Kicking the habit.

[djbgatekeeper]

Hi all, I was just wondering if anyone has had trouble stopping taking Bisoprolol? I had an ablation last September with good results and stopped flecainide shortly after. My EP said stop meds at my discretion. Stopping bisoprolol seems to be a different ball game, I have been on it 6 years in total and I have got down to 1.25mg per day from 10mg pre ablation, getting to zero is the problem. I've done up to 5 days without any at all and my heart rate sits about 85-90 at rest (from 60 with bisop) and I have the jitters, feeling on edge ect... I just wondered if this is common or am I am involuntary drug addict!

[Rebma]

Would it alright with you and your doctor to stay on the low dose of Bisoprolol? Maybe another 6 months to a year until the heart really heals. Had my second ablation and it looks like I will be on metoprolol and Eliquis for ever. Al long as it keeps things normal I am okay with the medication. I don’t like that edgy feeling. When they were changing my meds last year it was a nightmare. Every week a different heart medication. Hope you feel better and maybe ask to wear the two-week monitor to check heart activity.

[djbgatekeeper in reply to Rebma]

Thank you.... I have decided to stay on the bisop for now and see my GP to discuss... Fed up of feeling in edge all of the time and not being able to relax. I hope you are keeping well 👍😊

[Paulbounce]

I`m with you GateK.

I also panicked when the cardio said to come off it (just stop there and then). I think I posted about it. The first time he said to reduce it and the second time (after the afib returned) he said just stop taking it and go on Flec.

I understand your jitters For me I had a flight about 5 days later and was really worried. Taking this drug can have a kick back effect if you just stop.

I was just fine as it happens. To the best of my knowledge you cut down over about a month before you just stop. Discuss it with your doc - maybe he will suggest taking 1.25 every other day or slowly reducing your dose over even more time.

For me 'slowly slowly catchy monkey' might reduce the worry. If your EP has said to reduce it when you are ready then follow his advice. Speak to your GP first and decide from there

Best,

Paul

[BobD Volunteer]

Try every other day for a few weeks and then every three or four days etc. I sounds pretty OK to me that you are having some reaction and I wouldn't get too hung up about a HR of 85-90 which technically is still normal.

[jedimasterlincoln]

Once I've been told to stop it immediately. Once I've been told to titrate it down (halve the dose every 2 weeks until it's off)

I too was on 10mg, then down to 5, 2.5, 1.25 then nothing.

Can't say I noticed any difference.

[Ppiman]

I was told to stop bisoprolol (2.5mg) a week after my ablation because it was causing my heart rate to be very low (around 40bpm); my blood pressure was also low (around 100/60) and was causing light-headedness. The ablation had been for permanent atrial flutter but within days of stopping bisoprolol, I started with my first ever bout of atrial fibrillation and was back in hospital feeling very poorly indeed. The bisoprolol was restarted and within hours I was back in normal rhythm and, a week on I'm still into an uneventful recovery.

I am thinking of asking my GP if I can reduce the dose to 1.25mg as my heart rate and BP remain low.

Steve

[Hidden]

I struggled coming off it, and it took at least two weeks from the last pill to feeling any benefit.

So glad that I am off it now though

[cycleman73]

Hi, It takes time to come off bisoprolol. My experience was on 1.25mg then cut tabs

in half for a few weeks followed by half a tab on alternate days for two weeks. Then nothing. Seems to have worked ok cos now haven't taken any for months. Life is back to normal again. Must say I would not recommend bisoprolol to my own worst enemy, on 2nd thoughts perhaps I would ! haha. Good luck with your endeavours !

[sewingscissors]

Hi Dave.

Good to hear from you again. I am sorry about your problems coming off Bisoprolol. I am coming off mine too, as my GP thinks it maybe causing my fatigue, which is going on and on! I am now on 1.25mg and will come off that very slowly. I have had so many investigations and at the moment have a 7 day monitor attached to me. Thank goodness I can take it off tomorrow! I hope you are still riding your bike. My husband is very envious! I showed him the photo.

All the best Dave.

Liz

[djbgatekeeper in reply to sewingscissors]

Hi Liz, yes still riding my bike and looking to buy another one too 😁 make hay while the sun shines. Sorry to hear you are still having hassle, let's hope they get you sorted soon... Take care and catch up soon ✋😊

[cycleman73 in reply to djbgatekeeper]

Dump all the meds DJB and ride your bikes every day, best medicine ever !

It worked for me. Long may it continue.