Coming off bisoprolol

[Cally53]

Hi all.

I've been taking bisoprolol for nearly three years now 2.5 mg. I'm asthmatic although I'm lucky and it isn't really bad. However, I keep getting a tight chest and an irritating cough which I think maybe caused by taking it. Having complained a few times to my GP and asking if I can change to something else, which she is reluctant to do, she agreed that I could stop taking them to see whether it would make any difference to my cough. She said to keep them and take one when I go into AF along with my PIP.

My question is, is it OK to just stop taking bisoprolol, or should I be reducing it slowly? I was told to just stop it!

[Hidden]

Reduce slowly. Maybe something on the bit of paper in the packet for you. Or consult your pharmacist.

[Buffafly]

There are alternatives to Bisoprolol and your GP should know what they are - she is able to prescribe them herself too though probably best to ask cardiologist first.

[Padayn01]

I was on Bisraprol and got some nasty side effects went to my GP and they switch me on metraprole

[Cally53]

Have just spoken to the pharmacist who told me there are no withdrawal problems coming off of bisoprolol and that it was safe to just stop taking them. He also told me that all beta blockers can react with the lungs and are not always suitable for asthmatics, which is the same as what my GP told me.

[Staffsgirl in reply to Cally53]

My experience was that my doctor told me to simply stop, no need to do it gradually. This is what I did...I haven’t looked back! I’d had a number of nasty side effects, all of which have now gone. I’m very relieved to be off Bisoprolol...it clearly wasn’t for me: my body was sending me strong messages!

[Hidden]

Hi Cally

I am not asthmatic and I still get a tight sore chest although it does wear off towards the end of the day.

I have been on Bisoprolol for just under 4 months and the consultant wanted me to reduce 1.25 then 62.5 then 31 each for a week at at time but I had heard such horror withdrawal stories that my doctor says I can shave some off and reduce by .1mg a day. I am even getting some withdrawal effects by reducing by this small dose each time. Everyone is different and it trial and error but whichever reduce dose you try stay on it for at least a wee.