metaprolol experiences?

[Doug1941]

Has anyone had experience with this drug or any other beta blocker to help AFIB? I live in Canada and have had very little care from my cardiologist. After over 4 years and 3 conversions this all he has prescribed for me. Any help would be appreciated.

[Doug1941]

Thank you for the prompt response. I am 83 and still quite active AFIB episodes are infrequent, fortunately. I have only taken a few of the Metaprol as needed to control high HR caused by my anxiety disorder - which is the root of the problem. In BC, the medical system is poor. I have had more help from my GP than from my cardiologist...

[mav7]

Do you have any other heart conditions that prevent an antiarrythmic drug ? How long did you stay in NSR after the cardioversions ?

Has the cardio or GP indicated your age may be a factor ? Metoprolol is one of the least toxic.

If your heart rate and blood pressure are being controlled that is key. And also quality of life. If an option, would be best to see another cardiologist even thru private care in Canada or US or UK.

[Doug1941 in reply to mav7]

I went almost 13 months between my last 2 conversions. I am convinced that stress induced anxiety and even modest alcohol use (2 - 3) glasses of wine per week are my triggers.No other heart issues.

In BC even having a specialist (cardiologist) is a luxury. I am trying to gain access to another through my GP.

Many thanks.

[JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to mav7]

Hi

You state Metoprolol is one of the least toxic!

I disagree. Metoprolol made me breathless. H/R 186 uncontrolled, sweating, couldm't exert - sweating, fatigued and H/Monitor found it gave me pauses.

Bo BBs controlled my H/Rate but under private cardiologist a CCB Diltiazem 120mg does. 360mg being the up to amount.

BBs for BP low dose.

CCB Diltiazem 120mg CD for control H/R under 100.

cheri JOY. 75. (NZ)

[JamesB007]

Hello mate,had my ablation 2017 and take Metoprolol now for about 6 years. Used to take a bunch of other B-blockers but none did work out quite well. No complaints with MPl, take 50mg in the morning with a heart rate of about 80 pm. After 1 1/2 hours it's down to 65 and stays fairly stable during all day. No side effects as far as I can say. I do get my usual PVCs but I somehow got used to them as far one can actually get used to them.

But what works for me may not work for you.

All the best and stay safe mate

Cheers

[cbaum]

I am 79 and have taken Metoprolol since 2017 to control my heart rate and atrial fibrillation. I took 25 mg once daily for many years but started to get nausea about a year ago and cut it back to 12.5 mg 1x daily. My nausea abated and my heart rate and afib haven't changed much, if any, with the reduced dosage. My AFIB is asymptomatic. Where I live (north of Denver in Colorado) we have excellent care with the exception of the fact that many of our doctors are leaving. My electrophysiologist and cardiologist have been outstanding over many years of care. My previous cardiologist left for reasons unknown but his replacement (in the same practice) has been excellent. I was with another practice but found their communications and advice troubling so shopped for another practice with excellent results. I took apixiban for many years but developed recurrent, sudden, and very severe nosebleeds. I stopped the apixiban and the nosebleeds immediately stopped. My cardiologist was in agreement with my self diagnosis but added 81 mg of aspirin 1x daily. He feels that if your atrial appendage has been clamped as mine was in 2017 there is less need for anticoagulants.

[SkyBluePInk47]

I had to quit using it because my bp and pulse got too low. I was only on 12.5 mg and I told the new cardiologist and a nurse that I should take it based on my bp being elevated at my appointment.

I get white coat syndrome every time at a cardiologist but not at regular doctor or at home… plus they took my bp immediately after me arriving, without waiting 10 minutes.

I already had low normal bp. They told me to take low dose bp med, anyway. Around week 2 or so, felt like I was going to pass out because my bp was too low and my pulse went from 60’s to 41 bpm. It was after hours so I just divided that dose in half to 6.25 mg and I did better. Then after a discussion with the nurse, the doctor said to quit taking the BP medication.

I once had bp of 140’s to 150’s over 90 ish. I cut back on carbs by a lot. Cut out bread, cereals, sweets, most fruit (except a little bit of berries), corn, rice and barely ate any potato. Increased my protein and stopped all snacks and started eating only 1-2 small meals with more protein and iron and some healthy fats and started drinking more water. This alone fixed my blood pressure in 7-10 ish days. Most people can reduce bp by doing similar, not all can though. One has to monitor bp at home, carefully because if on medication and it drops a lot, can be dangerous to keep the same dose of medication or maybe can slowly quit the bp meds, ONLY under strict doctor’s supervision. Never quit bp meds cold turkey without a doctor’s approval.

[MrJeff]

Doug1941, I hear your frustration with the limited care you've received, especially after dealing with AFib for 4 years and going through multiple cardioversions. Beta blockers like metoprolol are indeed commonly prescribed as a first-line treatment for AFib, and I'd like to share my experience to help you understand what you might expect.

