Bisaprolol: Anyone on this beta blocker... - British Heart Fou...

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Bisaprolol

Frogman53 profile image
93 Replies

Anyone on this beta blocker ? in his letter to my GP the Cardiologist said he was surprised I wasn't on a beta blocker. I had a phone call from the GP's Pharmacist on Thursday evening saying they were going to start me on 1.mg of Bisaprolol but a I have to take my BP and check my pulse he's phoning me on the 22nd to see how I'm getting on with them...anyone had any problems ?

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Frogman53 profile image
Frogman53
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93 Replies
Bruce67 profile image
Bruce67

Be ready for cold hands, feet and nose. Common side effects from Bisoprolol!

Stent2024 profile image
Stent2024 in reply to Bruce67

I do t get these side effects

PurpleEdge profile image
PurpleEdge in reply to Bruce67

yep me too blocks of ice for feet alternating to burning, cold ears heart rate good cold arm 2.5 mg also blummin tired but that could bethe stroke i got after cabg procedure.

RufusScamp profile image
RufusScamp

1 mg is a very low dose. I have been on 10 mg for a few years. The only effect I am aware of is feeling tired for much of the day.

WardijaWardija profile image
WardijaWardija in reply to RufusScamp

Same here 10mgs 🙂

fishonabike profile image
fishonabike in reply to RufusScamp

have you tried taking it in the evening - the timing of your medication can make a difference to how you experience the side effects but it does not alter its effective action

Hotie profile image
Hotie in reply to fishonabike

Totally agree take mine at night so far no problems only started it a week ago due to seriously HB

gladliz profile image
gladliz in reply to fishonabike

I'm on 10 mg per day total as well, but instructed to take 5mg twice a day. So to avoid clashes with other meds I take 1 at lunch time and the other before bed. Sleep, including, afternoon naps, is no problem, it's staying awake I have trouble with.

RufusScamp profile image
RufusScamp in reply to fishonabike

Thanks. I did try that, but it did not help for some reason. I am now wide awake at midnight, after dozing off in an interesting talk mid afternoon!

greenba profile image
greenba

I had a bad reaction to Bisoprolol , My problem was a slow heart beat , this slowed it down more to the point of near collapse. I have wound up with a pacemaker.

ChoochSiesta profile image
ChoochSiesta in reply to greenba

I wonder if ending up with a pacemaker is a real danger of beta blockers? My GPs soon took me of them when my heart rate dropped to about 45.

Newafib profile image
Newafib

I also had to change off of bisoprolol as it lowered my heart rate to low. 40 bpm. I was ok with the heart rate could function, but GP changed it out. Also gave me a running and dripping nose all the time.

sandandkev profile image
sandandkev in reply to Newafib

Hi wow just read your side effect of bisoprolol!! I have a very irritating runny nose! Thought just me but definitely since being on bisoprolol-- thanks

trafar profile image
trafar in reply to sandandkev

I now have an issue with it running down my throat and making me cough and gag, coukd this be this drug. Apart from that no side effects.

Frogman53 profile image
Frogman53

The dose he's put me on is 1.5mg ....I should imagine he's put me on a small dose because I've had problems with Beta Blockers lowering my heart rate in the past. I'm seeing the Cardiologist on the 5th April for a pre admission assessment for an another angiogram and he said he may decide to stent depending on what he finds.

Lindor23 profile image
Lindor23 in reply to Frogman53

I was put on the same dose pre opp & had very low resting blood pressure. Post opp I am on 2.5mg. You can get your BP checked at the pharmacist if you collect your prescription if concerned. I find my local pharmacist really helpful.

DodgyTickerMum profile image
DodgyTickerMum

Hi, I’ve been taking this since my O.H.S. 9 months ago. It lowers your blood pressure (so I have to take my dose at bedtime - as already have a low B.P), and for the first month or so it gave me oral thrush (it affected my Mum the same too when she started on it - unfortunately). As others have said it can make you tired.

