Bisoprolol withdrawal : Hello, I was... - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

54,282 members33,964 posts

Bisoprolol withdrawal

Spj57 profile image
14 Replies

Hello, I was wondering if anyone with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation has had any problems with bisoprolol withdrawal? Bisoprolol made me feel terrible with a low resting heart rate so my cardiologist told me I could stop taking it daily right away and use as a pill in the pocket. I've been feeling really shaky and unwell since but it was better after about a week. Unfortunately I then had another episode of atrial fibrillation and had to take two more doses. I've been feeling horrible again since then and I have been wondering if I get AF approx every two weeks, will I never get it out of my system in between? I will call my doctor today but has anyone else had anything similar? Thank you 😊

Written by
Spj57 profile image
Spj57
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
14 Replies
tealdozer profile image
tealdozer

When I was first diagnosed with PAF I was also put on Bisoprolol (2.5mg daily) but, like you, felt dreadful on it and eventually my GP agreed to change it. I then tried flecainide but that did absolutely nothing for my AF so I was then put on Diltiazem (120mg daily) and that made a big difference but found I needed a higher dosage (180mg daily) which has, for the last 3 months, totally controlled my AF. Some people cope fine on bisoprolol, some on flecainide, it seems to be a case of keep pestering your GP until you find the right medication for you. Good luck.

scentedgardener profile image
scentedgardener

You could try tapering off, change to 1.25 mg daily, then start leaving off one a week, the 2 a week, then every other day, and so on. You might find that works better for you.

Spj57 profile image
Spj57 in reply toscentedgardener

Thank you 😊 I've spoken to my GP and that's my plan going forward. We'll see how it goes! 🙂🤞

scentedgardener profile image
scentedgardener in reply toSpj57

Good luck. I went from 2.5 mg to 1.25 mg straight away, but with no problems, but we're all different. The smaller dose suits me much better, although I have to be careful if I take an extra one as a PIP, it really lowers my blood pressure then.

Ruiter profile image
Ruiter in reply toSpj57

Hello Spj57

I am currently on bisoprolol (2.5mg) and am feeling light headed, breathless and suddenly suffer from severe anxiety, which I have never experienced before in my 64years!

So I am interested to hear what your 'tapering off' plan was after all? And how have you been since then?

Looking forward to your reply. Take care

Spj57 profile image
Spj57 in reply toRuiter

Still on it, I'm afraid 😔 I had a rough time over Christmas with episodes more frequently so wasn't able to taper off. Now I take 1.25 in the morning and 1.25 late afternoon which feels OK. It doesn't stop the AF though I am up to 15 days today without it. I'm on a waiting list for an ablation in six months. Sorry I couldn't be more help!

Ruiter profile image
Ruiter in reply toSpj57

Im so sorry to read that you had a rough time and hope and pray that you will receive the treatment you need as soon as possible. Thankyou for replying.

Sniggetts profile image
Sniggetts

When I was initially diagnosed with PAF a year ago I was started on 2.5 bisoprolol, I felt absolutely dreadful & it didn’t settle the AF episodes so a lower dose wasn’t an option.The cardiologist swapped me to diltiazem so that I could at least function, but that alone didn’t halt the daily episodes until flecanide was added in twice daily , apparently they both work well together.

I’ve not looked back since & I’m back to my bouncy old self again ( almost ) .

Do have a chat with a cardiologist… mine is an AF specialist. Eventually it will come back an ablation may be needed but happy as I am for now .

Let us know how you get on . ☺️

Spj57 profile image
Spj57 in reply toSniggetts

Thank you, that's encouraging 🙂 I am tired, feel heavy in my chest and very shaky, like internal tremors. It's not much fun and I can't function at all. I'll try to get to speak to someone x

Jetcat profile image
Jetcat

Hi spj. I was always under the impression we have to be slowly taken off it.? That’s what makes doctor told me anyway, unless things have changed.??

Spj57 profile image
Spj57 in reply toJetcat

That's what I would have thought and why I did specifically ask the cardiologist. But she told me to just stop🤔

SC81 profile image
SC81

How are you? Did you manage to get out of Bisoprolol?

Spj57 profile image
Spj57 in reply toSC81

No I'm afraid not but I'm down to 1.25 a day and up to 5mg when I have an episode. I'm scheduled for an ablation in 10 days though so maybe I can stop after that!

SC81 profile image
SC81 in reply toSpj57

At least it's at a lower dose. You will see that you will succeed. it will go well

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Bisoprolol withdrawal

Hi, I'm Beater, I'm 11 months out from aortic valve replacement and bypass. I was on metoprolol...
Beater profile image

Change Bisoprolol Timing

Hi I had a cardiac ablation for Atrial Fibrillation almost 10 years ago which worked really well....

Anyone having increasing bisoprolol withdrawal?

After weaning off bisoprolol, I had some anxiety symptoms: edginess, jitteriness, nervousness,...
Dogmom419 profile image

Bisoprolol side effects

Hi all I've had paroxysmal fibrillation for a year now and 6 weeks ago put on low dose 1.25mg...
RM101 profile image

Bisoprolol side effects

I've been on Bisoprolol for 6 weeks and my physical health seems to have worsened, along with my...
Ruiter profile image

Moderation team

See all
HUModerator profile image
HUModeratorAdministrator
Luke_BHF profile image
Luke_BHFPartner
Amy-BHF profile image
Amy-BHFPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.