Hi all, I am now over a year post ablation and attempting to wean off all drugs.
Yet hearing that bisoprolol is an anticholinergic which can be a risk for vascular dementia.
I have a family history of dementia and have felt some short term memory issues..
Has anyone else been aware of this ?
I also don't want the arrythmia back and aware a low dose can be cardio protective.
Hi T19.
First off I'm not a Doctor so this is only my personal opinon based on my take on Bis. I didn't have any problems at all coming off the stuff. A low dose is 1.5 mg a day and if I were you I wouldn't give it a second thought.
I think to get a qualified opinion you need to consult with your medic. For me though I woudn't worry at all in your shoes. Like I say confirm this with your Doctor to make sure it's the right decision for you - we are all different.
Paul
Sorry Paul but this is not responsible advice. Many people have serious problems coming off Bisoprolol even the low dose of 1.25 mg and a slow taper is a safer option..
Sure Auriculaire. I respect your point about this. In my defence I did say that I'm not a Doctor and my opinion is based on my 'personal take' about Bis. I also pointed out to the OP that she should consult with her Doctor to make sure it's the right decision for her as we are all different. I hope it was made clear I was not giving medical advice but just expressing a personal point of view based on my own experience.
Have a great day.
Paul
Yes thanks v much Paul, I have been taking 1 . 25 and notice a slight restlessness n chest pain now trying to stay with nothing.
Will also check with the arrythmia nurses, but just wanted to check people’s awareness here too.
I do ultimately want to be off it and feel I have some short term memory issues, whether related or not or being hyper aware ...
Many people find coming off Bisoprolol very difficult even when on the small dose of 1.25mg. This can be worse the longer you have been taking the drug. Jitteriness , palpitations , increased heart rate, extreme anxiety can be experienced. The safest way to come off is with a slow taper . This can involve fiddly chopping the pill in bits. Some people find a pill cutter helps.
Yes thanks for the reminder on that too Auri
I have been on Bisoporal for a few years, since having a Pacemaker fitted, to further control P/A/F and also Disopyramide for almost 20 years. I hate taking drugs of any sort so I too have been weaning myself off, dropping down to half and then none in the knowledge I could always increase again if I felt the need. Originally I was taking 5mg twice a day Bisoporal and 2 Disopyramide a day, over a period of time, and not together, I reduced the Bisoporal to one 1 x 2.5 mg a day, same with the Disopyramide and now no Disopyramide at all. As I say, it has taken time and I have done this with complete transparency with my GP and I am hoping to ditch the Bisoporal by reducing down to 1 x 1.25mg a day then stopping altogether. I am on Pradaxa and as I had a stroke 20 odd years ago and a couple of TIA's 5'ish years ago know that I have to remain on them although they say I can only take them until I am 80, which is next year, so we wait and see. I certainly do not advocate that sufferers come off meds but my life is less hectic these days and the Pacemaker does its stuff and I am symptom free, if however things change then I know I can always go back on them, but prefer not to.
Hi
What can you only take until 80?
It won't be Bisoprolol or Pradaza.
I understand it is the statins as they say research has shown that they are not needed/work after 80 years.
Can you clarify?
I am on CCB Diliazem 12omg AN and 2.5 ng Bisoprolol PM BB.
Plus thyroxin early morning as Thyroid cancer removed took away my Thyroid.
Ubdiagnosed the AF caused the stroke Sept 2019. Just had my 3rd neck scan all clear.
Also I take 110mg twice a day.
cheers JOY. 74. (NZ)
I was prescribed both at the same time by a stroke doctor, I thought it was the Pradaz but you may well be right, it could have been Statins. I shall be 80 next year so, if I make it, I will know then lol. Stay well x
I read something about the link between AF and dementia. So I am more worried about that personally.
Hi
Control your AF and H/RATE and you will be fine.
cheers JOY
Hi. I have never heard that beta-blockers have anti-cholinergic properties and am quite surprised to read this. Do you have a source for the information, please? I try to avoid such drugs for the same reasons you do, although I have read that the earlier reported links are now considered unproven.
Steve
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/319....
Here is a link. Suggests vascular dementia
Thanks - and that is interesting and a worrying. I only take mine currently as and when needed (although of late that has been 1.25mg quite often).
Steve
Hi Steve, this is from the Alzheimer's Society: "Anticholinergic medications can cause dry mouth, low blood pressure and also confusion, difficulty concentrating, agitation and memory problems. These side effects have been assumed to be temporary, but recent studies suggest that long term use of anticholinergics may cause cognitive decline and dementia. "
Hi Mark - that's right, although I feel sure that I read some time back that those were earlier concerns that were now considered unlikely to apply. Also, bisoprolol isn't an anticholinergic to my knowledge. I need to do some more reading!
Thanks again!
Steve
uptodate.com/contents/image...
Actually I just found this which is 2023 and does not mention bisop, but other articles do suggest it can block the acetylcholine pathway, which is where the dementia trigger may come in ....
I was just thinking that it would be odd if it did act on the parasympathetic nervous system as its action is to dampen the sympathetic nervous system by blocking the adrenoreceptors in the heart muscle.
Steve
3 of the 4 rate control drugs I tried gave me brain fog! BISOPROLOL, Atenolol, Diltiazem . Verapamil did not, but I had to come of it as it was not controlling my heart rate well enough when in AFib.
Does a lower HR mean less blood flow?? ( not medically trained)
myhometouch.com/articles/me...
Here is another link, that mentions beta blockers twds the bottom
Interesting! That writer does make rather unequivocal claims, which are surprising given the lack of solid scientific and medical evidence.
Steve
pharmacytimes.com/view/8-me...
Here is the main link that suggests the cholinergic effect
Fascinating - although no supporting evidence is offered. The link with stations is worrying!
Steve
hi, I had my 2nd ablation in November and at 4 months post procedure, I stopped my 1.5mg bisoprolol . Before the 2nd ablation if I stopped 1.5 bisoprolol I had an AF incident within 5 days but much less aggressive and shorter duration. I have not had any AF since the first week post 2nd ablation and although a slightly high heart rate I feel like my old self without the bisoprolol. I just stopped it. I agree, we are all different and check with your medical team but don’t be scared of stopping.
Hi
It seems that beta blockers and dementia need more proof through research.
No dementia in my family so I'll look out for it. Now only take 2.5 Bisoprolol at PM.
cheers JOY
trying to cut down my bisoprolol and flecinide, 
Ablation and Dementia
AF and dementia issues
Coming OFF XARELTO and already off WARFARIN what next any other NOAC with no or less side effects
Common cardiovascular drugs linked to lower risk of dementia 
