Change of medication

[joycalpat]

Hello everyone

The cardiologist has changed my medication for AF from Sotalol to Bisoprolol. It has only been for five days but I don't feel as well as usual. Has anybody else had the same experience?

[Annekw]

Hi joycalpat, I have been on Bisoprapol 18 months,my first dose was 2.5mgs but my GP reduced the dose to 1.25mgs after 10days as I felt so tired and lethargic! Hope this helps ( some people can take a higher does with no problems )

[BobD Volunteer]

Sotalol is no longer recommended for treatment of AF so bisoprolol is the current fall back drug. It does make many people feel like zombies so do discuss with your doctor.

[Delle in reply to BobD]

On Sotalol 80 mg twice a day since AF diagnosed in June...was good for 2 months but since September been virtually housebound..GP wants me off Sotalol and started on Bisoprolol.

I've never felt so ill, spending most of my life lying on my bed, exhausted, plus vertigo.

Since September been in permanent AF, I believe that Sotalol can have this effect....just waiting for discussions between Cardiologist and GP to take me off the life sapping Sotalaol...assuming that IS the cause...as it it I have no life at all.

[Bauldy]

I was diagnosed with af at Easter and was already on bisoprolol for a previous heart problem, I was taken of that and put on sotolal and ramipril .

I still have bad af episodes but I am waiting for a ablation, I think medication is prescribed with individual needs taken in and weighed results v side affects .

[CDreamer]

Yes, refused to take it. Gave me brain fog, was breathless all the time and felt pretty dreadful. The only positive was that it stabilised my BP, I had very low BP which would drop alarmingly - so both ways - with or without it I felt dreadful but eventually decided that feeling bad with very low BP when in AF was far preferable than feeling bad all of the time.

There is no therapeutic reason for taking any of these rate or rythm drugs other than improving quality of life so if it doesn't improve your QOL why would you want to take it was my reasoning.

[Delle in reply to CDreamer]

Totally agree CDreamer

[Hidden]

Go back to your GP and inform him/her of your symptoms it might be your body adjusting to this medication - get yourself checked out to stop you worrying as negative thoughts on medications can also play a part.

Maggie

[joycalpat]

Thanks for all of your comments and advice. I feel breathless a lot of the time as if I am having a panic attack and have a fast heart rate. I saw the doctor this morning and he thinks I should double the dose. Why are they no longer recommending Sotalol for AF Bob? Pat

[CDreamer in reply to joycalpat]

Because Sotolol, which is a half breed rate / rhythm control drug, also has the effect of slowing or even pausing the ventricles which can cause serious problems for some people with lone AF, although I understand it is used for people with more complex issues. It came off the NICE approved drugs for AF a few years ago.

What is your resting heart rate i.e. When you wake in the mornings and before you get out of bed? Anything between 60-90 is considered normal and if you are very fit the below 60 would be normal for you.

Relaxtion, breathing and mindfulness or meditation may really help you as it sounds as though your autonomic system is on high alert.

[joycalpat]

Thankyou Cdreamer

I have just taken my pulse rate, having been out of bed for 3 hours and it is 68 (regular). with bp 101/64.

Whereas yesterday at the same time it was 107 and the monitor said it was irregular. It has been irregular every day since seeing the cardiologist and changing from Sotalol. I am taking on board that my autonomic system could be as you say on high alert, I really will have to find a strategy to avoid extreme anxiety. I do listen to a mindfulness tape and try to control my breathing but sometimes everything becomes difficult. Thankyou so much for explaining why sotalol is out of favour.