But, as one of my Surgeons said ‘It’s the heart’s friend…’ Calms the rhythm down and prevents your heart from wearing out too quickly. Sometimes you don’t have a choice - sadly. Hope you’re ok with it. 🤞🏻

Silvertail profile image
Silvertail

No troubles here apart from the usual tiredness. I was titrated up to 10 mg.

fishonabike profile image
fishonabike in reply to Silvertail

have you tried taking it in the evening - the timing of your medication can make a difference to how you experience the side effects but it does not alter its effective action

Silvertail profile image
Silvertail in reply to fishonabike

That's right.@ I do take bisoprolol in the evening, and candesartan and spironolactone in the morning. At the time I started these, my cardiologist said to try to push through the side effects for the resultant benefits. My fatigue now comes from a combination of other drugs as well as age.

HenryTudor profile image
HenryTudor

Yes, I’m on 5mg and am ok on it. My heart rate is sometimes a bit low but my heart failure nurse isn’t concerned. No other apparent side effects.

Jackski profile image
Jackski

Hi

Ive been taking it for year and half.

Same runny nose cold feet.

Biggest problem is tiredness never felt anything like it totally switched off have no energy spend all day doing nothing compared to before my bypass cant wait to come off of it.

Everyone is different though and for those who can take it its seems to be great.

I wish you all the best😊❤️

fishonabike profile image
fishonabike in reply to Jackski

have you tried taking it in the evening - the timing of your medication can make a difference to how you experience the side effects but it does not alter its effective action

Gillph profile image
Gillph

I started a month ago at 1.25 and now up to 2.5. I always take tablets with or just after food and I’ve had no side effects whatsoever. Everything has a benefit and a drawback and usually the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Personally I’m no longer sure if medics should give us a ‘choice’ as I preferred a more instructive approach.

andrew290171 profile image
andrew290171

Didn't feel well on it . Made heart beat too slow (under 40)

sandandkev profile image
sandandkev

I has AF last July and put on 2.5mg bisoprolol,it does affect me in making me dizzy and very cold hands and feet,but my pulse went down to 50,so it was reduced to 1.25mg, I'm tolerating it but waiting for consultant to change it

Kkarlak profile image
Kkarlak

I am on 1.25mg along with other meds which were prescribed after my HA and subsequent double stent procedure.

I do feel tired, but wasn't sure if that was some of the other meds, looks like it may be the Bisoprolol judging what others are saying. Also, definitely have the cold hands effect. My heartbeat has lowered and my blood pressure is now normal and under control, so I will take those side effects.

SaxmanAD profile image
SaxmanAD

The vivid terror dreams, soz but just being honest. Cold hands & feet. 3.75 mg twice daily

Judithdalston profile image
Judithdalston in reply to SaxmanAD

yes to the nightmares…waking up feeling very claustrophobic and had to switch on a light and do something like read or watch tv. Was taken of bisoprolol in early Jan, and soon after had a series of evening/ night power cuts, and was really taken aback about the anxiety I had being in the dark was there even though had always been awake. I did try to ‘yellow card ‘ this rare side effect but their website kept seizing up.

SaxmanAD profile image
SaxmanAD in reply to Judithdalston

It is difficult isn't it as I found bisoprolol to do a good job keeping me in rhythm.

Nottscaz profile image
Nottscaz in reply to SaxmanAD

I am also having vivid dreams most nights I have been on them since January 2mg my heart rate has slowed down to a normal level which is good

SaxmanAD profile image
SaxmanAD in reply to Nottscaz

Yes I had terrors on the 3.75 dose but it did keep my heart rate under control.

Dougsey profile image
Dougsey

1.25 here after a few PAF episodes. Was taken off it after a successful ablation but went back on it a year ago after HR was playing up. Much happier since, despite the cold hands/feet and occasional fatigue.

Survivor1952 profile image
Survivor1952

I’m on 1.25mg along with a cocktail of other drugs post OHS. I find I get tired easily but no other issues. GP wanted to increase my dose a while back as my BP was still a bit high but didn’t when he found out my HR was dropping into the 40’s at times. He added a calcium channel blocker instead.

Roughandtumble profile image
Roughandtumble

I have been taking 2.5mg Bisoprolol once a day since July when I had a cardiac arrest and ICD implanted. Generally feeling well. Heart rate varies on exercise but currently 70bpm. Care has been excellent at Guys.

