Recent AF diagnosis

[chipsviccars]

Prescribed Apixaban and Bisoprolol. The Doctor says it's the Bisoprolol that makes me tired and lacking in energy. Is this a common experience?

[Bauldy]

That seems to be the way it goes .....

I am on 10mg of bisopropol and definitely makes me tired

[Hidden]

Hello chipviccars and welcome to the forum. It's more than likely the doctor is right. Bisoprolol is the possibly the only betablocker GP's can prescribe without input from a cardiologist and whilst some people cope OK, the number of posts we get here seem to suggest that many don't. Some say the side effects reduce in time, but many pursue alternatives of which there are many, but generally that has to be done through seeing a specialist. Obviously, we don't know what you know about AF and the various treatment options, but I would urge you to check out all the information available on the AF Association webpages and then ask to be referred to an Electrophysiologist (EP) who is a Cardiologist who specialises in arrythmias. That will take time, and you may decide to initially have a private consultation but it is probably the best way to pursue a treatment plan specific to your needs.......hope this helps, John

[CaroleF]

I also take bisoprolol and apixaban. Initially I took one 2.5mg dose of bisoprolol a day and had all sorts of unwanted side effects (freezing cold hands, legs feeling leaden, walking felt like wading through treacle, fatigue and no energy - oh and weight gain too) At that time I hadn't started the apixaban so it was definitely the bisoprolol in my case.

I hated the b***** bisoprolol so much I persuaded the GP to let me stop taking it but a blue light ambulance trip to A&E a few months later with a HR of 200+ forced me to change my mind.

Now I take 2x 1.25mg bisoprolol a day (having picked up the idea of of splitting the dose from someone on here). The GP agreed to that and I must say that although I do still quite often feel tired I no longer feel as 'zombified' as I did before.

Maybe that would work for you too? Worth asking your GP anyway.

[Mazdavi]

I'm on 10mg of Bisoprolol and 10mg of Apixiban I get very tired I work but even light household tasks exhaust me to the point I've had to reduce my working hours going up and down stairs leaves me breathless I have to abalations in less than a year

[CDreamer]

Yes very common and why many, many people refuse to take it. After having a row with a cardiologist who wanted to prescribe it for me and then speaking to my EP there is no reason for it.

It does seem to suit some people and help fast AF but as all drug treatments are to improve QOL - if a drug makes you feel worse - personally I don't see the logic of continuing BUT do not stop suddenly and DO return to your GP and seek alternative treatments.

HVe you read the information on drug treatments on the AFA site? If not, suggest you do so you can have an informed discussion with your GP.

[Hidden]

I couldn't take Bisoprolol, I felt 30 years older and was clearly going to loose all fitness not being able to even walk properly. Even on a small dose, my heart rate went down into the 40's and sometimes 30's. Normally I'm in the 80's + !!

Similar to CDreamer , I've had both a GP and a cardiologist prescribe it on two different occasions, but my EP took me off it and onto other drugs.

But we're different and many people obviously cope well with it as you can read on this forum.

But whatever drug, I'd want mine prescribed by a specialist, not a general cardio or doctor.

Koll

[doodle68]

I don't understand why Bisoprolol is so widely prescribed when the side effects seem to affect so many people . Nice has approved other BBs for the specific treatment of AF alone and with related conditions. I take Nebivolol which is on the list and doesn't seem to have the same side effects, it does costs a few pence more per tablet than Bisoprolol though.

NICE approved AF BBs include...

[Quote=NICE] Atenolol, acebutolol, metoprolol, nadolol, oxprenolol, and propranolol are licensed to treat atrial fibrillation (AF)

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) does not specify which beta-blocker should be used to treat AF. The choice of beta-blocker will usually depend on the person's comorbidities, local policy, and cost. The following recommendations are based on practical advice]

cks.nice.org.uk/atrial-fibr...

[AllyAF]

I too take Bisoprolol and have done for over 3 years. I do get tired sand have to pace myself. But waiting for an ablation which hopefully means I get eventually get off some of the drugs I take. But I have to say that being a little bit tired is much better than having a heart that slips into AF and really makes me feel awful. Good luck with your ongoing treatment.

[Maggimunro]

It is the price and the 'go to' beta blocker for the NHS. Made me feel like I was in a permanent state of exhaustion. I too was taken back into hospital by ambulance and the wretched pill was dropping my heart rate down into the low 40's, so I kept setting off the ECG machines, which irritated the nurses on duty who promptly turned off the alarm. In my opinion taking Bisprolol is far worse than the occassional 'events' of exhaustion brought on by the PAF.