Increased palpitations with Bisoprolol - Atrial Fibrillati...

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Increased palpitations with Bisoprolol

Pikaia profile image
7 Replies

Hi all, I've recently started on 1.25mg bisoprolol, changing from 120mg Diltiazem. I appreciate I'm still perhaps settling down onto this (it's only been a week), but I'm experiencing far more palpitations (and stronger) with bisoprolol than diltiazem.

Has anyone else had this problem? Do I just need to increase the dose over time?

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Pikaia
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7 Replies
CaroleF profile image
CaroleF

Can't possibly comment on what you ought to do other than say, "Go back to the person who prescribed this for you", but 1.25 Bisoprolol is a very low dose.

I take 1.25 twice a day and don't have the problem you mention, but I wouldn't be changing the dosage without consulting my GP.

Hope things settle for you soon.

BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

WE can not and should not comment on drugs so please go back to your medical team for advice.

Mike11 profile image
Mike11

Why did you make the change ? Was the effect of Diltiazem wearing off ?

You need to go back to your consultant and ask, but I would say that 120mg of Diltiazem is a little stronger than 1.25mg of bisoprolol.

cuore profile image
cuore

When I first got atrial flutter, I was prescribed metoprolol, which like bisoprolol, is a beta blocker. From having no palpitations at all, I got severe palpitations on metoprolol, as well as other negative side effects. When I went back to my GP, I told him that I refused to take it anymore.

Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker.

I suggest you have your caregiver explain the difference between the two and especially why you changed from a beta blocker to a calcium channel blocker.

If you are already having palpitations, definitely do not increase the dose on your own.

CatAnn profile image
CatAnn

Yup me too. Had to stop taking it.

Pikaia profile image
Pikaia

Thanks for your replies guys. I'm seeing my GP today.

Pikaia profile image
Pikaia in reply to Pikaia

Hi all,

A quick update. My GP has given me the once over and thinks I should increase the bisoprolol to 2.5mg, with an aim to titrate up to 5mg in a few weeks. He hypothesises that the palpitations are break-through AF events as the bisoprolol is too low.

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