Woodywoo36 profile image
Woodywoo36

I take bisoporol for funny heart beats. I felt tired at first but fine now. The only oroblem I have is gaining weight but I am trying to lose it now. Xx

Anne498 profile image
Anne498

I’ve been on bisoprolol for 10 years. 2.5mg twice a day. It does cause me low blood pressure but I don’t feel ill from it. First time I started taking it made me very tired for a while until my body adjusted to it but I’m very comfortable with it now, got to the gym etc

Leggyem profile image
Leggyem

bisoprolol floored me, as in I was so fatigued I was pretty much disfunction. Thankfully when I worked out what was causing it the doctor stopped it & I felt alive again. Some people just cannot tolerate it even at low doses, hope your ok with it 🙏

Sprinst profile image
Sprinst

I've been on it for over 5 years with no problem whatsoever...Trevor

Suzyh profile image
Suzyh

I was on bisoprolol for 2 years after having a stent fitted they wanted to change it and put me on amlodipine. My Gp told me to stop taking bisoprolol and test my blood pressure twice a day for a week. Anyway my BP was always really good so did not need anything. The best thing I ever did was coming off bisoprolol felt so much better. Wish I had done it sooner. I suppose everyone is different.

Gambalunga profile image
Gambalunga

I'm 66 and on 1.25, I had a cardiac arrest in 2021. 1.25 is really low, often people are put on 2.5, then 5, then 10 if tollerated. I really didn't like being on 2.5, it made me dizzy and I was generally lacklustre. My GP reduced the amount which helped, she didn't want to stop it though. I have started cycling again and I feel generally much better. My resting heartbeat is 55-60, I was getting 40 before which wasn't enough of me. I did make the call that I would rather attempt to get fit again now (even if there are risks) rather than be medicated into a long but slow life.

Frogman53 profile image
Frogman53 in reply to Gambalunga

I'm also on 5mg of Amlodipine...so maybe that's the reason for the low dose.

Gambalunga profile image
Gambalunga in reply to Frogman53

Many, maybe most of us are on a cocktail. Generally tablets either thin the blood, relax the arteries, or are diuretics, as well as the beta blockers which block adrenaline

Schora1 profile image
Schora1

I take

Bisoprolol but only 1.25mg to help with palpitations. The only side effect I get is it exacerbates my reynauds phenomena.

Gambalunga profile image
Gambalunga in reply to Schora1

Is this a known side-effect, I have experienced Reynaud's for years, but never before have I seen half my hand turn white

adiwillow profile image
adiwillow in reply to Gambalunga

I've had raynauds for a few years... but i never got the white hands or fingers (mine turned blue in even themildest weather). But, since being on ramipril i do get white and numb toes. However, i can live with it.

Schora1 profile image
Schora1 in reply to Gambalunga

According to my rheumatologist it can be. I’m coping with it for now but they have offered to change it to Diltiazem.

Cavadeb profile image
Cavadeb

HI Frogman53 my cardiologist prescribed these for my two weeks ago 2.5mg and I have had absolutely no problem with them. I feel much better than I was feeling before so that's a good thing!! Good luck.

Bluelobby profile image
Bluelobby

I've been on 1.25mg for 17 months , had no issues with it , only issues I had was from ramipril so I'm off that now

Blackknight57 profile image
Blackknight57

my bp is fine 108/75pulce is 47 resting. On 1.25 bisoprolol*2

One cardiologist increased my dose to 2.5*2

I think he is mad!

Carriefarm profile image
Carriefarm

I had to stop taking Bisoprorol as it dropped my heart rate too low.

adiwillow profile image
adiwillow

I'm on a low dose as well, 1.25mg. I got cold hands (which makes my raynauds worse) and it lowers my heart rate by around 10bpm. Other than that, no issues.

MAISIEMOO21 profile image
MAISIEMOO21

Hi

I have been on Bisoprolol for 5 months for ectopic beats 5 mg

It did reduce the ectopics for about 2 weeks but now back again but not as bad.

