Med change again

[Shoshov]

Hi update. Stopped verapramil. Changed to 2.5mg ivabradine. Anyone know anything about this drug. Side effects seem to be what I'm trying to cure. Confused

[Zena166]

Hi Shosov. As you know all meds have potential side effects but not everyone gets them. So it’s about waiting to see. Whilst many drugs do the same things quite often they work in different ways. So hopefully this change will improve on your previous symptoms. Since I started with different allergies in April it has taken until now to get some sort of stability and the right regime. I know it’s a pain but it’s worth persevering to get the combination right. It’s worth it even though it can be trying!! Take care and stay strong. Best wishes zena

[Shoshov in reply to Zena166]

Thanks Zena. I think I'm just getting a bit weary now. But your right I need to be patient. These drug information sheets do nothing but make me apprehensive of taking them. But I will. Fingers crossed this will be the one

[FeetheBookworm]

Hi Shoshov

I’ve been on Ivabradine for over 12 months now, as well as Bisoprol, Spirolactone and Losarton. I am nearly always exhausted but my LH ventricle has gone up from 17% output to 23% and then after taking Ivabradine for about 8 months a huge leap in March this year to 43%.

So although the meds make me feel rubbish my heart has improved hugely!

I’m seeing one of my Heart Failure consultants (predictive text just changed that to cucumber for some totally obscure reason!!!) in September to be put on some new drug that women have responded very well to.

I don’t think the Ivabradine is the only medication to make me feel exhausted but I do have good days and can also have awful days when getting out of bed is an effort.

Have just started at a gym as well as dog walking is not doing enough to keep me fit anymore - have a 22 minute workout until my trainer can get hold of my HF nurse as he’s worried about what cardio exercises I can do.

[Shoshov in reply to FeetheBookworm]

Thanks for that. Luckily enough I'm not on any other meds except aspirin and clopidrogel which stops nxt month. Good news is I just completed rehab class with no dramas. Only second class where iv actually completed without dizziness or fainting. So feeling good today. Hope it stays this way. This is the best iv felt in a long time. Woo hoo. Hope you continue well in your recovery

[jimmyq in reply to FeetheBookworm]

Read the leaflets that come with your drugs. I found out that 3 of the 4 drugs I was taking had Fatigue as a side-effect. No wonder I felt knackered! I gave myself more rest and less self-criticism after that.

[FeetheBookworm in reply to jimmyq]

Would be nice if the Pharmaceutical companies could come up with drugs that don’t have these sort of side effects but we have to go with what we have. Completely forgot to take my tablets yesterday and when this happens can’t say I feel any different. And I sometimes forget to take the second Ivabradine and just use them up the end of the dates ones.

[Shoshov in reply to jimmyq]

I got into trouble from rehab nurse about reading these leaflets. Her words were if they were bad for you the doctor wouldn't give you them. On a personal note I feel 100%better since switching from verapramil to ivabradine. Hope it continues