Beta Blocker Question

[Mopsey1897]

I’ve been on 1.25mg of bisoprolol for nearly 4 weeks and I feel really lethargic most of the time. I was on 2.5mg for 2 weeks prior but they made me dizzy. I’m struggling to get the energy to do housework and I’m fed up feeling like this. I’m having tests to see if I have any heart problems as my breathing wasn’t too good and I kept having a tight band feeling around my ribs. Do all beta blockers cause this lethargy or should I try another one? Sometimes it’s a struggle to stay awake in the afternoons which is not like me at all. Any advice gratefully received

[Adhtz21]

Morning, I’m the same as you. I was on. 2.5mg Bisoprolol for 2 years post surgery but lowered it myself to 1.25mg due to Bradycardia and extreme fatigue days. I improved but now I’m feeling wrecked again. I’m also now on Doxazosin which I have read can cause fatigue. I’m alright when I get myself out on a 6km walk but as soon as I’m in the house it’s park myself in the chair.

It’s quite impactive as basic everyday stuff is an effort to do. Sometimes I feel like someone is pushing my shoulders down it’s weird. Good to be here of course but fatigue is not pleasant and somewhat embarrassing at times.

Kind regards,

Andy

[CDreamer]

Some beta blockers are better than others but I couldn’t tolerate any of them and quality of life was much improved when I stopped them. If you are asthmatic then beta blockers should be avoided altogether.

For what reason are you taking them? Maybe calcium channel blockers may do the job as well? Talk to your doctor but be careful stopping them as even at a low dose some people struggle and experience withdrawal symptoms such as increased symptoms of anxiety, rare but possible.

[gladliz in reply to CDreamer]

Interesting. Your comment on beta blockers and Asthma. I have been on Bisoprolol for 10 years -5mg Twice a day , also Doxazosin and Ramipril same dosage. Have recently been prescribed an inhaler, 2 Puffs twice a day as I am deemed to be Asthmatic. Had spirometry tests but no one has mentioned anything about beta blockers and Asthma. Am due my yearly review and blood tests next week so will mention it then.

[Lkdrt]

I was on Bisoprolol for a year,they made me sooooooooo fatigued.It is because they slow your heart rate down.I was lethargic all the time.Best to talk with your doctor about your symptoms.

[Hrty]

Me and beta blockers aren't best mates. I was put on 1.25mg of bisoprolol following my NSTEMI in November last year. Stuck it out for 3 months but absolutely floored me and my resting hr dropped into low 30s. Dr stopped it and after a few weeks of withdrawal felt much better. I had similar problems with atenolol many years ago when that was prescribed for bp treatment.

[SheilH]

I also had the same issues with bisoprlol it was only when I found this forum that I realized I was not alone!

Since getting on alternative medication I have energy again

I suggest talking to your cardiologist and GP

[PaddyRedVan]

I had exactly the same issue. Once i stopped the bisoprolol i felt much better.

[Mopsey1897]

thanks everyone, your comments were very good to read. I’ve changed brands in the last few weeks and wondered if the different brand had made me so tired as all tablets have different fillers? I’ve got a new prescription to collect tomorrow so I’ll see how I get on with these. Otherwise I’ll ask GP for a different one. I’m taking blockers whilst being tested for any heart problems.