Propranolol swapping from Bisoprolol

[Waze4]

Hi All

I was on Bisoprolol for 7 days to control my palptions after investigations from ecg to echo and stress test they mentioned I have ectopic beat which I suffer everyday

After trying Bisoprolol it made my palptions worse and more frequent the doctor have now mentioned it could be well anxiety related as recent results shown everything is fine and developed ectopic beats

they now want me to try Propranolol to see if it helps my daily palpation’s which is very annoying,

has anyone on here had any good experience with this propranolol?

thank you

[Spanielrunner]

I used to take propranolol before job interviews or public presentation when I had high anxiety. It helped a lot as it helped with that fight or flight feeling you get when you are anxious. Fast forward 20 years and I take bisoprolol now for ectopic heartbeats and after a couple of months of treatment the ectopics have stopped.

[nextadventure]

Propranolol has been around for a very long time. It is actually better tolerated overall than bisoprolol. I've been on bisoprolol myself when I had ectopics and I've prescribed both in the past. Either has the usual list of side effects (ask your doctor or pharmacist etc. or see drugs.com/compare/bisoprolo... but as they work slightly differently, you may find propranolol works for you (ectopics, +/- anxiety) when bisoprolol hasn't. Also, of course, if you do have trouble with anxiety, it is worthwhile seeking treatment for this as a separate issue. All the best

[Waze4 in reply to nextadventure]

did occur any side effects when using propranolol as bisoprolol for me increased palpitations and they become more frequent which the doctor has now prescribed me propranolol for ectopic beats

The thing is I have told my doctors I don’t feel anxious is just the annoying ectopic beats or palptions through our the day so doctors is determined it’s down physically symptoms of anxiety as the cardiologist has rejected my referral for 2nd time and suggested all relevant test have been carried out and to try propranolol if bisoprolol isn’t working for me

Will give propranolol a try they are giving 40mg from the off to try one a day

[nextadventure in reply to Waze4]

As far as I know, ordinary propranolol should be taken 3 or 4 times a day unless it is a slow release propranolol - in which case it would usually be 80 mg once daily (or higher). If you have been told to just try ONE 40mg tablet ONCE it won't determine whether the propranolol will reduce your palpitations longer term. If you have been told to take one 40mg tablet once daily, you will have varying levels of it in your body, which is not good. Also, propranolol comes in smaller doses which may be safer to try first and build up as needed. You really should check your dosage with the doctor or pharmacist. Secondly, in relation to side effects, you could feel dizzy, get asthma, have cold hands or feet - but it's important to read the written information provided with the medication. Thirdly, the propranolol may help even if you have NO anxiety. I hope this is clear. I'm realising how complicated just a simple medication that's been around a long time can be.

[Waze4 in reply to nextadventure]

Thanks for the information I probably just try half a tablet then and let it build up and see how I get on starting from tomorrow

Hope all goes well

[DYDavies]

I've been taking propranolol for almost 4 weeks now for palpitations. Starting on a lower dose and increased a week ago. It has stopped the palpitations but sadly it has, I believe, brought me insomnia. I have reported this to the GP on 2 occasions but they appear reluctant to switch and want me to give it another week or so to let it settle. However, I feel the insomnia is adding to stress and anxiety which in turn does not help me deal with getting used to the diagnosis of having high blood pressure. I do not believe it is the meds for high BP that is causing the insomnia as I was taking these before the propranolol. So yes propranolol has been good for treating palpitations but unless my sleep returns I need to switch. Finding what is the right one and the right dose for you is quite complicated.

[nextadventure in reply to DYDavies]

Yep, sleep disturbance is certainly a possible side effect of propranolol. If you are on slow release propranolol, do you take it in the morning? (May help the insomnia but could increase morning dizziness)

[DYDavies in reply to nextadventure]

I hadn't thought about the slow release tablets, but it is something I could ask about as I cannot keep going like I am now for much longer.

[Waze4 in reply to DYDavies]

If you don’t mind me asking what mg where you taking in the first week?

[DYDavies in reply to Waze4]

I was on a low dose of 30mg 3 times per day, now increased to 3 x 20mg per day. So overall not a high dose.

[alvariam]

I was diagnosed with ectopics several years ago and the doctor wanted to put me on beta blockers, but on being told that my resting heart rate was frequently below 60 he changed his mind. I jockingly told him I might not wake up the next morning.