Splitting Bisoprolol Dose, or not?

[mikeonfire]

I've now had 3 episodes of prolonged palpitations since the end of November. Two have happened after midnight and one this morning at 5.30 am. They've lasted around 90mins and for me have been very scary. BPM goes between 87 and 53, very dry mouth, shakes, cold extremities, plus constant ringing in my ears which is there all the time actually! I take 5mg Bisoprolol each morning but wondered if the dose being split, 2.5mg at each end of the day would be of any benefit? I'm just thinking out loud and would appreciate your thoughts. I'm waiting for an appointment to see my cardiologist so nothing changes until then. Thanks all.

[BobD Volunteer]

Those heart rates are not that worryng from a health wise although I do understand that they can cause anxiety. Normal heart rate is considered to be between 60 bpm and 100 bpm so if yours really are between 53 and 87 then no harm should come to you. Try to relax and take some deep breaths.

As far as bisoprolol is concerned why not take it in the evening with your dinner like many do. ( I take all my drugs that way) It is not a drug you can really split dose for.

[mikeonfire in reply to BobD]

Thank you. I'd originally had my first arrhythmia over 2 years ago and had been very settled so this month has been a frightening experience for me by comparison. I really appreciate your reply. Have a great day.

[Hidden]

I've taken 5 mg for 10 years. It is not a drug to mess around with and I would advise against splitting. I was originally prescribed it to be taken in the morning but due to side effects I changed it to be taken in the evening with the approval of my GP. No problems since. Why not ring your GP or local Pharmacy for advice.

If your HR stayed fairly consistently at around 50 I'd be more concerned. Cold extremities is fairly common. Can't comment on the other aspects. Even after 10 years I still have this feature of coldness from time to time.

On the plus side it does its job and keeps my HR steady at 65 BPM.

[mikeonfire in reply to Hidden]

I understand and really appreciate your reply. Thanks

[mikeonfire]

Awake. They went up and down erratically as I took the readings.

[rosyG]

I think that’s right and the low rate allows af to kick in.

[mikeonfire]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I've been to see my GP earlier who wanted to up my Bisoprolol to 7.5mg. I'm hesitant to do that as my consultant via email had suggested not to change my meds just yet. I'm waiting to see him! I discussed taking the Bisoprolol at night and as there were no specific objections that's what I'll try from tonight. I appreciate my BPM isn't as low or as high as some people experience at those times but the whole thing has shaken me to my core and I know I'm stressed to the hilt. Fingers crossed for us all!! Thanks again.

[Hidden]

Mike i have had these for 45 years and still getting them. I tried all the drugs and nothing really worked well and the side effects are as bad as the condition.

On New Year's Day this year i was begging to die as the symptoms were so bad.

It turned out that Farmer Dave's home made plum brandy was the trigger this time.

But as always when they are really bad i took my dose of Gaviscon then 45 minutes later they had completely stopped.

It is my miracle cure. I rarely leave home without some at hand.

I have cut back on alcohol and drink Heinekin Zero when i feel like a beer.

[polopblue]

Hi, I was recently told by my consultant to change to taking 2.5 in the morning with breakfast and 2.5 in the evening with a meal. I have found that this has improved things slightly for me. I have ectopics which I believe is brought on with eating, maybe the drugs with meals is making a difference or maybe its psychological .

[Hidden]

I take 2.5 in the am and wonder if it should be split as well.

The pill is tiny .

[JaneChapple]

Hi mikeonfire (love the name!)

Just read your symptoms which sound similar to thyroid ones including tinnitus and cold

extremities. Are you on thyroid meds - if not have you had it checked recently? If thyroid not working properly this can affect any organ in the body including the heart.

JaneCx

[PICCASO]

I was taking 2 and half twice a day now only on 2 and half about 4pm every day , had bad palpitations, cardiologist halved this and now ok after two weeks , 76 years old , still cleaning a pub in the mornings at 5.30 AM for two hours and some plumbing work if i have some during the day ,