Meds

[Sgal]

Hi. I’ve recently had pericarditis and following this have experienced tachycardia. My GP started me on 2.5mg if bisoporol. However since takeling this for a few days I have been very drained, resting HR dropping to 55-60 and this is making me feel light headed. Hoping to get back to GP Monday as I cannot work like this. Any help?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! Bisoprolol is a drug that it takes some weeks to adapt to. It is dual action as besides slowing the heart it reduces the BP (your GP should check this on Monday as it is the more likely cause of lightheadedness). You might be asked to persevere or the dose dropped to 1.25 with the intention of titrating upwards in 2 - 4 weeks if you adapt to it.

[Sgal in reply to MichaelJH]

Hi. Thanks for the reply. He said I would only need to take the drug for 4 weeks, jst struggling to control the symptoms and actually feel worse than I did with my heart racing. Hopefully get some answers on Monday.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Sgal]

Do let the forum know how you get on. If you feel at any stage you are getting nowhere ask for a referral to a cardiologist as they have far more relevant experience.

[Sgal in reply to MichaelJH]

Thank you. I previously had no health issues, so it’s been a difficult time adjusting. I am hoping the current issue with HR, which is tachycardic on minimal exertion is temporary. I went back to work last week but really struggle and couldn’t finish the whole week. Hopefully I can talk this again with my GP on Monday. Thanks for your help

[HHH2017]

Hi, sorry to hear of your symptoms. I have had similar since having myocarditis & pericarditis 18 months ago. I am also on Bisoprolol and a couple of other meds. I found it took me a while to get used to the drug but I stuck with it and am now tolerating it well. I was dizzy initially and heart rate dropped to 56 for a while but has now settled around 63.

Keep talking to your GP and monitoring everything but hopefully you will get the right dose soon and your symptoms will improve.

[Sgal]

Hi. I’ve now been on the beta blocker for one week and I’m feeling better. My HR is still lower than my normal at times it’s 55 at rest. However I’m not as dizzy and have been able to return to work. I do however still have an odd senesation in my chest where I feel as if my heart is beating hard, but it’s not fast? Seems strange. My HR still rises high on minimal exertion but not as high. I have another 3 weeks and then my does has to be reduced. Any one had any similar experiences?

[HHH2017 in reply to Sgal]

Hi, really glad to hear you were able to persevere and things have settled. It may be that your GP doesn’t take you off just yet as your heart is obviously still struggling abit. My cardiologist & GP changed my dose 3 times and added amlodopine to try to control my heart rate as it rose steeply on any exertion with chest pain too. I still get this ocassionally but the meds 6 months on are now working well for me. Don’tbe disappointed if you do not come off the Bisoprolol just yet much better to easethe strain on your heart so you feel better & can getback to doing things you need/want to . Good luck 🍀

[Sgal in reply to HHH2017]

Thanks for you reply. My chest pain has eased and is now jst occasional. I haven’t pushed myself with exercise yet but hoping to get back to gentle exercise soon. I’m still struggling a bit with fatigue especially now I’m back to work. Getting a 24hr tape done next week to check things out again.

[Sgal]

Wondering if anyone knows if you can take ibuprofen when taking bisoprolol?

[Sgal]

Ok thought so but jst checking as paracetamol not really helping at the minute. I’ve also got dental work this week but need to power through. Thanks