Bisoprolol

[Pammie9]

Hello

I joined ghis group because I have started taking bisoprolol but have bad side effects as it has lactose which does not agree with me. I would like to know if I can take something else to replace bisoprolol? Thanks

[pottypete1]

Unfortunately we are not medically trained.

Bisoprolol is a powerful beta blocker and you must seek the advice of your medical practitioner regarding what to do about the bad side effects you are experiencing.

Pete

[CDreamer]

Bisoprolol is normally the drug of first choice but many, many people have great intolerance to it & yes - there are other drugs but you will need to talk to your prescribing doctor.

Just put Bisoprolol in the search engine to see just how many people are so much happier on other drugs. For me it was the drug from hell but some people find it helpful.

[Pammie9 in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks

[Pammie9 in reply to Pammie9]

Thanks

[Hidden]

hi Pammie, Pete is right, we are unable to recommend drugs but given your question I think we can say that there are alternative betablockers available and some (me included) opted to take calcium channel blockers which, like some betablockers suit some patients and not others. We hear from many members that they experience unpleasant side effects from using bisoprolol but sometimes there are reasons for that. Ideally, patients should be started on the minimum dose 1.25 mgs which is sometimes increased gradually until it produces optimum results for controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Bisoprolol is a very effective drug and works well for many, but it does take a while before the body adapts so maybe your situation might improve if you give it a little time. Many here talk about taking all or part of their dose at night to good effect, but these are adjustments that you need to discuss with your doctor. If you have, or have had asthma, you need to check out the leaflet because I believe it this covered. There are alternatives, but everyone is different and consequently tend to react differently to drugs but if your problems continue, talk to your doctor and ask for a referral to see an Electrophysiologist (EP) who is a cardiologist specialising in arrhythmias but it is very important that you follow the prescribed instructions until you are told otherwise by a Doctor...….hope this helps.....

[Pammie9 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much

[LHDLondon]

Dear Pammie, I think you need to consult your GP or specialist. Dosage can be key. I was put on high dose coming out from hospital after my first valve op in 2016, but now after another valve op in 2017 and pacemaker insertion Im now down to 1.25mg per day which i can tolerate without bad side effects of dizziness and tiredness. My advice would be to discuss the dosage with your GP and not change anything without their say so.

[icklebud99]

Hi Pammie9, sorry you are having bad side effects from Bisoprolol, I also has a bad time on this drug. Yes you can absolutely have the Bisoprolol changed, there are a range of drugs so get in touch with your Cardiologist or Electrophysiologist or your GP and tell them your symptoms. I was eventually put on Atenolol with Flecainide which changed my life for the better. Good luck

[Pammie9 in reply to icklebud99]

Thanks, will see my GP today so see how it goes

[cycleman75]

If I knew three years ago what I know now about the dreaded Bisoprolol Pammie9

I wouldn't touch it with a bargepole !!!!!

[Pammie9 in reply to cycleman75]

I am not surprised! Hope to sort it out today! What do you use now?

[cycleman75 in reply to Pammie9]

Don't use anything Pammie9, I just do not want to be a slave to medication.

I enjoy my life and wish to keep it that way. In short I have weaned off all the meds

and their frightening side effects and feel like a teenager once more. Try it.

Best wishes, Merry Christmas and Healthy 2019.

[KMRobbo]

I think you need to be clear whether your issues are a problem caused by the lactose or are actually caused by the bisoprolol! If it is the lactose then do the other alternatives contain lactose? Switching may not help.

What actually are your symptoms on bisoprolol as you are taking it now?

[Pammie9 in reply to KMRobbo]

I can see your point, it’s interesting but I am very confused. I have been so ill with 5 different medications and all contain Lactose, symptoms are lethargic, forgetfulness, no motivation, aching limbs, feel like an 80 year old, feel sick, no appetite very bloated stomach. I did some research and managed to change three medications to Lactose Free. I feel much better but not 100%. Still taking two of them with Lactose, seeing the GP this afternoon will be interesting to see what he says.

[Buffafly in reply to Pammie9]

I guess you are on a completely lacto free diet then? I am intolerant to lactose but ok with a small amount which there would be in a tablet. It would be interesting to know if you have the test for lactose intolerance as I haven’t, just go by symptoms of nausea, bloating and diarrhoea.

[KMRobbo]

When I was on bisoprolol my symptoms were extreme tiredness,lack of exercise tolerance aching chest and arms and a gererally hortible feeling.

I am not so far as unknown it allergic to lactose, so it would appear the symptoms of bisoprolol and the lactose are similar? Bearing in mind always that the same drug can affect different people in different ways

I only stayed on bisoprol a week as every time I took 1.25mg I was asleep in 40 minutes. I tried another beta blocker Atenolol, it was better but still bad. Two weeks later I was swapped to verapamil, a calcium channel blocker which had minor side effects and I was happy on this for 21 months.

I suggest you need a discuss ion with your doctor in a bid to separate the potential bisoprolol issues from the lactose issues.

I am not medically trained so I can only tell you how I felt in my experience plus what I have been told by others on the forum.

Are you other medications related to AF or something else?

[Qualipop]

Bisopralol gave me hallucinations. I was taken off it but have to wait till Jamuary to see the GP about an alternative

[Bridges4]

Hi Pammie

For me Bisoprolol has been an incredible help over the years. We all react differently to the range of drugs we have to take. I take 12 tablets a day + insulin to look after my AF, Heart Failure, Diabetes, Gout, Hypertension and Reflux. I have found that, more often then not, every new drug takes some weeks before the side effects settle down. I was put on a new heart drug six weeks ago and it is only in the last week that my body has decided it is good for me! I hope you find a good replacement but, as has been mentioned by others, do everything under medical supervision! I hope you find the right medication soon. Take care and happy Christmas