Bisoprolol

[LaceyLady]

Is there a better medication than Bisoprolol?

I went into PAF Friday, why I’m not sure. The bisoprolol causes me problems, so was reduced to 1.25mg, ok for a while, but now gone back to taking GHR down to low 50’s at night and sometimes low when sitting.

[Bettiehough]

I had very bad side effects from bisoloprol and the dr changed me to another medication. There are several to choose from

[MarkS]

I didn't get on with bisoprolol. I changed to sotalol which was even worse. I ended up on diltiazem which I found much better, but it differs from person to person.

[Ppiman]

I had the problem of my drugs reducing my heart rate too far (I was also taking digoxin) and causing me to feel washed out, lethargic and generally awful. I was told that bisoprolol was an excellent drug and so similar to other beta-blockers that any side effects from it would happen with others, too, even the similar calcium antagonists. That said, I've read from others that a change to another beta-blocker such as metoprolol did help. My GP was sceptical about this, and I tend to trust him since he has such extensive experience of these drugs.

I would press your doctor for advice as to what to do. For me, 5mg bisoprolol stopped my a-fib and I was then able to stop taking it. I think doctors like it as it is such a safe option.

Stev e

[KipperJohn]

Bisoprolol seems to be the beta blocker most commonly referred to on this forum and probably amongst the first choice of clinicians in the UK. However after 11 years of P AF I’ve never been offered it, probably because metoprolol has ‘worked’ for me in as much as it helps keep my heart rate in a reasonably comfortable range when in sinus rhythm and helps bring heart rate down when in AF. Never been convinced that rate control beta blockers on their own stop AF - usually they’re used in combination with other treatments like ablations and rhythm control drugs( again I’ve never been offered tho latter either).My personal view is that it’s very much trial and error until you find one which suits you and has minimal side effects - which emphasises the point so often made here that we’re all different.

[Maggimunro in reply to KipperJohn]

Absolutely agree.

[Maggimunro]

Hi LaceyladyI couldn’t cope with bisoprolol at all. It made me feel far worse than the Afib.

There are plenty of other drugs available to try but I couldn’t tolerate them either and finally had my ablations. I have been Afib free for 4 years now and only take Apixiban.

I think a chat with an electrophysiologist would be a good option for you.

[belindalore]

So many of these drugs can cause what they are supposed to be helping....Once again it depends on the person as to how they will react to these drugs. Hope you get good help and feel better soon.

[Auriculaire]

I found changing to Nebivolol made me feel less tired and breathless but it does not reduce the heartrate during an afib attack as well.

[LaceyLady]

All seem to have unpleasant side effects 🤨

[Lcpatrol]

I’ve been on bisoprolol OD 2.5mg for 20 years now - dual therapy with flecandide BD 50mg - for my AF - to start with I felt like I was walking in treacle - slow and tired - but after a while - several weeks - I got used to it.

[Flyer2820]

Hi LaceyLady.Bisoprolol did not work for me on its own but when taken with 200mg of flechanide it took me into bradycardia which resulted in a blue lights visit to A&E. When reduced to 1.25mg I could tolerate it but still was having af. My younger brother cannot tolerate bisoprolol also so he has an alternative which works for him. Bisoprolol sends him into bradycardia also. Hope this helps.

Regards Flyer.

[LaceyLady in reply to Flyer2820]

I’m also on Flecainaide, usually take 50mg x2 but as I went into PAF, Friday I’d increased to 100mg x2 for a few days.

[babayaga]

Up to now, I have had no problems with Bisoprolol. I only take 1.25. But I'm curious to know what are the differences in our conditions, or just ourselves, that bring about such different reactions.

[barryedwards]

HealthUnlocked have asked me if I can help you by replying to you. Your question concerns heart medications. If I advise you and you die as a result would that be your fault or mine? Please take advice only from your GP or other qualified practitioner who has full and complete knowledge of your health. I am staggered that others seem to be happy to advise you.

[LaceyLady in reply to barryedwards]

I have been a fully qualified Complementary Therapist for 23 years. I only wondered what alternatives there are and I do my research. Then I can consult my Consultant.

[sarniacherie]

Hello LaceyLady. Bisoprolol is a beta-blocker so it's job is to reduce the heart rate. I was on it for about a year and felt like a clapped-out zombie most of the time. My GP was reluctant to change it as the Cardiology consultant had requested it. At my follow-up appointment he took me off Bisoprolol straight away. Mention it to your medics. There are lots of alternatives out there. It isn't a one size fits all drug. Keep well.

[steve60]

I've been on 1.25 for the last 10 years. Seems to be doing the trick