Bisoprolol withdrawal

[Spj57]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation has had any problems with bisoprolol withdrawal? Bisoprolol made me feel terrible with a low resting heart rate so my cardiologist told me I could stop taking it daily right away and use as a pill in the pocket. I've been feeling really shaky and unwell since but it was better after about a week. Unfortunately I then had another episode of atrial fibrillation and had to take two more doses. I've been feeling horrible again since then and I have been wondering if I get AF approx every two weeks, will I never get it out of my system in between? I will call my doctor today but has anyone else had anything similar? Thank you 😊

[tealdozer]

When I was first diagnosed with PAF I was also put on Bisoprolol (2.5mg daily) but, like you, felt dreadful on it and eventually my GP agreed to change it. I then tried flecainide but that did absolutely nothing for my AF so I was then put on Diltiazem (120mg daily) and that made a big difference but found I needed a higher dosage (180mg daily) which has, for the last 3 months, totally controlled my AF. Some people cope fine on bisoprolol, some on flecainide, it seems to be a case of keep pestering your GP until you find the right medication for you. Good luck.

[scentedgardener]

You could try tapering off, change to 1.25 mg daily, then start leaving off one a week, the 2 a week, then every other day, and so on. You might find that works better for you.

[Spj57 in reply to scentedgardener]

Thank you 😊 I've spoken to my GP and that's my plan going forward. We'll see how it goes! 🙂🤞

[scentedgardener in reply to Spj57]

Good luck. I went from 2.5 mg to 1.25 mg straight away, but with no problems, but we're all different. The smaller dose suits me much better, although I have to be careful if I take an extra one as a PIP, it really lowers my blood pressure then.

[Ruiter in reply to Spj57]

Hello Spj57

I am currently on bisoprolol (2.5mg) and am feeling light headed, breathless and suddenly suffer from severe anxiety, which I have never experienced before in my 64years!

So I am interested to hear what your 'tapering off' plan was after all? And how have you been since then?

Looking forward to your reply. Take care

[Spj57 in reply to Ruiter]

Still on it, I'm afraid 😔 I had a rough time over Christmas with episodes more frequently so wasn't able to taper off. Now I take 1.25 in the morning and 1.25 late afternoon which feels OK. It doesn't stop the AF though I am up to 15 days today without it. I'm on a waiting list for an ablation in six months. Sorry I couldn't be more help!

[Ruiter in reply to Spj57]

Im so sorry to read that you had a rough time and hope and pray that you will receive the treatment you need as soon as possible. Thankyou for replying.

[Sniggetts]

When I was initially diagnosed with PAF a year ago I was started on 2.5 bisoprolol, I felt absolutely dreadful & it didn’t settle the AF episodes so a lower dose wasn’t an option.The cardiologist swapped me to diltiazem so that I could at least function, but that alone didn’t halt the daily episodes until flecanide was added in twice daily , apparently they both work well together.

I’ve not looked back since & I’m back to my bouncy old self again ( almost ) .

Do have a chat with a cardiologist… mine is an AF specialist. Eventually it will come back an ablation may be needed but happy as I am for now .

Let us know how you get on . ☺️

[Spj57 in reply to Sniggetts]

Thank you, that's encouraging 🙂 I am tired, feel heavy in my chest and very shaky, like internal tremors. It's not much fun and I can't function at all. I'll try to get to speak to someone x

[Jetcat]

Hi spj. I was always under the impression we have to be slowly taken off it.? That’s what makes doctor told me anyway, unless things have changed.??

[Spj57 in reply to Jetcat]

That's what I would have thought and why I did specifically ask the cardiologist. But she told me to just stop🤔