Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Metoprolol or verapamil


I have inappropriate sinus tachycardia and uni- focal pvcs. I am a  35 year old female.
The tach is induced by simply standing up or putting on my clothes. The pvcs occur at nearly 20,000 a day, I am incredibly symptomatic and I feel every one. I have been on atenolol, it helped the tachycardia but not the pvcs. I am currently taking nothing to treat my issues.
I have been told I have PCOS and POTS.
I do notice some (very) short term alleviation of symptoms with magnesium, B12, even sodium.

My doctor thinks the pvcs originate from the right outflow tract near the pulmonary branch and suggested I take either verapamil or metoprolol (the doctor says it is hit or miss and told me to take what I want.)
I am terrified to take anything that could make things worse as I can barely handle my symptoms now.
Verapamil can apparently cause asystole, heart block, proarrhythmias. I am also concerned because sitting down induces pvcs so an even slower heart rate as a result of medication could be an issue.
According to echo and monitoring I have a healthy heart but I am terrified to act on this with meds at this point. I was prescribed pindolol and ended up in the emergency room with a fast  heart rate coupled with bigeminy.
Any advice would be appreciated.
.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
771913 tn?1343331188
I just had open heart surgery to remove a myxoma and they sent my home taking 25mg of Metoprolol (half in the morning and half in the evening) I had some problems with afib and they have upped it to 100mg a day 50 in the morning and 50 at night. For the first few days I was very tired and didn't want to do anyting but now I am getting better. I stayed out for almost 6 hours running around with my wife and kids yesterday. Although it was not very taxing I was still out of the house and off the couch for a few hours. I have not notices any side effects with it other than the tiredness the first few days. Hope this helps.
Helpful - 0
116881 tn?1189755823
I feel for you.  I have about 4000 per day and to have 5 times as many would be debilitating.  Try the metoprolol.  I was afraid to take it too and decided I would take a 1/2 of one to see how I did.  I did fine so I upped to he whole.  I really dont notice any side effects at all and Im one of those freaks that monitors for every little side effect.  this reallyhad none.  I actually look forward to taking it because it does slow your heart rate down a little -- not a lot to where it would bother you -- and it does actuallyhelp with anxiety because it eats up the adrenaline surge you get with the scary skipping.  Try a low dose to start.  It hink youll be fine.  
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Heart Rhythm Community

Top Arrhythmias Answerers
1807132 tn?1318743597
Chicago, IL
1423357 tn?1511085442
Central, MA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Are there grounds to recommend coffee consumption? Recent studies perk interest.
Salt in food can hurt your heart.
Get answers to your top questions about this common — but scary — symptom
How to know when chest pain may be a sign of something else
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.