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 😊
Bisoprolol withdrawal : Hello, I was... - British Heart Fou...
Bisoprolol withdrawal
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.
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.
Thank you 😊 I've spoken to my GP and that's my plan going forward. We'll see how it goes! 🙂🤞
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.
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
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!
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 . ☺️
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.??
How are you? Did you manage to get out of Bisoprolol?