Bisoprolol Withdrawal

[pistachio_lover]

I was taking 15mg (yes, I said fifteen) of bisoprolol for 10 years and stopped over a 2 day period advised by a cardiologist as it was not working to address ectopic beats and tachycardia and needed to start Verapamil to see if it will work for me. It's been 16 days since I started the Verapamil 240 mg time release. Since I came off the bisoprolol (16 days ago) I've had breathlessness, lots of ectopic beats and 2 episodes of tachycardia. Don't know if it is the withdrawal of the bisoprolol or the verapamil is not working. Kinda feel like I have not given the Verapamil a chance. Anyone have any comments or personal experience that might be encouraging? Struggling with the feeling like there is a ping pong match going on in my chest. BTW, echocardiogram (3 weeks ago) showed no damage to the heart and blood vessels are all healthy.

[NeilStrid]

I've just been prescribed 1.25mg on Bisoprolol despite it having an awful effect on me a couple of years ago (can't remember the dose though). I'm a bit apprehensive about the change - also dropping Verapamil and changing to Amiodarone.

[Autumn_Leaves]

The general consensus of stopping beta blockers is to reduce the dose gradually, so coming off 15mg over 2 days is quite a sudden stop. It is complicated by taking this new medication, so I think your best bet is to ring the hospital and see if you can get a callback from an arrhythmia nurse at the very minimum. If you’re feeling awful you still deserve care and the correct advice. If you don’t have any luck, inform your GP. Sometimes they can ask the hospital for an opinion and advise you accordingly. I have arrhythmias too and I know how horrible it feels when it’s going on all day, every day. It really does affect quality of life and overall peace of mind. Good luck.