I had no side effects whatsoever

I am seeing cardiologist on Wednesday at

My BP does indicate irregular heart beat

AaronL profile image
AaronL

I've been on these for a few years, I'm 52 and whilst I have CAD and stents I would consider myself very fit. They do lower hear rate, which can be a little disconcerting. My RHR is about 45 to 50bpm, but as I said I'm pretty fit anyway. I think the stop adrenaline binding, they make me very chilled out, I don't get particularly stressed about anything which is quite cool. It takes a few weeks to get used to them from a relaxation perspective. As an aside, apparently there is research showing some success with prescribing them to people with aggression problems!

EdtheDead profile image
EdtheDead

I was blessed with a wonderful Cardiac Rehabilitation nurse who, after I mentioned Bisoprolol was playing havoc with me, encouraged me to experiment with my dosage and timing of taking it. She was adamant I needed to stay on it for Pericarditis induced AF. So now I take 2.5mg in the morning (that was my initial dose) and 1.25mg alongside 1.25mg Ramipril late afternoon. Everything has been good since. Still tired and still get cold feet but feeling a lot better in myself since I got the dosage right.

Hephzibar profile image
Hephzibar

I am on 1.25mg for tachycardia and it has increased my tiredness and I suddenly piled on the weight which I am trying to lose!

My heart no longer races away as it used to, but I would really like to come off beta blockers! There seem to be so many drug contraindications with Bisoprolol- NSAIDs, decongestants and I am suffering from chronic tension headaches at the moment and in the past was given a low dose of Amytriptiline, but now that is contraindicated!

Isobel1 profile image
Isobel1

I have been on 1.25 mg Bisoprolol since having heart surgery 3 years ago. Apart from my hands being slightly colder, I've had no side effects, so if my heart is under less strain, I'm thankful.

momander profile image
momander

I've been in them 3 years wirh no problems. They saved my life

KernowKS profile image
KernowKS

Put on 1.25mg after angioplasty seven and a half years ago, raised to 2.5mg shortly after as they felt BP a little too high at the time. Been on it ever since. Rest heart rate is 47-50, BP 120/73. Side effects are lacking in energy and continued Reynauds.

Clopi-dog-rel profile image
Clopi-dog-rel

Hi, I have been on 1.25mg of Bisoprolol for a few years now and I don’t seem to have any side effects other than being a bit tired at times but I put that down to having a low thyroid (I’m on medication for this).

My hands and feet have always been cold but I started wearing flight socks after I had been on holiday and found they kept my legs and feet really warm (my feet were always freezing at work).

Hopefully you won’t have any side effects and if you do all being well they won’t affect you too much also you have been prescribed a low dose. Good Luck!

fishonabike profile image
fishonabike in reply to Clopi-dog-rel

have you tried taking it in the evening - the timing of your medication can make a difference to how you experience the side effects but it does not alter its effective action

Clopi-dog-rel profile image
Clopi-dog-rel in reply to fishonabike

Hi I take Candesartan (9.00am) and Bisoprolol (10.00am) then Atorvastatin at 11.00 but saw on here today that it should be taken at night as that is when your cholesterol is at its highest although the Nurse said I could take it in the morning but then take at same time every day. I know my blood pressure tablets should be taken at night but then that means I will be taking all my meds at night and I like to space them out during the morning and evening.

I take Lansoprazole an hour or two before tea. Metformin and another tablet (for my stomach) after tea (usually about 8pm as I work) and then 75mg Thyroxine about 11pm. They say to take Thyroxine in the morning but they made me very tired and sluggish whereas when I take them at night I feel ok in the morning!

I have an appointment with the Nurse soon so will ask again if I should be taking Atorvastatin at night! I will be rattling when I walk with all these tablets I am taking!

fishonabike profile image
fishonabike in reply to Clopi-dog-rel

you can also ask a pharmacist - medication is their speciality!

Clopi-dog-rel profile image
Clopi-dog-rel in reply to fishonabike

Yes that’s a good idea!

AH31 profile image
AH31

I am on this beta blocker 1.25mg

I have never been on beta blockers before but so far so good. I do find my hands and feet cold a lot and occasionally tired but I just put it down to recovering from heart surgery a month ago.

fishonabike profile image
fishonabike in reply to AH31

it can take a lot longer to recover after surgery than many doctor predict, one month is quite soon to feel fully recovered after any major surgery so take your time and rest when you need to - it will pay off in the long run!

