Carvedilol belongs to a class of medications known as "beta blockers." Patients who have suffered a heart attack and/or with known coronary artery disease should be on a beta blocker of some sort. Cavedilol is just one of many different types of beta blockers which also has some effects on lowering blood pressure as well as being an important medication for those with a history of heart failure. However, there are many other beta blockers that can be utilized such as metoprolol or atenolol.
thanks for the suggestion about lipitor - I will discuss as well. I have driven my total Chol down to about 110 and LDL to about 50 by diet (plant based and no oils), in combination with the lipitor and it seems it would be logical to test coming of the 5 mg lipitor for a short period and see if there is an effect on the upper back pain and also check lipids to assess how much of my change is due to lipitor vs diet.
But at this point making sure the tinnitus doesn't get worse is a major concern as it has changed significantly for the worse, and also getting to the bottom of the rapid heart beat in the middle of the night.
In going back over the side effects of coreg I also noticed that sexual function can be affected as well, and that seems to be yet another negative change for me.
I am a patient, not a doctor, but due to high blood fats, I have been prescribed a number of different statins such as lipitor, and I am among the unfortunate people who always develop muscle pains in the arms, shoulders, and back on these drugs.
You might want to ask your MD about this, as it might relate to your back pain.