living with atrial fibrillation

[nobby1st]

hi I have had 3 cardio versions but theN discharged with no advice, my doctor has put me on apixapan twice a day 5 mg.and 6.5mg of bisoporil but i am feeling so tired all the time.I play a lot of golf work full time a try the gym but just wondered if i should reduce the pills?

[Blueskie]

Hi Nobby

I suffer with AF and I am on the same medication plus more. Tiredness seems to go together with medication but under no circumstances reduce your medication go back to your doctor and ask him to be refered to a cardiologist the tablets are keeping you alive.

[IanMK]

Hi Nobby

Bisoprolol is intended to reduce your heart rate so perhaps it's not surprising that you've feeling tired. It is a popular beta blocker but it does seem to adversely affect some people more than others. If you really don't think you can tolerate it then don't try changing the dose yourself but go back to whoever prescribed it, tell them the effect it's having on you and ask if you can have an alternative medication.

The AF Association has a forum on HealthUnlocked and you will find much relevant help and support there.

[Hullensian]

Just got back from the doctor's about half-an-hour ago and logged on to find your question! One of the reasons for the doctor's appointment was to enquire about my continuous tiredness. Been taking Apixaban and Solatol (beta blocker) for 16 months. He thinks it is due to the beta blocker but I am back at the doctor's this afternoon for blood test for iron deficiency, diabetes, vitamin levels and some other things I can't remember, just in case there is an under-lying problem. However, he did tell me that if these are all clear then the choice is mine - stop taking or lower the beta blocker dose and get my energy levels back up, but this would increase the risk damaging my heart / having a stroke! No brainer really. So, don't stop taking the beta-blocker until you have had a talk with your doctor.

[nobby1st in reply to Hullensian]

Thanks