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Beta blockers
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Message 1.Â
Posted by aminam (U2277964) on Sunday, 2nd May 2010
Doc put me on beta blockers because my blood pressure spiked recently. Now she says that I must take them for the rest of my days. I think it's a bit premature to make this decision but will bide my time. I think at least my b/p is back down to "normal" now, so they must have done some good.
But ... they're making me feel a bit rubbish. I'm slowed to the point of stasis, can't make plans to save my life, feel the onset of depression (which I have managed successfully now for well over a decade, but feel a bit overwhelmed by right now). I can't tell whether this plunge in mood is linked to the pills (it could be linked to other "life events", I acknowledge). If it is, I'd like to be off them pronto.
Anyone have any experience of these things? Any thoughts gratefully received.
Am x -
Message 2
Posted by sesley (U4024157) on Sunday, 2nd May 2010
I am on blood pressure pills and have been for 2 years now.One every day. I also keep myself active with a trip to the gym and plenty of walking. To keep me toned up. I watch the cholestorol and have a low intake of alcohol. You can do plenty for your self to keep fit. I also use Cranberry juice every day to keep my kidneys flushed. Blood pressure can effect your kidney functions. The pill one a day is better than having a stroke of heart attack.
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Message 3
Posted by flea (U12948061) on Sunday, 2nd May 2010
I have been on a Beta Blocker for quite a few years and it suits me just fine - but they are not for everybody - they can certainly make you feel sluggish for a while, and that will pass, but I don't believe that they are recommended if you are prone to depression - and they are not the BP drug of choice nowadays either.
There are many many alternatives and I think it may be sensible to have a chat with yor GP about a more suitable alternative.
IMO of course. -
Message 4
Posted by aminam (U2277964) on Sunday, 2nd May 2010
Well, yes, I suspect pretty much anything is better than that. But I'm feeling wretched. It isn't that I want to stop taking the pills, it's more that I want to stop feeling wretched. And I'd like to know if there's a link between the pills and my mood, because if there is - ie, if that makes my depression harder to manage - then I have a serious problen,
Am x -
Message 5
Posted by DragonFluff (U6879248) on Sunday, 2nd May 2010
In reply to aminam in message 1
Hi, Aminam
I haven't any personal experience of beta-blockers, but I know that there are some drug types that have a few different formulations. Anti-depressants, for instance, come in different formulations, and what suits one person may not suit another, but a change in prescription will give the desired result.
I would go back to the Doctor, discuss the side-effects you're having, and ask if there is perhaps a different drug that could be tried.
One important thing - if you do decide to stop, don't stop taking them all of a sudden - do it after consultation with your doc and a planned withdrawal.
Hope this helps, and that you feel better very soon.
Fluff -
Message 6
Posted by flea (U12948061) on Sunday, 2nd May 2010
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Message 7
Posted by aminam (U2277964) on Sunday, 2nd May 2010
Thanks guys
Rest assured I won't stop without talking to the doc about an alternative. But I was unaware of the possible link with depression when I started taking them and after three weeks on them I have some very familiar and very, very unwelcome symptoms.
Also the irony is that I went to the doc because I had bad vertigo. She took my b/p, found it high, gave me beta-blockers, which have brought the b/p down but ... I'm getting a different kind of dizziness now.
I'm sure all this can be sorted but I do, I think, need to be a bit careful.
Am x -
Message 8
Posted by flea (U12948061) on Sunday, 2nd May 2010
Aminam, I am stunned that a GP would prescribe pills after one high BP reading. That's outrageous.
You should have had several readings taken - at intervals - and preferably a 24 hour monitor - to make sure that it wasn't because of 'white coat' anxiety. -
Message 9
Posted by Mrs Croft (U13706992) on Sunday, 2nd May 2010
Hi Am!
Sorry to hear you're feeling under par, but glad you're relating to fixing it.
I've been put on beta blockers before now, they didn't work for me and really made me feel rather rubbish as well. As others have said, there are many many types of medication for hypertension now and unfortunately it really is a matter of trial and error to see which one works for you.
