Bisoprolol

[rimpac2012]

Hello one and all.

I am looking for some possible advice. I had a CRT pacemaker fitted 6 weeks ago. One week after the procedure I was started on a low dose of Bisoprolol. Over the next 4 weeks this dose as increased 4 times up to my present dose. I noticed that on the lower dose I started to feel lightheaded and at times a little dizzy. I mentioned this to the HF nurse but the dose was still increased anyway. with the increased dose I am noticing periods of insomnia and occasional vivid nightmares. I know that the HF nurse is planning to further increase the Bisoprolol. The thing is that I now feel my quality of daily life is worse than before the pacemaker procedure. I was wondering if anyone may be able to recommend an alternative Beta blocker that I could suggest to the HF on my next appointment. I was hoping that there may be alternative that is less harsh. Also not sure if the Bisoprolol is being pushed as it is cheaper than some alternatives.

Would appreciate any advice.

Thank so much.

[Thecyclist]

Hi, there are alternatives, but Bisoprolol is known to be highly effective and price efficient for the NHS so is generally prescribed unless you are having really awful side effects. Those you mention are pretty normal and they will subside with time. I still have the odd nightmares and have to get up occasionally to go to the toilet in the middle of the night, but generally I have tolerated them pretty well, but we are all different.

I am on 10mg and started at 5mg, I did get the same as you and at one point couldn't stand up with out feeling like passing out, but I am now 6 months in and don't have any noticeable side effects other than the inability to do hard exercise.

Try and persevere if I were you. It will be worth it.

[Kimkat in reply to Thecyclist]

Can I ask what is the drug for? The reason I ask is that I had a pacemaker fitted last year and I dont take any meds at all. A few people have been surprised that I’m not on anything. Is it normal to take heart meds after this surgery?

[rimpac2012 in reply to Kimkat]

Hello Kimkat.

There are different types of pacemaker for different types of conditions. In my case the diagnosis is heart failure and the pacemaker has a difib built in. It is likely that your condition is more straight forward than mine and does not need supplementing with medication. I would talk to your cardiology team to clarify or phone the BHF helpline 0300 330 3311.

Hope this helps.

All the best

[Kimkat in reply to rimpac2012]

Thanks rimpac, should have asked the team last week when I had my checkup. I need to start writing stuff down as I never remember all the questions I intend to ask.

[NorthantsSteve in reply to Kimkat]

Hi Kimkat. Bisoprolol reduces your heart rate by reducing the impact of adrenaline on your heart. I guess, in your case, that isn’t needed.

[Modeller3]

Ask your cardiologist

[Kimkat in reply to Modeller3]

Easier said than done, or I would

[Prada47]

Hi

I was on 10mg which was reduced to 7.5mg after a Holter Monitor revelled my Heart Rate to be a little to Low at around 30 ish. At 7.5mg I am OK with side effects, Pulse is now around 60. I think Bisoprolol is the starter for 10 but there are alternatives. I don't think cost is to much of a factor it's what you need is the criteria !!

Do you have a Clinic for your Pacer who you can Phone or maybe BHF helpline although these things tend to be specific to each patient.

Regards

[Kimkat in reply to Prada47]

I do have a number but it’s quite difficult to get a straight answer. I don’t think they want to commit to a definitive answer