BYSTOLIC 10MG

[CURIOUS12B]

I have had HBP uncontrolled for over 7yrs which caused the left side of my heart to become enlarged. I now see a cardiologist and he has tried all kinds of medications and just recently decided to prescribe BYSTOLIC 10 MG to take along with my daily dosage of 300/25 mg AVALIDE. I am 40 yrs old ..African American Female and I was told that since I am black, I would need to take medication for the rest of my life to treat my condition. Since taking the Bystolic, I do not have an increase in my heart rate (which by the way seems abnormal to me) especially when I am active. I recently engaged in a long duration of sexual activity and my heart beat continued as if I was at rest. Also, I have gained 12lbs in 2 1/2 mths with no change in eating habits. My legs have increased in size and my ankles swell when I am cooking or just doing household chores. I do not have an active metabolism and this worries me. Maybe the dosage is too much. I understand that I needed to be treated aggresively, however this is causing other health problems. I now am more depresessed due to the unexpected weight gain and I am contemplating weight loss surgery since the weight is not coming off as it did before. Also with the weight gain, I am experiencing extreme tiredness with shortness of  breath. Are these signs that I need to be taken off the BYSTOLIC? It seems the medication is causing more damage to the rest of my body and would weightloss surgery be the best option for me? PLEASE HELP...I FEEL LIKE GIVING UP! DAILY!!!

[Cleveland Clinic]

I suggest that you speak to your doctor about these concerns. It may be too much bystolic for you, since there are two kinds of people that metabolize this medication differently. I usually do not prescribe this medication or avelide since they are much more expensive than other medications which have been shown to have as good if not better cardiac protective effects.
You are correct that you need to control your blood pressure: this is paramount in decreasing the risk of progression of heart failure or incidence of heart attacks. However, it seems as if a medication change is in order here. But, because your symptoms may not be entirely due to the medication, you should see your doctor who can evaluate you symptoms best.