medication & excercise

[roadie6571]

I finally received the results from my uptake scan and the conclusion was that my thyroid issues stems from Graves Disease.  The medication I have been given is an anti-thyroid called methimazole 15mg.  Before the lab results came back an internal medicine doc had prescribed the beta blocker Propranaolo 80 mg but I stopped taking after a week because I was feeling groggy.  I have been cleared by my endo to resume moderate excercise as long as I keep an eye on my heart rate.  I have only been on the anti-thyroid med for about a week so the thyroid hasnt really normalized and my heart rate still got pretty high during my last physical activity (190 bpm).  Would I be ok to start back the beta blocker while I am taking the anti-thyroid?  I am willing to be a little tired if the beta blocker will control my heart rate so that I can race agin.  

[orndoc]

A related discussion, excess weight gain after taking antithyroid meds was started.

[sweetnjubie]

My endo suggested taking the beta-blocker before going to bed at night, I have just began taking Tapazole and Atenol, it has only been a week but I am feeling a slight bit better. See if taking it before bed helps, she also has me only taking half a pill, maybe talking to your doctor about the dosage will help.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Yes - we usually use beta blockers and tapazole together until the thyroid levels out then taper off the beta blocker.  A lower dose of propanolol may work better for you -- ie 20-40mg, with the option of taking an additional 20mg as needed for high heart rate, etc.