Bisoprolol and muscle weakness

[Tessybear]

I’m two and a half years past my first ablation, and all has been well for a while now regarding AF. I’ve noticed over the last few months that my muscle strength has diminished, and things I used to do without a problem have now become a strain. I’ve been on bisoprolol for about three years now, and wonder whether this could be responsible. I’m quite an active person, so I’m finding this weakness rather difficult. Has anyone else experienced this?

[CDreamer]

Any particular muscle group?

There are quite a few conditions which may cause muscle weakness Which beta blockers can exacerbate but I don’t know of weakness as a side effect - fatigue yes.

Any other symptoms? Maybe a good idea to mention to your GP.

[Hidden]

Probably unlikely, but have started any new medication recently such as statins?

[Tessybear in reply to Hidden]

No I’m not on statins. I take candesartan for BP and rivaroxaban.

[NannyChickens]

Yes I am the same. I have been on bisoprolol for about 18 years. My weight has increased and muscle strength decreased. I had put the weakness down to age as I am 70 next month but will discuss with my cardiologist

[Polski]

I found L-Carnitine made me stronger, but not if one eats lots of meat. I had been on a low meat diet for a long time before I got weak, and it really helped. Be careful though, I have since discovered that it can lower one's thyroid output.

[Silver40]

Have you considered that rivaroxaban could be the culprit? I started noticing lower leg muscle weakness shortly after starting Apixaban . After a few months I changed to Rivaroxaban with no improvement. It's my understanding that these two anticoagulants work in a similar way. Although muscle weakness isn't mentioned in the UK patient info it is flagged up on some websites.

Some general weakness I thought could be down to ageing, but the jelly legs are a whole new experience!

Neither my GP nor my local cardiologist seem to have the info. I'm now pinning my hopes on my EP consultation in June.

I am very fortunate to have been in normal sinus rhythm for over a year now. But coping with medication side effects is a major problem for me.

Here's hoping we eventually find some answers tessybear!

I'll follow this thread with interest.

Keep well

Val silver40

[Tessybear in reply to Silver40]

Thanks for your thoughts Silver 40. Yes I have considered this. I only suggest Bisoprolol as the culprit because it is listed on the info as a possible side effect. Do let me know how you get on, and if you find any positive answers!

[tamjg]

Yes, I have had the same problem.. I have been on this for years and had recently went off my statin medicine and still am having muscle weakness and cramping and spasms..

[Auriculaire in reply to tamjg]

Not everybody sees an improvement in their muscle problems straight away when they go off statins. Sometimes it takes several months. Some people never see any improvement. Try taking a Co enzyme Q 10 supplement. This enzyme is made in the liver but as we age we make less. It is essential for conversion of food into energy. Unfortunately it is made on the same pathway in the liver as cholesterol and statins block this as well as cholesterol production. Lack of this is thought to be implicated in the muscle pain and weakness many people experience on statins. The drug companies know this - indeed have always known. Merck got a patent to put Q10 in with their first statin but no one else was bothering and it would have made their product more expensive so they did not bother either. After all what is patient discomfort compared to profit?

[Lj2018]

I have noticed markedly increasing joint and muscle pain and weakness I'm on 10 of bisoprolol a day I'm only 48 I thought I was going crazy

[Mjltazz]

On two months now. And weakness in arms and legs and ankles. Feels like flu aches consent. So uncomfortable. Anyone else dizzy or spaced out feeling. On 2.5mg now. Was way up to 10 but struggled to breath on it.

[Auriculaire]

I could not tolerate more than .65 mg of Bisoproplol. I now take Nebivolol which I tolerate better especially as far as breathing is concerned.