and actually I've had some pvc free minutes today.!!!!!! Jump for joy. Hoo-ra. I'll take any minute I can get without pvcs.

Plus, I don't feel as fatigued on acebutalol as I did on the other beta-blockers. (that was my main reason for taking the half dose, plus I'm stubborn).

I've got my fingers and toes crossed that this may give me some relief, finally.

I've been told sectral is considered an "old" beta-blocker, my MD didn't even recognize it. Some people have posted their doctors won't prescribe it because it's an older class of beta-blocker. Until I read about sectral on this forum, I wouldn't have known about it. I'm glad this forum exists. Keep up the great work on your medication list/link Connie, you are doing a wonderful service to members here.

[Momto3]

PROGRESS!!!  HOORAY!!!   And, you're awake too : )

At one point, my doctor mentioned Sectral, but I think that's when she decided on Flecainide.  Although there are always new breakthrough, sometimes an old medication works just as well, or better.

Thanks Upbeat!!  

[Cowgirl37]

I have had great success with TOPROL XL 50 MG 1 time a day for PVC's, Bigeminy, Trigeminy, and Couplets.  My pharmacy/insurance plan switched me to the generic in Dec 2007.  I had a horrible 3 months on the generic Metoprolol Succinate ER (by Sandoz).  In summary, these were the symptoms that I had, while on the generic.  They are documented in my medical records:

-Flashing lights and Aura's like a migraine but with no headache to speak of
-Eyeballs ached
-Very blurry vision
-Loud ringing in ears (Tinnitus)
-Tingling and numbness in feet, arms and legs
-Food and pills felt like they were getting stuck in my throat (now I have a hiatal hernia)
-Depression, mood swings, crying
-Memory/word recall was terrible, couldn't think straight
-PVC's 24/7 which made my Blood pressure 85/45
-Fatigue
-16 pound weight loss
-blood sugar was high
-red blood cell count was low
-Developed 12 fibroadenomas in breasts (didn't have any on my prior mammogram)
-Charlie Horse leg and foot cramps at night

I'm happy to report that these symptoms all went away within a month of switching back to "Brand" Toprol XL.  I hope anyone out there (that this might be happening to) recognizes the symptoms.  All generics are NOT THE SAME.  I'm allergic to Penicillin and that could be why the generic affected me so badly???  I don't know, I'm just trying to get the word out.  I know that these PVC's can drive you crazy, I've had them for about 25 years off and on and then I finally found the TOPROL XL.  Keeping my fingers crossed.

I also cut out ALL alcohol, caffeine, sugar, chocolate and almost all stress.:)  I also started taking xanax when I'm really having a lot of PVC's and it seems to work for me along with Gatorade for electrolytes and no caffeine.  I was scheduled to go into the hospital to be put on Tekosyn (that's how bad they were when I was on the generic metoprolol), then I found some of my old TOPROL XL and within 2 hours my heart was back to normal rhythm.  It did take about a month to fully recover though.        

[Momto3]

GREAT information.  I think some people are fine with the generics, but not everyone (as you can personally attest to).  When propanolol was first marketed as a generic, my cardio insisted I stick with the brand name....worked great for me!

It's so great to hear how well you are doing!!  Hope it continues!!

connie

[Momto3]

Just wanted to let everyone know that I sent a list of medications to MedHelp.  It is my understanding that they will incorporate the medications into a Health Page for easy reference.  Will keep you posted when I hear more.

Thanks again!!

connie

[Momto3]

Please take a few minutes to check out the new Health Page with common cardiac medications!  Thank you all so much for your contributions!  Celeste, your list was great (as you'll see).....thanks again everyone!

If anyone has any medication(s) they'd like to add, please let me know and I'll advise MH.

Connie