I've been on metoprolol for almost a year following my first ablation. While it has been effective at its primary job - keeping my blood pressure well-controlled in the low 60's - I've noticed several changes in my body that are worth discussing. The medication appears to have affected my heart rate variability (HRV), which is an important measure of how well your heart adapts to different situations. I've also experienced several side effects that emerged with notable timing: weight gain, fluid retention (edema), muscle and joint soreness, and a persistent feeling of fatigue.

When I brought these concerns to my cardiologist, he was initially skeptical about attributing them to metoprolol. However, the timing was compelling enough that he agreed to reduce my dosage from 50mg to 25mg twice daily. This kind of dose adjustment is often helpful in finding the right balance between managing AFib and minimizing side effects.

Given your situation in Canada, you might want to consider seeking a second opinion or asking for a referral to an electrophysiologist who specializes in heart rhythm disorders. You deserve comprehensive care that addresses both your AFib and any medication-related concerns. Remember, it's entirely appropriate to advocate for yourself and ask questions about your treatment plan. Please keep us updated on how you're doing.

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

Lots of side effects with BBs. Metoprolol did not control my Heart Rate down to 186 only, breathless on all doses of this 1-3 x 23.75mg, Could not exert sweating. Pauses at night on my normal night heart beat of 47avge.

Changed to Bisoprolol. 156 no breathlessness or pauses.

Introduced AM CCB Diltiazem 120mg best for me controlled my H/Rate 60s - 80s.

Reduced PM Bisoprolol to 2.5mg. Recently reduced to 1/2 and now stopped as BP went low.

You must be your 80s. So caution is given.

Why do you think you needs meds? Irritating symptoms? Persistent or mow and then AF. Meds do not cure but you should be kept with a controlled Heart Rate 100 or less and BP controlled.

cheri JOY. 74. (NZ)

[Pommerania78]

I have taken 50 mg of metoprolol once a day for over a year and it has helped greatly. I have had no problems with it.

[Ppiman]

One of the safest long-term ways to help AF and arrhythmias is by using betablockers such as metoprolol to lower the heart-rate. If you have had an echocardiogram and your heart has been deemed otherwise healthy, then, that is all the care you need unless you opt for either a cardioversion, an ablation or rhythm control drugs like flecainide. Going down these routes will depend upon how symptomatic your AF makes you feel, but I wouldn't be surprised if most people are treated, as you have been, with rate control medications.

Steve

[Sozo]

Before my ablation, my electrophysiologist put me on Metaprolol. It dropped my pulse rate dramatically in which he took me off of it.

[Alphakiwi]

Yes Doug 8m one that doesnike beta blockers but ive found metopeolol the easiestside effects.. it seems its a matter of persevering for me until i have AV node ablation. I already have a suitable dual wire pacemaker. This will be the answer for me. Read up about it. Its irreversible but at 82 i dont worry about that . Im in NZ. if theres anything you want to know from a laymans view just ask. Best regards for the coming year.

[Jctga]

Metaprolol has been a wonder drug for me. So much better than carvedilol. Less fatigue. Less breathlessness. Each person is different. I’m very intolerant of most medications but Metaprolol has been very tolerable and effective.

[Bikedennis]

no issues

[SweetMelody2]

Metropolol never made any appreciable difference in my afib. It made me feel sloggy and increased episodes of breathlessness. I never perceived it had value, but I took it.

Metropolol did not help me escape the afib circus.. Nor Diltiazem. Amiodarone is the worst drug I’ve ever taken. It “worked” for my heart rate but made the rest of my organs and cells communicate to me that they were extremely unhappy. I got off it ASAP.

I went to cardiologists who said, “Here, take this (metropolol) and see me in six months.” When I said Metropolol didn’t seem to be making much difference and I felt there were unpleasant side effects, I was pooh-poohed away with benign smiles, even as my afib blossomed from paroxysmal to persistent and I underwent cardioversions and ablations.

I don’t know where this seemingly entrenched belief among drug-oriented cardiologists that Metropolol will solve all afib problems comes from. I felt it was like “Here’s a prescription. Time’s up. Next patient.”

Short story: Despite 4 years of metoprolol and other drugs as well as ablations and cardioversions, my escape from the afib circus was not through drugs but through a pacemaker.

Maybe Metropolol solves heart issues for some, but not for me.

Don’t know if this is helpful. It’s just my experience.

Good luck! (We need it.)

[Doug1941 in reply to SweetMelody2]

Thank you. Yes, I feel that my cardiologist is just ticking the boxes so he can bill for another patient. Don't believe what you may hear about how good Canadian health care is...

[timelucky]

I took Metropolol for about a year when I developed extra beats a while after a cryo ablation. It did it's job great but ultimately I didn't stay in NSR because I have some pretty complex issues. I've also been on Sotalol, Multaq, Amiodarone, Atenalol & Bisopalol to name a few of the many. I know that they all do a similar job from a layman's point of view but have different mechanisms. For me at least they were all effective for varying lengths of time. They all have side effects to some extent but they seem to be patient specific. I didn't get on with Sotalol but had no problem with Multaq (other than price). Most effective for me was Amiodarone but I am very lucky because I had zero side effects.

I've ended up treating them like buying shoes....

Be Lucky