Bisoprolol giving me anxiety

[EmilyR1997]

I recently got diagnosed with tachycardia I am 26. I got given 2.5mg of bisoprolol. I have been on propranolol in the past for my anxiety. I am really anxious on this. My chest feels heavy and I keep having that horrible sinking feeling as though my heart stops and I gasp for a breath. It’s also giving me weird feelings In my chest. I’m not sure if this is my anxiety playing up. I feel really awful I cannot settle on a night I have a feeling of dread like I’m going to die. I’m so obsessed with my heart and I feel like I’m going to die I’m obsessing over it. Which is the anxiety talking. It’s such an awful feeling. Is anyone else on this medication for tachycardia who have a similar experience ?? TIA ❤️

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I suffer with anxiety and it can be so confusing to try and separate what is anxiety and what could be something else

I have health anxiety of all things so that does not help and I also like you struggle more at night time

You say you are obsessing over your heart I do the same and no doubt this could be your anxiety but try and talk to your Doctor and let them reassure you it is anxiety and then you can start working on it

Let us know how you get on x

[EmilyR1997 in reply to BeKind28-]

Thanks so much for your reply. I’ll definitely speak to my doctor as I’m so anxious. The feeling of dread is horrific. I have a 2 year old and I’m alone with her I always think I’m going to die and no one will find her in time and she’d be distraught. I know it’s a horrific thing to imagine but that’s where my mind goes x

[BeKind28- in reply to EmilyR1997]

Hello

Anxiety makes us have these thoughts and these thoughts feed the anxiety and your mid does go into overdrive with these kinds of thoughts

Get an appointment as soon as you can with your Doctor and hopefully they will ease your mind

Let us know how you get on x

[EmilyR1997 in reply to BeKind28-]

Thank you ❤️

[BeKind28- in reply to EmilyR1997]

x

[Oldforge73]

Hi Emily just read your post. I am on Bisoprolol for AFib, although Propanolol is also a Beta Blocker it is quite often given for anxiety and distonic shaking which my husband takes it for. As far as I am aware Bisoprolol is given to reduce your heart rate as it's main function and will do little for anxiety. It works directly on the heart and is very powerful with a half life of 12 hours. We all react differently to drugs but your description on breathing difficulties, chest constriction combined with weird feelings I can identify with. I often felt that it was impossible to expand my lungs fully and it is a known side effect. Do not suffer in silence. Check your heart rate as it may be too low and 1.25mg as a dose may suit you better until your body adapts. Speak to your GP, Clinical Pharmacist or any health care professional that will help to reassure you. You are not alone when it comes to being prescribed medication with little to no warning on the possible unpleasant side effects. But I have got to say if you can get the right dose of Bisoprolol it is an excellent rate control medication and once stabilised you may feel so much better. When you do feel better try walking outside everyday to calm yourself and increase the length of your walks little by little, you will find this helps your breathing so much and your mental health.

Regards Kathleen

[EmilyR1997 in reply to Oldforge73]

thanks so much Kathleen for your heart felt reply. I’m going to speak to my GP about it. I’m now suddenly suffering with so I think there may be something underlying. Or maybe the meds are too strong ? As I only suffered with tachycardia maybe once a year. Sometimes once every 2 years. Thanks again ❤️

[GDix2020]

I had the exact same issues with Bisoprolol, my chest would feel super heavy and it would feel like it was legit tightening up and would sometimes make me feel hard to breathe. I'm not sure if it was anxiety come to think of it now, though my cardiologist switched me to another set of anti-arrythmias and now I feel great. I never hear of anyone having good experiences with Bisoprolol tbh, a mate of mine that had it also got switched over to another one too.

[EmilyR1997 in reply to GDix2020]

Thanks for your reply. I’m going to have a word with my GP I’m just so scared about them switching me incase it triggers a tachycardia event and they are the most horrific things in the world x

[Nakesero]

Hi Emily,You are not alone in yout problems with Bisoprolol; I was prescribed it for Afib. One of the common themes on this forum is how the same drug can have a huge and potentially devastating side effects for a wide range of different people. For me it was a feeling of acute depression and total lack of interest or motivation plus other less serious factors. The key in this situation is not to accept but to be proactive; to tell medical professionals how badly this appears to affect you and seek an alternative medication. It is easy to merely meekly accept any medical intervention and believe that it is somehow ungrateful to complain but the quality of your life makes it essential that you put yourself first and insist on a change to something that suits you better. After all, when it comes to how you feel, it is you who is the expert. Go and create some waves - and good luck!

[EmilyR1997 in reply to Nakesero]

thank you so much ❤️