No Disopyramide so Bisoprolol prescribed?

[DE-AF]

Hi, I have been taking Disopyramide (Rhythmodan Retard 250mg) for AF, but have been unable to find any pharmacists with stock for a while now. So the Cardiac Nurse at my Doctor's Surgery has switched me to Bisoprolol. I am about to switch over from the last of my Disopyramide, and start with the Bisoprolol.

I am nervous about the switch, as Disopyramide is an anti-arhythmic (sodium channel blocker?) while (as I understand it) Bisoprolol is a rate control/beta blocker drug.

My resting heart rate is 58 to 63 normally, and lower when asleep, so I am not sure I want my heart rate to go any lower as a result of taking beta blockers.

Has anyone else made the switch from Disopyramide to beta blockers or something else? If so what are you on now and what has your experience been?

Any help/advice very much appreciated.

[Jalia]

I've been on Disopyramide fir the best part of 28 years and have been told to switch over to Bisoprolol if unable to source the Diso. Some years ago thus drug became totally unavailable for some time and I was switched to Bisoprolol then. No problems with the switch over.

You will need to keep a close watch on your heart rate and liaise with your GP as necessary if dose adjustment needed.

[DE-AF in reply to Jalia]

Thanks for this, I have booked an appointment next week to discuss the switch over. Fingers crossed!