CrofterG profile image
CrofterG

Im on 2.5mg and I've been fine although I get a runny nose first thing in the morning but not all the time

ChrisDP61 profile image
ChrisDP61

I'm on 2.5mg a day. It has lowered my heart rate a little, from 60bpm to about 56bpm on average. I sometimes have cold feet and hands, which was worrying until I realised it was a side effect of bisaprolol. I had a triple heart bypass May 2023. I have aspirin and a statin each day too.Keep us posted on how you are. Its a good support network.

Cheers

Chris

Flossrudy profile image
Flossrudy

Been taking it for a few years. I am on 5mg twice a day.

Pollyanna23 profile image
Pollyanna23

Hi. I have been on bisaprolol two 2.5mg for six years,the only side effect I get is a cold nose. I might have had a few issues when first taking them but they all seemed to settle within six months of taking the drug.

Avagra profile image
Avagra

HA in Oct’22 and been taking 1.25mg Bisoprolol since then and apart from cold feet/hands now and again no problem.

CamperK profile image
CamperK

Are you currently on another blood pressure med, and they want you to now take Bisprolol? Or is Bisprolol their first go to med for you? My doctor put me on it the very first time I showed signs of high blood pressure. He should have asked questions and suggested other things before going straight for a beta blocker. Dr. Ken Berry has good videos on blood pressure. Check them out.

Frogman9 profile image
Frogman9 in reply to CamperK

I'm already on 5mg of Amlodipine... Starting Bisaprolol tomorrow.

Deejay62 profile image
Deejay62

As you see medication affects everyone differently because we are all individuals. I take 10mg and have done for 5 years.

The best thing to do is follow your pharmacists instructions, if after you begin taking it and you get a reaction to it let your pharmacist know.

Sometimes your body as to get used to it, and will do, or it won’t. It might take a few weeks to know the effect. All the best.

Socialanimal profile image
Socialanimal

I have been on 12.5 mg Bisoprolol for 8 years and as per other posters say, occasionally have cold hands, feet, fatigue and a runny nose (strangely enough from only one side).

The benefits are great if you can keep going with it.

Very interesting tip about taking it in the evening to reduce tiredness, will try that.

Good luck for the future.

Max1neA profile image
Max1neA

I was put on a daily dose of 2.5mg in late 2019 for AFib. Made me tired and dizzy. Mid 2020 I had a (telephone) appointment with a cardiologist. He upped the dose to 10mg per day. Started passing out frequently, causing bruises, bumps and chipped teeth. After numerous appointments with GP and cardiologist over 3 years I have reduced it to 5mg a day, with up to an extra 5mg if I go into AFib. They both refused to consider another beta-blocker. I had to finish work in 2023, due to inability to drive and most days inability to get out of bed. I basically have no life now. I was in a successful career, I now rarely leave the house, I need someone with me at all times, due to dizziness and fainting. When my family are all out, I don’t leave my bedroom. I have enquired about a private cardiologist appointment and am waiting for a friend to pass on a recommendation from one of her patients (she is abroad for a while). If you can afford it, I would seek a second opinion. Good luck.

Dollcollector profile image
Dollcollector in reply to Max1neA

It seems like the large dose of bisopropol you have been taking is causing your pulse rate to go too low. If your heart was pausing and you were fainting and falling down ,l am very surprised that your doctor didn't take you off it or lower the dose. There are other medications for afib. You do have a choice about what you put in your body. I would read all about afib and get your doctor to listen to you. If youhave no life and your doctor won't be reasonable, change your doctor. Good luck . All the best.

Hotie profile image
Hotie

Started this about a week ago due to highBP 2.52.5mg,was wary of taking this BB due to having Raynards....decided to take it at night no problem feel sluggish in morning wears off later.