And as to having to take them all your days(and may you have many days, my dear) I think that really rather depends on why you have hypertension in the first place. I mean, if you've been rather stressed recently, and I think you have?, then that would send your BP right up. And of course, like everything else, being 'suitably sized' and well exercised is beneficial.
But this is just me wombling on and of course your docteur is the one to consult.
On the up side, beta blockers deal with stage fright apparently, so you can use them for your next appearance at the Royal Albert Hall!
love
SC -
Message 10
Posted by aminam (U2277964) on Sunday, 2nd May 2010
It was after several readings over a period of about 10 days. I think she was particularly concerned about the fact that it had gone up a lot since the last reading about six months ago, and she just wanted to get it back down again. This at least has been achieved.
But of course now I need to start thinking about the long-term implications - hence my question here. Anyway said doctor - who I like and trust - will not be my GP much longer as she's leaving the practice. So I'll be having a re-think soon anyway. But won't do anything sudden or rash.
Am x -
Message 11
Posted by aminam (U2277964) on Sunday, 2nd May 2010
Hullo Mrs C ... long time no ...
I think that's something of an understatement. This is why I need to look at the whole thing, er, holistically. No point in having "normal" blood pressure and not being able to get out of bed. That can't be right either.
Am x -
Message 12
Posted by Mrs Croft (U13706992) on Sunday, 2nd May 2010
I know, Am, I was trying to be non-invasive and English about it, but I feel your pain IYKWIM.
Hope you get it sorted, it is such a fine balance, isn't it? Having the right meds but without becoming a beaming zombie or piece of wet, crumpled tissue paper in the corner of the room. I have several of those t shirts myself.
At least Spring is here, some sunshine is noticeable from time to time, the lily of the valley is in bloom and you have your beloved OH as a support.
x -
Message 13
Posted by flea (U12948061) on Sunday, 2nd May 2010
I'm relieved that you had more than one reading taken but your experience doesn't tally with the many people that I know who have been diagnosed with high BP. (Fortnightly checks and then 24 hour monitor - and that includes people with scarily high readings.)
Best of luck with the new doc. -
Message 14
Posted by Lilith (U14250994) on Sunday, 2nd May 2010
No point in having "normal" blood pressure and not being able to get out of bed. That can't be right either.Â
No it's not, Am, and please don't think that it's simply a choice between B/P controlled but feel carp or feel OK but scary B/P.
It may simply be that the dosage is too high for you, in which case it can probably be reduced, while keeping a close eye on your B/P. Changing to a different beta blocker may also do the trick, or it might be that you would do better on completely different, non-beta blocker medication.
Please consider going back to your GP sooner rather than later.
Lilith x -
Message 15
Posted by Gayer-Anderson Cat (U13637930) on Sunday, 2nd May 2010
Am, I was diagnosed with high BP a few years ago, and it took ages to get the right meds - most of them had about as much effect as Smarties, but lacked the pleasure. The doc knew I didn't want to go on beta blockers, so we left them as a last resort. Interestingly, when we did try them, they had no effect whatsoever on my BP, but they did make me feel nauseous all the time. The she tried alpha blockers, and they work a treat. I'm on a low dosage, and my blood pressure is better that it's been in my life. I know I'm probably on them for life, but I have had no side effects whatsoever, so I don't care. Better than the possible/likely alternatives...
Important to ASK, though. Don't persist with something which has unpleasant side-effects, though, but discuss alternatives with your doctor.
G-AC -
Message 16
Posted by flea (U12948061) on Sunday, 2nd May 2010
A lot of doctors are happy for their patients to use the home BP monitors (mine certainly is).
You mentioned having another sort of dizziness. Lilith may well be right that the Beta Blocker dose is too high. Perhaps when the doctor takes yor BP you are sufficiently stressed that it now reads normal but perhaps at home it is actually low? (That's why the 24 hour monitors - in the first instance - are so useful, a LOT of people register high readings in the surgery but are fine at home.) -
Message 17
Posted by politebirder (U4482231) on Sunday, 2nd May 2010
I have been on Propranalol (a BB) for 3 years for anxiety, stress & high BP.
