Weaning off of beta blockers

[iamfaithful]

Long time no post!  I needed someone to help me out with this issue I am having.  If you read the anxiety post I am sorry because I posted the same thing there.

I have been weaning off of my beta blockers for a LONG time now.  My cardio's office has a new PA and she told me the amount I was taking was really nothing at all (12.5 mg every other day) and I could just stop if I wanted to.  I was too nervous to do that so I am now on 6.25 every other day.  I have been feeling panicky lately.  The first week I started it I wasn't bothered, but lately I am having like small panic attacks.  Today it seems really bad!  I feel like I could just fall over any second.  I keep telling myself that it is ALL IN MY HEAD, but I am just getting a little nervous.  My heart palps haven't been that bad, but I can feel myself on the verge of a full blown attack and I haven't had one of those in over a year.  Am I crazy?

[Jerry_NJ]

I agree with the "new PA", 12.5 mg to 0.0 mg should not have any noticeable side effects.
But, people are different, my experience may not apply to many... I have gone from 200 mg a day down to 100 mg and then down to 50 mg in only a few days.  I have also gone from 50 mg to 0 mg without any problems.  I'm on 50 mg right now.

Try to put it out of your mind, that's what my experience suggests.

[andrew0099]

Sorry, I am beginning my beta blocker medication on Monday.  Why are people eager to reduce or stop their beta blocker medication?  Do they cause bothersome side effects?

[iamfaithful]

I have been on the beta blocker for almost 2 years now because of heart palps.  And all the doctors tell me the cause of the palps are anxiety so......I  just don't want to continue taking meds for the rest of my life if at all possible.

But now It seems that my blood pressure wants to rise on me.  I have NEVER had pressure problems until all this anxiety started-go figure.  But that is another post :-)

Well thanks Jerry.  I really do think it is in my mind, but I have to come here from time to time to get reasurrence.  I am to afriad (I depend on them in a way) to cut them out completely.  But I know the amount I am taking AND it being every other day probabl isn't doing much at all.  It's almost like a babysitter.

[jkfrench]

My doctor also told me I was on a dose similiar to a homopathic dose it is so low.  I don't know what beta blocker you are on, but I take 6.5mg of atenelol every evening.  He told me that wouldn't hurt me at all if I wanted to take it the rest of my life.  He also told me if I wanted to stop I could just stop.  I'm sure all beta blockers are different but if you are taking atenelol you are not feeling withdrawl from it.  That dose is just too small.
Maybe as you already know from your comment above that you are feeling anxiety because that pill was kind of like a "security blanket" in keeping your ectopics at bay.  
It is amazing how fast our anxiety hormones can resensitize our body isn't it!  I think we are just some of the lucky people that have excessive amounts of adrenaline in our bodies and need something to help keep it quiet.
Be well
Frenchie

[Soopster]

Frenchie,

Does the 6.5mg of atenelol help with your PVC's?

Lori

[jkfrench]

Hi Lori~
Yes it worked really well for me for 20 years.  I just bumped it up to 1/2 of the pill due to peri menapause and hormones.
Jodie  

[Jerry_NJ]

As with most (all?) medications "less is better", none is best.  That's the way I look at it.

As far as beta blockers are concerned, yes they do have side effects ranging from decreased sexual capacity in males to dizziness/light-headed ... of course how much depends on the individual and the dose.  I have few if any problems with 50 mg of Toprol SR (or Metoprolol ER), but 100 mg or more starts to give me problems.

[iamfaithful]

I am on 6.25 of metoprolol-I know I didn't spell that right- every OTHER day.  Yep, it is a security blanket.  I especially feel like I need it when my hormones are acting up.  Ugh, what's a girl to do.  I hope to be off of them perhaps by the spring.

I am beginning an exercise routine also.  So that has me a bit edgy.  My thoughts are constantly "what if's."  I am trying though.  One foot in front of the other, day by day.  

Thanks for all of your responses!

[Wisconsin2007]

Give yourself permission to start nice and slow.  Stretch, do a slow ramp up to your activity, and a nice, long cool-down period.  Several years ago my wife bought me a Polar heart monitor - the kind that straps around your chest and transmits to a watch.  I found that to be really useful and comforting when exercising - you can manage exactly how much effort you put out by watching your heart rate.

For me on the treadmill, once I'm at about 30 minutes of going the same speed and same HR, my heart rate will ever so slowly start to climb - I let it go up to a certain point, then start decreasing the speed just a tad to bring the HR back into the range I want.  It really affords you lots of control over your heart rate which lends a lot to your peace of mind.

You can find them online and at probably any sporting goods store in your area.

Just an idea to help get you started.  

You can do it.

[iamfaithful]

Thanks so much for the encouragement.  I am currently walking/using the eliptical and I really do enjoy it.  My heart rate usually gets up to 133 or so and I am fine.  What I am really shooting towards is starting to run again.  I know that is going to take a while, but at least I am thinking about it.  There was a time when I wouldn't even walk around my house fast because I was so fearful.  Boy what these palps can do to a persons mind!