Raznic profile image
Raznic

Hi Frogman, I'm on 7.5mg Bisoprolol daily. Split into two doses, 2.5mg morning and 5mg evening. When I started it made me very tired. That's not so bad now. Cold extremities as described by others. After nearly 8 years still get the cold extremities but the worst side effect for me is the constant runny nose. So irritating, but I guess a minor inconvenience compared to the benefits. I don't buy tissues but commercial blue roll, in bulk. Anyway good luck.

rfw30 profile image
rfw30

RFW -I take this med I have had no side effects. I assume they are working

Elsabounre profile image
Elsabounre

Hair loss...but I alzo am on low dose..so that is my only reaction..I always check BP before taking..it lowers pulse...no other side effects

Abbidabbidoo profile image
Abbidabbidoo

I have been on 1.25mg for awhile now absolutely no problems at all. But of course we are all unique. Hope you get on ok and settle down to medication that helps you out in the long term.

Nugen profile image
Nugen

Hello, I was given Bisoprolol post surgery(28 day supply) 1.25mg , no explanation given, I assume it's to regulate the heart while the new valve beds in ? Who knows. Since taking it, cold fingers and morning headaches ...minor. Have since e developed respiratory infection which manifests as pain deprived in the lung , unsure whether or not the beta blocker is limiting my heart rate but seems much more difficult to exercise than it used to be. R

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop

Yes I had problems after my heart attack. They dropped my BP much too low. My BP had always been the recommended 120/70 and didn't change after the HA. I got the bundle of meds they seem to give to everyone automatically after a HA. I simply didn't need it. It made me like a z ombie, asleep all day and no energy at all. But that was just me specifically. I did not need my BP to be lowered. Otherwise I didn't have any side effects at all.

MWIC profile image
MWIC

what is your normal resting Heart rate? Mine was fairly low anyway - mid 50’s and Bisoprolol (1.25mg) was too much for me and brought it down too low and when I say that it was too low for me as felt dreadful - key here is to keep an eye on how it affects your heart rate and how you fee as lots of people are fine with it

XmasEve24 profile image
XmasEve24

Yes all of the above. Exhaustion, cold hands and feet, heart rate in the 40’s and sometimes below. Got taken off it after being on it for 6 years post CABG x 2. Felt much better- also started taking Vitamin B12 for energy and D. Good luck 😊

KIMMY60 profile image
KIMMY60

Husbands on 1.25 mg and no problem except maybe a little more tired but still able to go for walks and work at his cleaning job has been a miracle pill for him as was getting repeated angina attacks until he started taking it none at all since

alvariam profile image
alvariam

April 2023 I was diagnosed with AF and prescribed 2.5mg bisoprolol. Lowered my hr to low 40`s. So lowered to 1,25mg and rhr was upper 40`s. My heart rate has always been low at around 50-55. After about 6 months I developed a severe asthma attack with low blood oxygen, and in hospital for 12 days. whilst in hospital two doctors suggested that Bisoprolol was triggering the asthma so I was prescribed Digoxin which seems to be working with no side effects. Unfortunately I now have to live with asthma.

Tedthedog profile image
Tedthedog

Yes, I'm on 3.25 of Bisoprolol and another beta blocker, I have cold feet too and when I first started I also felt very tired but I got use to them and feel fine now...

Furryears profile image
Furryears

Hi I have a few side effects but I take 10mg

Cold hands, feet, and nose along with an overwhelming tiredness mainly about 7:30 every night

Deadhappy profile image
Deadhappy

hi Frogman53, diagnosed with AFib july last year and was put straight onto blood thinners and 2.5mg of bisoprolol, was increased to 5mg then 7.5mg and it’s getting increased again when I reorder my prescription, only thing I noticed was the fatigue im exhausted all the time. Consultant said they can increase it to a maximum of 20mg, dread to think what the fatigue would be like on that dose 😳

Toffodog profile image
Toffodog

I have been taking this medication for 8 years started on 2.5mg now on 5 mg per day, I’ve never had any side effects however just be mindful that it will reduce your heart rate and this can be a bit of a fright when you start taking the medication. It certainly makes a difference because I was taken off the medication for 7 days as I was having some surgery on my eyes and my energy level dropped but overall it works fine for me.

Stentbuddy59 profile image
Stentbuddy59

On 3.75mg. For 15months. No problems experienced to date. I feel a little more tired than I did before LAD heart attack, but I think that's more to do with the heart damage than this medication.

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