What are your side effects of beta blockers?

[sugarpea013]

I'm curious about this. I started almost two weeks ago taking beta blockers to control my inappropriate sinus tachycardia. It has been a miracle drug for me, and I'm regreting that I didn't give it a shot earlier. I went 2 months trying to control it on my own and finally gave in after a not so good EKG. Anywho, I'm on a very low dose; 12.5 mg of metoprolol in the am. The docs want me to work up to 50 mg in the am and 50 in the pm. But I honestly don't think I will go beyond 25 mg in the am and maybe 12.5 in the evening as this dose has already worked lots of magic on me.

Now to my question (man I like to ramble) what are your side effects to beta blockers. Or if you are on calcium channel blockers feel free to chime in as well. How long have you been taking the meds? Are they still as effective as when you began taking them? Did any of the side effects get better/worse over time?

Thanks so much you guys, I can't tell you how much I love this forum!!!

[sugarpea013]

So what time do ya'll time the meds the ones who take it twice a day?

[Kestra]

I take Toprol XL (Metoprolol) 25mg 2x daily for arrhythmia, and it works extraordinarily well.  Prior to this beta blocker, I had terrible experiences with several others including Atenolol which is known for its mildness.

It's difficult for me to discern the side effects I experience from this medication since I am also on a couple others, but some side effects include: sleepiness, mild anxiety, low blood pressure, moderate weight gain, musculoskeletal pain, loss of appetite, and slight exacerbation of preexisting asthma.  Most side effects improved over time, except anxiety which became worse over time.

`Kestra

[Momto3]

I took beta blockers (Inderal) on/off from 1982 until I think, around 2002.  It worked really well for a long time.  However, after taking it for long periods of time, it tended to lose its effectiveness.  For whatever reason, taking a break from the RX seemed to help.  Eventually, I took them "as needed" rather than daily.  I was told that Inderal can also help with anxiety, so it was a good medication for me.    

Initially, the BB made me very sleepy, but that feeling went away after I adjusted to the dose.  Today, I rarely take Inderal, but when I need it, it still works.

Good luck!  Hope you have continued success with the RX!!

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

ive been on a bate blocker since i was 23 if not for them not sure where i would be, i startedtaking it because i was having really fast heart beat, than the pac/pvc came on . it has been great for me i am on the same bb i was on at 25 its timolol it has not worn off and i have never had to increase it , now i still have palps and now and than a fast heart but not a big deal, now when i get pac they last 9-10 weeks i dont like that and the med seems not to work so well but after they calm down go away am good for months tried to switch to the one your on but was way to stronge for me cause me to be really tired real low heart rate than real fast when wearing off, and gave me a up-set stomack so i didnt eat lost 21 pds in 3 weeks, now it did stop mt pac i loved that but could not deal with the rest of the systems, so back to my reg. but am ok with it . glad its working for you . what ever works stay on it and i see no reason why you have to up it, if its working at that amount. have a great day . barbara

[sugarpea013]

I guess I could have answered my own question since I'm being nosey ;-)

Like I said I've been taking 12.5 mg in the am. I'm extremely sensitive to meds so this dose has been great for me to start out with. Friday it will be 2 weeks. I noticed that I get thirsty quicker, and have had some bouts of dizziness. Sometimes I feel fatigued, but heck with the hectic life I live I can't tell you what's causing what. I'm so thankful for this medicine though because it's allowing me to get on with my life. For a while my illness was defining me, now I'm kicking it's butt!