AFib episode this morning

[football1822]

So following 8 weeks without an episode of AF and thinking I’d controlled it ( I even stopped wearing my smart watch and stopped tracking my pulse ) then this morning one hits me out of the blue whilst laid in bed haven just woken. I’ve taken Bisoprolol which worked eventually. This episode leaves me anxious and slightly depressed ( I know others are much worse off ) 1) does anyone else feel like this afterwards 2) last three occasions I’ve taken Bisoprolol I’ve developed an headache afterwards ? Anyone else experience either of these ?

[CDreamer]

That’s AF for you, you think you have tamed the beast and then it metamorphises and hits when least expected! I think that is what leaves one feeling low and depressed because we want rid! I think a better question to ask is who has NOT felt like you at the moment. It will pass!

I couldn’t tolerate Biso at all so don’t get me started on that one! I know it helps some people and if it helps you but I would say that I think headaches can be very common with AF anyway so knowing if it really is just the Biso or the AF is difficult.

Hope you feel better soon.

[jedimasterlincoln]

Yeah, it gets you kicked down when you think you're on the way back up. It's happened to me a few times during the unstable 5 years I had.

I used to feel dizzy and headachey on 10mg bisoprolol and it took me a week to adjust to not getting immediate side effects. I used to have to take it and sit for 15 minutes first, but by the end I was OK.

[Buffafly]

I often get headaches after an episode but I don’t take Bisoprolol.

[meadfoot]

Oh yes, that was me yesterday after a nasty af and svt episode on Sunday. Head was woozy and felt quite odd overall all day yesterday. Leaves me anxious and shaky. It seems to be part of the arrhythmia territory for many of us.

Hope you feel better very soon. X

[Nan1]

I can relate totally with you as had bad night last night with AF and hardly any sleep. It disappeared as soon as I was up and moving around. Also I get a headache always after an attack of AF. I wish you well

[football1822 in reply to Nan1]

Thank you for you comments and good wishes -

These episodes however infrequent and non life threatening always leave me With headaches anxiety and feeling down for a few days !! Keep we’ll take care

[Janith]

Don’t forget to take your magnesium? Taurate!

[Ruza2020]

I hear you... What a mystery this ailment is. It comes with no apparent reason, it goes away for no apparent reason, and at times it doesn't go away on its own. Just when we think we know its triggers it changes its behaviour.

A for Bisoprolol, I am finally convinced that I'm not able to tolerate Bisoprolol (or probably any other beta blocker). I have tried it on three different occasions - every time my palpitations get worse. It also makes me feel extremely weak and depressed.

By the way, one of the known Bisoprolol side effects, for some of us, is depression.

There is some literature out there where it posits that beta blockers should never be prescribed for individuals with Vagal Paroxysmal Afib.

All the best.

[football1822 in reply to Ruza2020]

Thank for taking the time to respond - I only take it as a pill in the pocket but even so it still affects me I came off regular use due to the reasons you mentioned ! Waiting for further consultations but on hold in current climate - take care

[DDYTCC]

Hi football1822 I was diagnosed with AF last October (56 years old) it's currently permanent so different than having episodes like yours, I don't want to offer too much advice as I feel unqualified to do so as I'm new to it all too and awaiting formal consultations. What I can say is despite many others having misgivings and feeling awful using Bisoprolol I've been okay on it progressing up to 5mg per day until a couple of weeks ago and now back down to 3.75mg. Yes I'm sometimes breathless on exertion, lightheaded, dizzy and I'm not sure if that's the AF or the tablets and then other times I can be fairly active and be fine. The only thing I can say I think the Bisoprolol has been okay for me as my resting heart rate has come down from late 70's/80 at the turn of the year to now being mid to late 60's (Bear in mind before AF it was around 58!

[football1822 in reply to DDYTCC]

Thanks for your comments - yes I had those symptoms hence the switch to PIP although I guess permanent AF means daily doses of Bisoprolol for you and perhaps my experience with the beta blocker this week is because I haven’t taken it for some 8 weeks ! All consultants now aren’t we 😂

[DDYTCC]

Yes I would think that could well be the case for you! And definitely we will become experts in this ha ha! Hope it goes okay for you, stay positive if you can I do think that really helps good luck

[Madscientist16]

To answer your question number 1, Yes, always. Every time I had a good spell. Thought some of the changes in my lifestyle or the new medications I was taking was going to work for the long term this time. Nope. Yes, there is disappointment and there is frustration, but you need to keep moving forward. Keep trying new lifestyle changes, figure out triggers and try new medications and treatments. It is all part of the journey we all have taken and continue to take. You are not alone. For question 2, I was not on this medication so please defer to other posted comments.