Carvedilol - increasing dose and side affects?

[deepwater22]

Hi there!

I have been taking 2x 3.125mg daily of Carvedilol since January 2022 - when varices were discovered. I've had 3 lots of banding done snce and gone from 4 grade 2 varices to 1 grade 1 - the plan is to monitor varices in 6 months time and to increase the Carvedilol to 12.5mg per day. My GP has been reluctant as my blood pressure is averaging 110/55 - which is a bit low - I've now started to have 2x 3.125mg at night and 1x 3.125mg in the morning - and gragually increase again - I do tend to feel a bit listless on the higher dose - but want to persevere to give me better protection against the varices - does any one have experince of this and do the side affects gradually get better?

P.S - regarding my last post - I've been given the all clear to do long haul flight to Australia in November - just need to sort the insurance - which I'm guessing with varices is going to be steep - but worth it to see my family!

[oap74]

I take Carvedilol 3.125 one at night and one in the morning I was put on this in hospital they said it was better to take two smaller doses than my previous one larger dose of my previous meds, also Carvedilol is the preferred option. I’ve had no side effects and felt better for it. Keep trying different options and hopefully one will suit you better. It does appear to me that hospitals seemed to know best. The number of old people I know have gone to hospital with 20+ tablets a day and come out on less than half is staggering. All the best.

[deepwater22 in reply to oap74]

Thank you for your response - I'm now back down to lower dose as my blood pressure was getting very low - I really want to perservere with the higher dose but it doesn't seem possible at the moment. I'm due to see the hepatologist in 2 weeks - I'm hoping that the risk of a bleed on the lower dose had lessened as I only have one varice now - but not sure if that's how it works? this is all so knew - trying to keep on top of all the information!!

[Frananncru]

Hello , I have been taking Carvidalol 12.5 mg daily for 2 years .First full dose taken in the morning combined with amlodopine 5 mg made me feel very faint so started taking it at bedtime . I think this I’d the best time for me .

Sadly it also gives me dry eyes , nasal congestion and insomnia . I manage these side effects as I am frightened my varices bleed .

I’m booked for a phone appointment with my consultant in a few weeks so plan to discuss further

[Liver3 in reply to Frananncru]

I'm glad to read your notes! I've struggled with insomnia & nasal effects but mild. I'm concerned about the not sleeping it's a big issue! What do you take to sleep? I'm always trying not to take many meds

[Frananncru in reply to Liver3]

I have tried regular bedtime routine , cool bedroom , best move has been having a “night time “ none caffeine herbal tea .Not regularly but maybe 1 or 2 per week to allow me to catch up .x