COPD and nebulizer

[ginnyc]

I was recently diagnosed with COPD. I am using oxygen in addition to a Nebulizer four times per day. The oxygen is very helpful, but the use of the Nebulizer has made me feel worse. I develop a very rapid heart rate with the first use of the day along with extreme weakness. I don't feel well all day because I can't recover from the pounding heart rate and weakness before another session with Nebulizer is due. The two medications used in the Nebulizer are: Xopenx 1.25 mg and Ipratropium Bromide 0.02%.

ginnyc

[bhups1]

Hi, fast heart rate is due to Xopenex. Initially, use of this drug is associated with this side effect but over a period of time, tolerance usually develops. In case if you have a pre exisiting heart disease, please avoid this drug.

Consult you treating doctor to lower the dose or frequency, other alternative is sustained release deriphylline tablets.

[Sunny602]

Hi... I see that you are getting that four times a day. My doc prescribes that med for every 6 to 8 hours, not every 4 hours. I wonder if that is why you are having so much trouble. Xopenex isn't supposed to make your heart race as much..I am on Xopenex after my doc switched me from albuterol due to my heart arrhythmias (albuterol made them much worse) and it has been much better for me as long as I dont take it more than 3 times a day.
Also, Atrovent (Ipatropium bromide) can cause a rapid heart rate too.
TAlk to your doc about your symptoms, there should be something he or she can do to help minimize your symptoms (even change them...sometimes it takes a bit of tweaking to get the right mix)
I hope this helps...I am not a doctor but have been through playing with medications, switching and changing them until I could both breathe and have less of those symptoms as well. Sunny