It took a while to bet used to & I felt down for some weeks. I missed feeling "sharp"; I felt suppressed, unnaturally calm. I felt slower, & as someone who had worked hard & intensely & packed a lot in, it took some accepting.
I am now on an Ace Inhibitor as the BB did not keep my BP down. This took some adjusting to as well; I felt very sleepy at first & I still become very tired all of a sudden & need to rest more.
There are a number of drugs available, Am, so ask your doctor. I gather they all require a period of adjustment. -
Message 18
Posted by sesley (U4024157) on Sunday, 2nd May 2010
I am on pernidopril once a day,when i go for a BP check i also have to take a urine sample to check for kidney function they tke blood as well to check for cholestorol levels. I was on 4 mg up to last year,then my bp went up on those,so they increased the amount to 8 mg per day. Like i said you can do things,like gentle exercise,like walking to up your stamina and which will keep your muscles toned. Watch your diet,cutting out high fats and high salt and sugar should also help with the cholestorl levels. It does for me any way.
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Message 19
Posted by Bearhug (U2258283) on Sunday, 2nd May 2010
I had beta blockers for my 4th driving test - whether they made a difference, I don't know, but I passed that one.
That's not really of any help to you, though, not least as I only had about 3 tablets in total. However, if I were starting to feel depressed again (and IME, you do get to know your own warning signs and keep an eye out for them), and I'd just been put on medication, I'd be back to the doctor to discuss it. If it's likely to wear off in a week, then I can live with that, but if it's a known side-effect that isn't so likely to clear, I'd want to be discussing different doses, different medication, and all the rest of it. I don't want to go back into that pit again, and it's easier to head it off at the start rather than claw yourself back out after falling in.
Get thee to your GP first thing Tuesday. And meanwhile, take it easy on yourself. -
Message 20
Posted by aminam (U2277964) on Monday, 3rd May 2010
Appointment made for tomorrow. "Pit" is the word.
Am x -
Message 21
Posted by sweetFeet (U14377598) on Monday, 3rd May 2010
My o/h was on bets blockers for years because of his high blood pressure.
As I recall, it took a few attempts to find one that suited him, though side effects did not include depression or lethargy.
He has recently had his medication changed and now takes some sort of new generation vaso-dilator I believe, but don't quote me on that, as his doctor said beta blockers are a little bit passe now.
The Doctor is very good indeed and we have loads of faith i him. He's old enough to have experience and young enough to cutting edge, if that makes sense.
It's good to know that you've an appointment with your doctor now. She'll be the best person to be discussing these matters with. -
Message 22
Posted by sue (U8059472) on Monday, 3rd May 2010
O/H is on blood pressure medication. We first diagnosed that he had a problem when I bought a home moniter as mine was a little high. I stopped drinking and mine was fine but his was still very high. We have spent nearly 2 years finding medication that both works and does not have side effects. A lot of problems with dizziness and lethargy. He is now using Ramipril which is doing the trick. The GP seemed to be happy to change things around until you find the right medication. Do take a note of the GP's figures or ask for a print out if you have a 24 hour test. It is usefull to have the figures yourself at home. I am looking at vitamin use to lower pressure having gone super healthy as well.
Your own moniter helps use an arm band type rather than a wrist band, keep a record at home this helps as your pressure is always high when you go to the GP
Hopr that helps
Oh yes look all the medication up on line and be self informed you feel more in control of your own treatment that way, which is a positive attitude -
Message 23
Posted by sweetFeet (U14377598) on Monday, 3rd May 2010
Yes Ramipril is the one o/h takes too.
It's an ACE inhibitor rather than a beta blocker I believe.
He also has a home monitor and his doctor encourages him to take regular reading, not obsessively but at regular times throughout the week. -
Message 24
Posted by Mrs Croft (U13706992) on Wednesday, 5th May 2010
So, Ameleh, did you have your appointment with your doctor?
Hope you are starting to get the meds and health you need and deserve. -
Message 25
Posted by aminam (U2277964) on Wednesday, 5th May 2010
Well, it has been changed. A doctor friend tells me that I now have a very shprawntzy new medication which should do the trick! I started them this morning, so time will tell.
