Beta Blockers

[ss017]

How long does it take your body to get used to being off of beta blockers?

In other words, when do any side effects from coming off of beta blockers subside?

[KEN65]

I came off Bisoprolol after 18 mths but slowly, 3 months later still not good with lack of energy and still feeling fatigued, I went back on Propranolol 10mg one tab in the morning and now feeling better, and as told what I take now is very small to previous, not sure why I still need the tablet as I got the all clear to come off but maybe the body got used to it !, trial and error maybe for you also, good luck.

[BibbyA]

Hi, my consultant wrote a letter to my GP saying it could take up to 2 months for the side effects to wear off, I was only on them for 4 months, and it only took about 10 days to get back to normal. I suffered extreme lethargy, waking in the night gasping for breath and feeling like I was walking through treacle. Was so relieved when he told me to stop taking them. Hope this helps.

[sos007]

From a doctor-guideline website:

"When a beta-blocker is initiated, a slow upwards titration of dose is recommended to minimise adverse effects. Beta-blockers should also be withdrawn slowly, ideally over several months, to prevent rebound symptoms such as resting tachycardia.

From 6-12 months onwards post-myocardial infarction, consider withdrawing beta-blockers for patients without heart failure or arrhythmias, if re-vascularisation has occurred."

Source: bpac.org.nz/2017/beta-block...

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When I came off of beta-blockers, my cardiologist did not have a step-down protocol. He told me to just stop. I knew better and titrated down over 2 months. That said, it should have likely been longer as I experienced some rebound effects and severe anxiety.

A compounding pharmacy can produce smaller doses than those manufactured by the pharmaceutical companies.

Based on my personal experience and the guidelines noted in the doctor's guideline website that I quote above, I suggest at least 3-4 months.

There a supplement available called 'Lysine'. It is an amino acid and one of its beneficial side-effects is it increases seratonin in the brain which reduces feelings of anxiety.

You may wish to consider this over-the-counter supplement during your period of withdrawal from beta-blockers.

I continue to take this supplement 1,000 mg, 3 times per day, once after each meal.

Good luck.

[ss017 in reply to sos007]

My cardiologist also told me to just stop but based on what i’ve read i decided to ask my primary care doctor how to wean off. How many mg were you taking and what rebound side effects did you have? How long did they last?

[Caitlyn6 in reply to sos007]

I was on propanalol 10 mg for 3 weeks when my gp decided I shouldn't be on it (put on by another gp for tachycardia). He reduced to 5mg for 1 week then 5mg alternate days for one week then stopped. I got rebound high bp, palpitations and some chest discomfort. Cardiologist said it was stopped too quickly but wouldn't have a long term effect. But I think it has adversely affected my heart. Would like to report the GP but don't know if he followed standard protocol or not?

[ss017 in reply to Caitlyn6]

This is how my doctor told me to wean off (I was originally on 60mg and took it for about 8 months):

50mg x 2 days

40mg x 2 days

30mg x 2 days

20mg x 2 days

10mg x 2 days

5mg x 2 days

Then stop

I would take half the amount for that day in the morning and the other half in the evening. He prescribed me 10mg tablets to do this and it took me 12 days to wean off completely. Based on what i have read, potential side effects depends on the original amount prescribed, how long you have been taking it, why you were put on the drug in the first place, and how fast your body can metabolize the drug

[Caitlyn6 in reply to ss017]

Thanks. I have read that loads of people get rebound and withdrawal effects whether they are tapered off or not. They just don't get reported. And most people only look up side effects when starting a tablet , not stopping so people don't realise there is a risk to stopping.

[ss017 in reply to Caitlyn6]

Very true!

[Miahelpme in reply to Caitlyn6]

How long does it take to leave your system if you only had one 10mg on accident

[sos007]

I was on 25 mg of metoprolol, but I cannot remember if I was taking it once or twice daily.

The principle side effect was anxiety which manifested itself at night when I woke up to go to the bathroom. I also had some tightness in my chest one afternoon which I thought may have been a heart attack but it turned out to be a panic attack. I actually called an ambulance to my home when this happened and they took an ECG on the spot and told me my heart was fine.

These side effects lasted for a few months before dissipating very gradually.

I didn't learn of the Lysine until after weaning off, but I take it now as it has other health benefits including the seratonin boost.