Do all beta blockers cause fatigue?

[Callie456]

After just reading Heyjude's question, mine is along a similar line.I've been on metoprolol for 4 months now since my HA. I am very fatigued all day. I tried going off it but HR went too high and I got short of breath doing minor tasks, so am back on it.

Since all beta blockers lower HR and BP, will they all make you tired?

Is it the low HR that makes you tired or low BP, or something else?

I know there are other things like stress and anxiety that wear me out, but it just seems to be a deep exhaustion that I feel, with no energy, am unsure the extent metoprolol may be contributing to this or not.

[Callie456]

Thankyou Anne, my fitbit does tell me my HR is low 40s at night too.

Do you think all those symptoms you had were the beta blocker? I was thinking it was just me, but maybe it's not! All these heart meds are so new for me I don't really know what's doing what.

On carvedilol what is your resting HR/& HR at night now?

[Callie456]

That's indeed helpful and interesting. I just assumed they were all pretty much the same. I think I'll chat to dr and see if it's ok for me to trial a different one. I can always go back to metoprolol. It's good to hear you've tried a few and actually found differences and one that suits you best.

[cowparsley]

Had the same problem and was switched to a calcium channel blocker which was brilliant at a lower dose but extreme side effects from the high dose so I think the best thing is to trial a different beta blocker. Best of luck.

[Callie456 in reply to cowparsley]

Thankyou very much, it's good to hear how things have worked/or not worked for other people.

[TechBear]

Hi Callie,

I was on metoprolol for over 20 years, I cannot say that it contributed to any major fatigue for me. As others have said, all people can react differently to these medications. But if you find that it is helping with your heartrate and bp, and you are uncomfortable without it, perhaps ask your doctor to lower you dosage first before trying different meds. It is very possible that if you had an elevated heart rate for many years that your body was simply used to it, and a now more normalized rate could bring on fatigue. This should adapt over time, but still best if you can be on the minimum dosage possible that controls your symptoms.

[Callie456 in reply to TechBear]

Thank you Techbear, that's helpful to know.

[stonycreek]

Until recently, I had not noticed fatigue as a result of taking 50 mg metoprolol daily. On April 10th I had a cardio version. I was discharged after about 4 hours. I felt good and was hungry and ate. In the late afternoon I felt tired and fatigued. Since the procedure I have felt tired. My heart rate is down and I am often in Sinus Rhythm. Yet, I get three to four notifications daily on my Apple Watch that my heart rate went below 40 ten minutes ago. The nurse I am working with with suggested I drop to 25 mg/day. No change. In the morning I take 100 mg of Losartan and 10 mg of Amlodipine Besylate. My BP has been averaging 94/62 heart beat in high forties. Starting tonight, I will be reducing Metoprolol to 12.5 mg/daily. I hope for some improvement. I’m not sure this helps you but I will keep you posted. Tom

[Callie456 in reply to stonycreek]

Thanks Tom, yes please let me know how you go. Your readings sound similar to mine. I daresay the stress of a cardioversion procedure can take its toll, that could make you tired too, hopefully you stay in sinus rhythm now. So many things can contribute to fatigue, maybe one slight change somewhere is enough to tip the balance.

Hope you're feeling better soon. Take care,

Callie