Thanks
Am x -
Message 26
Posted by sue (U8059472) on Wednesday, 5th May 2010
Good news. Please let us know how you get on
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Message 27
Posted by Oz (U6102444) on Thursday, 6th May 2010
Here you go
This lists the current meds and their side effects
It is standard to start someone presenting with high BP on Beta blockers but they are often problematic.
There are more sophisticated treatments and indeed some benefit from combination treatment.
I am afraid it is a "suck it and see" system but I am sure you will find something suitable.
I do have to reiterate what has already been said. Hypertension is silent and so lots of people who have no symptoms simply don't take the medication if they get side effects. That is NOT the answer and frankly dangerous. So always speak to your doc and find , by trial and error , what works . Don't just ignore it.
Oz -
Message 28
Posted by aminam (U2277964) on Thursday, 6th May 2010
Thanks guys
Thus far the new drug seems to make me feel very dizzy, though I know it's only early days yet and indeed it could be the old drug still wearing off. The irony of this is that vertigo is what sent me to the doc in the first place, and what caused the high b/p to be discovered.
I hate this. I have to travel, I have to work, I have to run my life. At the moment, none of these feels really straightforward.
Am x -
Message 29
Posted by Lynnie P (U3585914) on Thursday, 6th May 2010
Am - just wanted to send a word of support and a gentle warning to have a little bit of patience. Modern drugs are wonderful but it can be a matter of trial and error over a quite a long period of time. You may be one of those people (I am too) that reacts very strongly to drugs and has to have lower dosages than normal. My Dad has had hypertension and angina for quite a while now but it took a few months to sort out the drugs. When they did he was much better (and far less panicky and grumpy, too!).
It might take a lot of to-ing and fro-ing to the quacks for a while, but I am sure it will all be well in the end.
If you have any relaxation techniques that work for you - now is the time to use them!
LynnieP x -
Message 30
Posted by Mrs Croft (U13706992) on Thursday, 6th May 2010
I now have a very shprawntzy new medicationÂ
shPRAWNtzy sounds rather 'treif'*, Am! I do hope it starts to settle down, these things take time, but we don't always have time to spare, do we?
I thought of you last night as I had an attack of the dizzies myself and had to go to bed at 6.30pm with the room spinning round. Not sure what that was all about, but I was able to empathize fully with you at that point!
SC x
* hope this is the right word? I'm rather out of practice now that I don't hear it from the Capt. -
Message 31
Posted by Gayer-Anderson Cat (U13637930) on Thursday, 6th May 2010
Actually, when starting new meds for high BP, one is often told to begin taking them at night, when you're actually IN bed. Many make you dizzy at first. One of mine had a warning notice to the effect that I might even pass out! I was very excited, and a little nervous when I came to take the first tablet. Did I have any side effects? No. And sometimes docs will gradually ease you into taking them by beginning on, say, half a tablet every other day for a week, gradually upping the dose until it's the one they think will suit you. Well, mine did. And once we hit the right stuff, I've had no problems whatsoever.
G-AC -
Message 32
Posted by aminam (U2277964) on Thursday, 6th May 2010
"treif" is bang on. I might spell it "trayf" but that's not for any good reason - just instinct!
Dear Capt. I read the book he recommended OFTEN, and I always think of him when I read it.
The dizzy thing is just awful. What's bizarre now is that I'm still dizzy but in a "different" way. I have become very tired of describing my symptoms and evaluating at every moment of the day "how I feel". Right now I have a cracking headache and a strange pain in the back of my neck, so I think I shall have some lunch then take a little lie-down. I think I'm just BORED with illness, but it has been going on since the end of March. It has just struck me that it's now May. That's a long time to be unwell.
Am x -
Message 33
Posted by Mrs Croft (U13706992) on Thursday, 6th May 2010
I'm quite chuffed I got the right word, and spelling has never been my strong poynt...
Yes, that does feel like a long time to be not on form. It's such a bluddy drag isn't it, and not in an amusing 'Ladyboys of Bangkok' way. Let's hope that this new course of meds will take care of the dizziness, relieve headaches and give you back your oomph. I believe it might.
