Bisoprolol side effects: I was put on... - British Heart Fou...

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Bisoprolol side effects

Classicfan49 profile image
22 Replies

I was put on this beta blocker a few weeks ago and it is now one of 4 tablets I’m taking for heart related problems. I’ve been feeling absolutely drained, scarcely able to function beyond essentials, and my research indicated this was the likely culprit - unless my heart condition had suddenly got much worse.

I’m only on 1.25 mg and I’m not usually badly affected by prescribed medications. I wanted to experiment with taking the beta blocker later in the day and the pharmacist okayed my moving it to late afternoon. There was an immediate improvement in my energy levels and concentration. I spoke to my GP yesterday who said to try 7 pm and suggested monitoring my blood pressure and heart rate, as I’d really like to ditch the thing completely.

I know some people suffer with beta blockers leaving them in the twilight zone so it really is worth investigating a possible shift in when you take them. I’m certain it’s worked for me.

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Classicfan49 profile image
Classicfan49
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22 Replies

Dear Classicfan49

I did the same and changed my uptake of Bisoprolol from morning to evening with my cardiologists blessing.

You will find that many have done the same on here, but it must only be done after being passed by your cardiology team/Dr/Nurse.

Good luck I hope it solves your problem

Take care

Hello :-)

Thank you for you post I found it very interesting as I have been on this med a while and had no energy at all

Reading your post I might ask if I could try taking them at a different time of day as I take mine in a Morning

It is good when people share their experiences and what has helped them as it can help others to :-)

Classicfan49 profile image
Classicfan49 in reply to

It’s a great forum, isn’t it? I’m quite new to it but there’s a wealth of experience and reassurance out there. It was on here I got the idea of moving when I take it, but of course we do need to check with a doctor first. So much depends on the dose you’re on and other pills you’re prescribed.

in reply to Classicfan49

Hello :-)

It is a lovely forum and some very knowledgeable , caring and understanding members which makes it what it is :-)

I am not sure at times what I would do without it as everyone helps me such a lot

I suffer with really bad anxiety and even though some may not understand they always show me such caring support :-)

It is nice to have you here and Welcome :-) x

SheldonC profile image
SheldonC

I struggled with tiredness and my BP dropping too low post exercise so my cardiologist split my dose (I was on 10mg/day), 5mg am & 5mg pm. I am now on 5mg/day and still split am & pm. This worked well for me.

Shar28 profile image
Shar28

My husband has his Bisoprolol in thee enjng too and feels much better for it.

pasigal profile image
pasigal

I am on 5 mg biso, half in the morning and half in the evening, as per my cardiologist. At first I was getting really dizzy b/c of low BP, and that has improved by splitting my dosage. I think it will work for you.

The problem with side effects is that if you're on lots of meds, as many of us are, is that you often can't tell which is the culprit, or whether it's a combination, or if it's a dosage issue.

Tricia7048 profile image
Tricia7048

It sounds very much like my bisoprolol side effects. I did that to me too but after 2/3 yrs I had put on 20kg weight and had their rare side effect of kidney stones! Painful! My cardiologist changed my med and I lost the weight without trying, and dont have that weighed down feeling now! There are many other meds or betablockers to choose, its just that bisoprolol are cheap and the preferred option. Ask if you can change. Wishing you all the best.

Classicfan49 profile image
Classicfan49 in reply to Tricia7048

I only came across the weight gain issue yesterday. I’ll have to keep an eye on that. I did gain weight in the first month but because I was so lacking in energy that my subconscious told me I needed biscuits , cake, high fat cheese - so that’s what I went for. It only made it worse, of course: more sluggish and depressed.

Tricia7048 profile image
Tricia7048 in reply to Classicfan49

My diet, including naughty stuff never changed!! Only the weight did, dont blame yourself. Its well known for lowering your metabolism as well as your heart rate unfortunately !

Classicfan49 profile image
Classicfan49 in reply to Tricia7048

Wow, I’m going to have to watch that? So you get rid of one risk factor and pick up another! Well, two really: your exercise levels plummet because you’re so exhausted and you also gain weight.

Tricia7048 profile image
Tricia7048 in reply to Classicfan49

Not everybody! Just us unlucky ones!!

Ramilia profile image
Ramilia

Classicfan49,

I'm also on 1.25mg of bisoprolol and started off taking it in the mornings. By early afternoon, all I wanted to do was sleep! After discussion with my doctor, I moved it to 4.30 in the afternoon, and that made such a difference. If that hadn't worked, I would have made it even later, but I was happy to stick with 4.30pm.

Beanette profile image
Beanette in reply to Ramilia

HiDiagnosed AFib 2018 resulting in cardio version, no meds except for Rivaroxaban 20mg.

Another A&E admission last September bisoprolol 5mg introduced awful exhaustion combination of meds & AFib.

Second cardio version 9 days ago, reduced bisoprolol to 2.5mg advised to take evening which I’m doing. I have never had hypertension only with exacerbation of AFib, BP is lower than usual and pulse is 53-57. I’m hoping GP will halve dose again of bisoprolol as I still feel so tired and am sleeping more than usual!

Ramilia profile image
Ramilia in reply to Beanette

Hi Beanette,

I think you meant to reply to Classicfan49 rather than me, so my tag will draw their attention to it.

🙂

Beanette profile image
Beanette in reply to Ramilia

Whoops! Thank you Ramilla

Ramilia profile image
Ramilia in reply to Beanette

No problem!

jamesapjim profile image
jamesapjim

I take Bisoprolol 1.25mg at bedtime having switched from morning slot with much improved outcomes as regards energy, concentration, alertness etc. Definitely worth a discussion with GP.

nilmonisikdar40 profile image
nilmonisikdar40

Your observation may be of great help to others. Earlier beta blockers were non selective because they cause side effects to other organs mainly the lungs and causing fatigue but bisoprolol is a selective blocker and shouldn't cause other problems. Good day to you.

Maderia profile image
Maderia

I think I will change my 1.25mg dose to later in the day too. I have lots of side effects and no energy also some dizzy spells. I shall pass it by my doctor and see what he says. I would love to come off it but I think I may have it for the long haul. I hope you are better doing this. Good luck

Organplayer profile image
Organplayer

Am on Bisoprolol2.5 twice daily,Rampiril 2.5 twice daily

Apixaban 5mg twice daily

Have persistent AFib and A Flutter

Just feel so very tired all the time, but I am Nearly 85 years old so maybe it’s to be expected,also have Stage 3b CKD!!

MWIC profile image
MWIC

Oh I recognise this unfortunately- I was on 2.5mg and felt simply dreadful - I noticed my heart rate was in 40’s so contacted GP …reduced the dose to 1.25mg …no change. Had a heart attack in Jan and angioplasty resolved blocked arteries but hospital tookMe off Bisoporol immediately as my heart rate was too low …feeling great despite the HA and whilst I’m sure it wasn’t just the Bisoporol the way I felt almost immediately took a downturn as soon as I started them. Everyone is different and depends why you have been prescribed Bisoporol, so get your heart rate checked and check back with your GP and ask questions if your heart rate is low - best of luck

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