Just to update from my previous post where I mentioned changing from Bisoprolol to Diltiazem. I had been on 1.25 mg Bisoprolol for about 5 months but hated the awful side effects (tiredness and shortness of breath) and found I was in AF most days, even tried Flecainide twice daily but that did nothing for me. Anyway GP changed me to 120mg XL Diltiazem about 5 weeks ago, first week felt much better but at the end of that week had a really bad AF episode and I ended up going to A&E just to be safe (I thought that was the quickest way to get it resolved, bearing in mind the nightmare it is even trying to get a telephone appt with a GP).
A&E decided my AF was uncontrolled and upped my Diltiazem to 180mg. This did the trick ! (Don't know whether I was on too low a dose of Diltiazem or whether coming off the Bisoprolol caused this incident). I have been on this dosage now for 4 weeks and I have never felt better, got loads of energy (for a 72 year old !) and had no AF symptoms for a couple of weeks. I felt it was a gradual improvement over the 4 weeks rather than an instant improvement, but am now very happy on this medication - I have no noticeable side effects.
If anyone is struggling with Bisoprolol I do recommend considering asking your GP about Diltiazem, it may not work for everyone but it is definitely working for me.
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tealdozer
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Good to hear your positive post. I’m glad the Diltiazem has worked out so well for you. I also requested a switch from Bisoprolol to Diltiazem, as I was finding the side-effects of the beta-blocker on my asthma was becoming troublesome. Diltiazem didn’t suit me, unfortunately and so I thought that was it with CCBs but then my EP suggested I tried Verapamil and that has been fine. Like you, I feel so much better since switching. Long may that continue for both of us!
I got Diltiazem instead of Bisoprolol at my GP’s insistence (v slow HR). I’m 73, and was put on 2x60mg which has worked out fine. I think younger folks get 3x60mg, so maybe your body thinks it’s still much younger!
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