I'll be thinking of you.
SC x -
Message 34
Posted by Lilith (U14250994) on Thursday, 6th May 2010
The dizzy thing is just awful. What's bizarre now is that I'm still dizzy but in a "different" way.Â
Your body is responding and adjusting to the lower blood pressure, Am. It will settle down but you may well be feeling v lightheaded, especially when sitting/standing suddenly.
This is because, when upright, blood has to be pumped uphill to the head/brain and there is now less force behind it, like a hosepipe when the the tap has been turned down - lift the end of the hose up high and the water slows from a jet to a trickle.
Try not to get up suddenly, sit for a few minutes on the side of the bed in the morning, wriggling toes/ankles (this pumps blood from legs).
After meals is another time that the dizzies can happen because blood is diverted to the digestive system. If this is happening try smaller, more frequent meals.
Also, sorry to say that alcohol is likely to make you feel worse. It dilates surface blood vessels (that's why we go red in the face after drinking). The dilated vessels will further lower the blood pressure, exacerbating the dizziness.
All v different from the vertigo (I've had that since last September and know just how horrible it is).
Don't be downhearted, as others have said it takes a bit of adjustment but should settle down, although you may need to have your medication tweaked a bit if the dizziness persists.
Hope you are back on form soon.
Lilith x -
Message 35
Posted by tillytrolly (U8311312) on Thursday, 6th May 2010
Does anyone know what the usual pattern is with the side effects of beta blockers.....do they get worse or do you get used to them ?
I ask because I was put on half a tablet a day a couple of months ago.....not for the usual reasons.....I've got low blood pressure.....but because the shakes were really bad...couldn't write one legible letter of the alphabet & the was having to be fed etc etc. At first it was fine...the shakes haven't disappeared completely, but I can live with them now. The problem is that, over the past couple of weeks I've become very tired & rather dizzy. I don't know whether I was just very "up" at first because I was happy to have got the shakes under control (in which case, maybe I can psyche myself again)/if it's the tablets (though I'd have thought they'd have been worse at first/just one of those things -
Message 36
Posted by aminam (U2277964) on Thursday, 6th May 2010
Thanks for this Lilith. All sound advice.
Well, I've gone right off it anyway. Had a nice glass (really just one) of red wine last evening, and that was quite cheering, but I'm certainly not feeling like drinking in the quantities I used to. I mean, I wasn't a huge boozer by any stretch of the imagination ... but now I really don't want it at all. Not sure whether to be annoyed about that or not!
I think my grief at the moment is that I have to travel tomorrow and be away for a week for work, family and other reasons. I really don't want to go but I have to. Am just a bit anxious about travelling on a new medication. At least I'll not be driving.
Am x -
Message 37
Posted by Bearhug (U2258283) on Thursday, 6th May 2010
tilly, if you're getting new symptoms, be off to your GP to discuss it.
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Message 38
Posted by Lilith (U14250994) on Thursday, 6th May 2010
It's good that you're not driving, Am, but if you're sitting for long periods in the car do please be careful when getting out.
Best do it in easy stages - legs out first while remaining seated. Bend/wriggle knees and ankles. Stand slowly. Stay by car holding on to door/roof for a couple of minutes. Sit down again if dizzies start.
Tilly, here's the link about BBs that was posted upthread
It sounds to me as if you should go back to your GP for a check-up. Although you are taking beta blocker for shakes it may still have slowed your pulse/lowered your blood pressure more than your body is happy with.
Hope we all are feeling better and full of joys of spring etc soon.
L x -
Message 39
Posted by Digitalis lividus et niger (U8605497) on Saturday, 15th May 2010
Have any of you considered the effect of any other medication you may be having? When I first started with beta-blockers (I also have ADE-inhibitors) I kept feling dizzy when I got up. The GP discovered it was due to a stomachy thing I was taking for a hiatus hernia, changed that, and all was suddenly well. I only have a very runny nose now, and that is in the list of known side-effects, so I'm not particularly bothered! HTH
Dig
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