I would like to hear some opinions.

I am on a beta blocker (metoprolol 50mg twice a day). I have been on
a BB for about 3 years now.

During this 3 year I had a child (got pregnant about 2 weeks after
diagnosis and being given the med). Gained A LOT of weight (70 lbs).
I lost about 45 of that. But the rest will NOT come off. I am certain
my BB is playing a role in that. I even heard Dr Oz on Oprah
yesterday state that BBs cause weight gain.

Also, even tho it has done a GREAT job for me both with the tachy and
PVCs (also the anxiety as I have adrenaline issues that causes all of
these problems) I also have fatigue that is a total pain in the butt.
For all this time I was willing to accept that because the
alternative was destroying my life.

But now I am running after a 2 yo all day. And I am always so tired.
I am only 32.

What should I do? Would cutting down my dosage help? Try another med
(which causes A LOT of anxiety as I have a huge fear about taking new
meds)? Do Calcium Channel Blockers create these same issues? Should I
just live with it? I mean I am not falling asleep at the dinner table
lol. I just feel tired and cannot lose my last 20 lbs.

Opinions? Suggestions??

Thanks.

Heather

Heather,

Yes, beta-blockers make weight control tough...BUT you can always eat less to compensate for the lowered metabolic rate.

Yes, a lower dose of beta blocker will have less of a weight gaining effect but also less of ALL effects. Why not try 25 mg. metopolol twice a day. You don't want to take metoprolol LESS than twice a day because it is so short acting.
Maybe the 25 x 2 will still give you most of the benefits with less of the grief (fatigue and weight stasis.)
Since you are getting THREE benefits from the metoprolol, tachy and PVC and anxiety control, it sounds like a drug you might want to continue with.

I hope the 25 X 2 regimen works for you. Give it a MONTH though before you judge its effects. The first several weeks are apt to be tough sledding after 3 years on the higher dosage...you might feel jumpy, anxious and prone to some tachcardia. Check your BP regualrly so you don't see any 180 systolics.:angel:

(IF you tell your doctor, he will try to talk you out of it...your call! :D)

Heather,

Yes, beta-blockers make weight control tough...BUT you can always eat less to compensate for the lowered metabolic rate.

Yes, a lower dose of beta blocker will have less of a weight gaining effect but also less of ALL effects. Why not try 25 mg. metopolol twice a day. You don't want to take metoprolol LESS than twice a day because it is so short acting.
Maybe the 25 x 2 will still give you most of the benefits with less of the grief (fatigue and weight stasis.)
Since you are getting THREE benefits from the metoprolol, tachy and PVC and anxiety control, it sounds like a drug you might want to continue with.

I hope the 25 X 2 regimen works for you. Give it a MONTH though before you judge its effects. The first several weeks are apt to be tough sledding after 3 years on the higher dosage...you might feel jumpy, anxious and prone to some tachcardia. Check your BP regualrly so you don't see any 180 systolics.:angel:

(IF you tell your doctor, he will try to talk you out of it...your call! :D)

Thank you very much!! I do diet and exercise. Have eaten very well for the last 2 years with no effect. That is why I KNOW there is another factor here.

My BP has always been on the low side - even b4 BBs. So, I think I will give my Doc a shout out and see what she says about trying this. Thanks again!!