Terrible side effects from Bisoprolol and Carvedilol - now off beta blockers all together

Posted , 4 users are following.

Hi all, I've had terrible side effects for 6 years from Bisoprolol where I was sleeping for 13 hours a day regularly and felt like an old man.  My gp recently changed me to Carvedilol to see if that helped.  I had the opposite effect, 4-5 hours sleep a night for a fortnight.  I also had drug induced apnea and couldn't get my breath when laying flat a lot.  Other side effects to boot as well.  

I saw a different gp and I asked if I could come off of beta blockers as had only had one episode of paroxysmal af 6 years ago which started off the route on beta blockers.  I had flecanide to bring my heart rate back to normal and no other treatment.  My gp has said to see him in a month and to watch out for the af.  

I've trying to do things to help, by cutting out alcohol a lot, losing weight and meditating quite a lot.  Today is my first day after being weaned off of the Carvedilol.  Does anyone have any thoughts or advice as I'm a bit worried the af may return.  Thanks.

1 like, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • Posted

    What age are you? If you haven't been refered to an electrochardiologist get refered first before making any decisions. They are the experts,I wouldn't rely on my GP.

  • Posted

    Hi. I too have stopped meds following 3 ablations and feeling less than well when on them. For me, the meds weren't stopping episodes (which I still have from time to time but less severely). I stopped with agreement of my cardiologist. I have had PAF for about 4 yrs in total now, and recall the doc I saw first after being in A n E telling me to "take meds for life". I wanted more info and declined! I was medicated subsequently, but after full testing under cardiac team before going on the ablation route. Im wondering why you've not had further exploration such as monitor etc after your previous diagnosis?

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.