Verapamil, Diltiazem or flecainide and bisoprolol

[kizzie105]

Hi, I am struggling to come off Bisoprolol, having horrendous withdrawal symptoms so Cardiologist suggest I take one of the above meds along side the biso to help me wean off. Have read up on all three and don’t fancy any of them. Side effects are pretty similar tho bisoprolol withdrawal symptoms too! I know he’s trying to help but it’s not much of a choice. Anyone had any experience of any of these combinations. Many thanks everyone

[Gladwyn]

I was on verapamil for several years with no problems until I had a HA and doc took me off and replaced it with 7.5 mgs Bisoprolol. I had no problems at all with the change. Hope you get through the withdrawal as easy as possible.

[kizzie105 in reply to Gladwyn]

Thank you so much, that’s reassuring. I am very sensitive to bidoprolol and the thought of putting another drug in my body while I’m trying to get rid of the first one is very scary. I envy anyone who can chop and change with ease. Best wishes

[Hidden]

Hi. I was on Bisoprolol immediately after HA along with lots of other meds. I had recurrent chest pain and breathlessness and they stopped the Bisoprolol as they thought it was making my micro vascular symptoms worse. I was put on Diltiazem. Seemed to help my symptoms and I was happy with it but 6 weeks later developed severe reaction to it. Disappointing as I had no other issues with it and it definitely helped. I think it’s worth a try - I even tried it again three months later but this time reacted after just 2 tablets. As I say very disappointed as it was working for me. Now on ivabradine and ranolozene maximum dose. I hope you can get the right mix! It’s a lottery but something will suit you 🤞and worth trying if Bisoprolol causing such side effects. Good luck

[kizzie105 in reply to Hidden]

Hi, thanks so much. I didn’t really have many issues on bidoprolol but coming off is a different story!

[Beater in reply to kizzie105]

I know it's been a while but I was wondering what kind of withdrawal symptoms you were having. I'm 11 months out from aortic valve replacement and bypass. I was on metoprolol then bisoprolol then I stopped for 5 days as I was very faint. Went back on and the reinstating caused severe symptoms. Family Dr. put me on carvedilol for 1 day and that was worse so then atenlol for 1 day and that was even worse. Then finally my cardiologist called after months and said that I have lost too much weight and to stop 1.25 and BP meds immediately cold turkey. Now I'm having some terrible side effects and just wondering if it's normal and how long they last.

[kizzie105 in reply to Beater]

Hi Beater, I am so sorry you are going through this, it’s hell, I know. My symptoms initially were a high heart rate at rest(80 ish) then up to 130 when walking around. Chills and hot flushes plus burning feeling in arms and back, headaches , fatigue, weakness in legs. I came off 10 months ago and still have debilitating symptoms such as weakness in my legs, a tremor when I do anything physical and awful fatigue. Everyone is different though and you will probably read on here that the majority of people are ok after a few weeks and it’s likely you will be one of them, I think I am unusual in that I am still feeling effects after so long. How long have you been on beta blockers for? They shouldn’t really be stopped cold turkey which may be why your symptoms are so bad though some people do this and have no problems at all. How long have you been off them?

[Beater in reply to kizzie105]

Thank you so much for responding. I have been off them this time for 5 days today. The first time I went off for 5 days the only side effects were anxiety at night and racing heart rate. My back pains were gone instantly and my energy returned instantly. This time it's quite the opposite. I was on them for 11 months. How lonely were you on them?

[kizzie105 in reply to Beater]

Hi, I was on 1.25 for 18 months. Could you get an emergency appt with cardiologist or GP to see if it’s safe for you to go back on them then taper off slowly? It’s a difficult one as they may feel it’s more important for you to be off them quickly. Many medics don’t believe withdrawal symptoms exist, at least that s my experience. How are you feeling now?

[Beater in reply to kizzie105]

Hi, thanks so much for responding. The problem is that my gp is on matt leave and her replacement is at a loss and the cardiologist won't return her or my calls. I've basically been left to my own devices here. My cardiologist doesn't not believe that there are withdrawal symptoms. I am totally afraid to go back on them as the last time you went off for 5 days and then went back on is when all the problems started. So in the last month I have been on 3 different beta blockers and off them for 5 days and back on for 5 days and now off for 5 days again. The withdrawals seem to be waning as is some of the anxiety a little, my BP seems pretty good as does my hr but I am so weak and lightheaded and have no energy. I was wondering how long it takes for the anxiety to go away and the energy to return?

[kizzie105 in reply to Beater]

Hi, I really wish I could be of more help. For me the anxiety lessened after about a month and now my heart rate and blood pressure seem to have settled but it took about 3 months and I still have bouts of anxiety especially first thing in the morning. If you feel that your symptoms are waning after 5 days I think that sounds like a good sign, please let me know how you get on. If you look up Bidoprolol withdrawal forum on the internet you will find many accounts of people who have problems coming off beta blockers, and most of them, like you and I are told it doesn’t happen. My very best wishes to you K

[Beater in reply to kizzie105]

Thank you so much for responding.

[Hidden]

Forgot to say I was also put on Amlodopine for BP and was already on Ramipril. They also had to stop statins and tricelagor. Nothing replaced statins but now on clopidogrel instead of Tricelagor. So 8 months since HA still trying to get mix right 😳. Even last week one Med increased again

[Hidden]

Oh that’s awful. I was lucky no withdrawal symptoms. Really hope you can find way to ease off them. Seems a shame if they weren’t causing you a problem.

[Granmac]

Hi

Yes I was flecainide for 3 years and have just came off it last November with no side effect at all when I came off the bisoprolo it took me awhile however coming off the flecainide was easy and I found it better for my AF then any other drug

[OrdinaryGuy]

Don't know how our A/F situations compare but I've been on Bisoprolol and Flecainide for a few years now. Following second, successful, catheter ablation procedure advised by Cardiologist to come off Flecainide and Bisorprolol straight away. Initially I experienced some heart arrythmia so Cardiologist agreed for me to go back on 2.5 mg of Bisoprolol. No problems for over 12 months now but allowed to stay on 2.5 mg of Bisoprolol for the rest of my days I believe. Currently I'm 76. Have had no need for Flecainide for around 18 months now. Wasn't aware of possible side effects with coming off Bisoprolol but I have had no problem when taking this medication nor when I stopped it for a short while. Hope your health situation improves - keep being "politely persistent" with your specialist to get the best advice possible.

[kizzie105 in reply to OrdinaryGuy]

Thank you so much, really helpful

[CathS73]

Hi,I've been taking diltiazem for 3 month now, I'm the sort to react to meds but I'm really happy with it, no side effects and it's helping with heart issues.

[Marwan1983]

hi

i was in Bisoprolol just two months I was taking 10 mg ,Because my blood pressure is a little high, and it was the worst day of my life. I became like an old man. My body shivering, cold feet, dizziness, dizziness and ringing in the ears. I stopped taking it only after two months of using it. Loss of energy most of the time, foggy head and dizziness sometimes I feel better, but the adrenaline in our bodies is rushing with force. I give up and I have no solution but to take vitamins. I do not want to be negative, but I am afraid that it will not come out of my body. I am 39 years old, I admit that the tinnitus with time has improved, I just feel With a band in the ear, but ringing in the ears. Note: Do not ask the doctor, because it will worsen your condition. Do not use any medication. Pregnancy and time will end this despicable drug that caused me anxiety and incomprehensible fear

Note : I haven't taken medication for 14 months and still a lot of withdrawal 😢