Sillyme03
10-12-2003, 08:42 AM
I am weaning off Toprol. Last week was first week of 1/2 dose (25mg). I felt much better all week and even starting eating. Yesterday was first day of every other day, I did not take it and was fine during the day. At night I starting getting jittery and nervous. I did not sleep all night. It could be many things, like PMS, anxiety from tapering off ( read too much on this) or Toprol Withdrawl symtoms maybe? I took the 1/2 dose this morning, not sure what will happen.
Anyone every had this happen. (I am hoping its just PMS!! )
Sil
Anyone every had this happen. (I am hoping its just PMS!! )
Sil
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zip2play
10-12-2003, 01:39 PM
I think the "withdrawal" from beta blockade is overstated.
I've come off nadolol(extremely long lasting) and propranolol(extremely quick acting) with no effects whatsoever.
I think the warnings are mostly for people planning surgery.
Bet it's PMS!
All that said, I know these drugs have a "calming" effect....so maybe some jumpiness might happen.
I've come off nadolol(extremely long lasting) and propranolol(extremely quick acting) with no effects whatsoever.
I think the warnings are mostly for people planning surgery.
Bet it's PMS!
All that said, I know these drugs have a "calming" effect....so maybe some jumpiness might happen.
hpbguyfromca
10-12-2003, 02:37 PM
I am in the same boat.. Toprol's main effect is lowering your heartrate.
weeing off this drug can produce accelerated HR and feelings of anxiousness..
been off it for about a week.. still get some accelerated HR readings when NOT at rest.. (about 115-140) rest is 60-70 bpm
F.
weeing off this drug can produce accelerated HR and feelings of anxiousness..
been off it for about a week.. still get some accelerated HR readings when NOT at rest.. (about 115-140) rest is 60-70 bpm
F.
Sillyme03
10-12-2003, 05:26 PM
flamaest and zuzu
Thanks so much for your reply. Flamest did you taper off toprol as well? If so did you get any symtoms. I will call the Dr. Tomorrow to ask some questions. I was fine for about 6 days on the 1/2 dose, no dose yesterda, then last night pow it hit!. I am a little nervous about tapering off. Ever since this all happened, I still don't know if I am having little panic attacks from the toprol or what. Today I took the 1/2 pill and am just a little better, so it could be PMS exaggerated because of everything going on. I just want to feel normal again. I know I am tense today and some of my muscles hurt. I just can't win!!
Thanks so much for your reply. Flamest did you taper off toprol as well? If so did you get any symtoms. I will call the Dr. Tomorrow to ask some questions. I was fine for about 6 days on the 1/2 dose, no dose yesterda, then last night pow it hit!. I am a little nervous about tapering off. Ever since this all happened, I still don't know if I am having little panic attacks from the toprol or what. Today I took the 1/2 pill and am just a little better, so it could be PMS exaggerated because of everything going on. I just want to feel normal again. I know I am tense today and some of my muscles hurt. I just can't win!!
wr6969
10-20-2003, 07:08 AM
Sil, sorry to hear that you're experiencing withdrawal symptoms. I'm also facing them, having come off propranolols in a rather short weaning off period I must admit. I've posted something similar to yours here ---> http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/Forum57/HTML/000911.html
If your feelings of anxiety still persist after some time, why not talk to your doctor about prescribing you some temporary anti-anxiety drugs? I stress temporary because these drugs can be very addictive once you've gotten used to them (I was on Xanax for about 10 months and had some difficulty getting off them)...
My doctor has also suggested some technique called the Silva Mind Control technique popularised by Jose Silva. In summary, he teaches you how to relax and heal yourself through the control of your own mind. I haven't read the books yet so I can't attest to its effectiveness, but like any other self help book/medication, it'll probably work for some people and prove utterly useless for others... :)
If your feelings of anxiety still persist after some time, why not talk to your doctor about prescribing you some temporary anti-anxiety drugs? I stress temporary because these drugs can be very addictive once you've gotten used to them (I was on Xanax for about 10 months and had some difficulty getting off them)...
My doctor has also suggested some technique called the Silva Mind Control technique popularised by Jose Silva. In summary, he teaches you how to relax and heal yourself through the control of your own mind. I haven't read the books yet so I can't attest to its effectiveness, but like any other self help book/medication, it'll probably work for some people and prove utterly useless for others... :)
Sillyme03
10-20-2003, 09:26 AM
Hi WR6969
I do have some lorazepam that I was taking about 1/4 table once in a while. The problem is my anxiety I think is from the Toprol, that is why I am tapering off it. I won't be sure for a few weeks, because although Doc said 2-3 days, I know from this and another board it could be more like 2-4 weeks before Its out of my system. I am hoping being off will get rid of my newly discovered symptoms. I am hoping to have the same results as Flamaest, that is Toprol anxiety free soon.
I won't be put back on a new BP medicine until this one is out ( unless it gets really high) because we don't want to confuse the side effects.
Sil
I do have some lorazepam that I was taking about 1/4 table once in a while. The problem is my anxiety I think is from the Toprol, that is why I am tapering off it. I won't be sure for a few weeks, because although Doc said 2-3 days, I know from this and another board it could be more like 2-4 weeks before Its out of my system. I am hoping being off will get rid of my newly discovered symptoms. I am hoping to have the same results as Flamaest, that is Toprol anxiety free soon.
I won't be put back on a new BP medicine until this one is out ( unless it gets really high) because we don't want to confuse the side effects.
Sil
CobaltBlue
10-20-2003, 09:38 AM
Silly,
I felt the same things you did (increased HR and higher level of anxiety) when I came completely off of Toprol. While cutting doses down, I did not notice these at all. Fortunately, both these negative effects diminish within days.
On the positive side, I noticed that after about 3 days of being off of Toprol completely, it felt like someone took the lead weights off my legs during my daily 3 mile run. My times decreased by almost 2 min and have stayed at that lower level ever since.
I felt the same things you did (increased HR and higher level of anxiety) when I came completely off of Toprol. While cutting doses down, I did not notice these at all. Fortunately, both these negative effects diminish within days.
On the positive side, I noticed that after about 3 days of being off of Toprol completely, it felt like someone took the lead weights off my legs during my daily 3 mile run. My times decreased by almost 2 min and have stayed at that lower level ever since.
Sillyme03
10-20-2003, 10:04 AM
Thanks ubernier
I hope that I can write in a few days, or even weeks that my anxiety due to Toprol is gone and I feel normal again. Of course, I will probably have to go on another BP medicine, hope this does not start up again.
This ordeal has been a long shot because for over 2 months and many tests ( so far pretty much all normal) no Dr has come up with anything other than small hiatal hernia and low potassium which was found after a trip to ER. They blamed everything on anxiety.
I came up with the idea about 3 weeks ago that maybe it was the Toprol out of the blue idea flashed in my head while on the phone with a friend.
GP Dr. kept saying its anxiety, what I am worried about was the big question. Cardiologist assistant I saw before cardiologist appt. said I would most likely have side effects at beginning, not after a year, did not seem likely. No one seemed to consider that I lost over 22 pounds, 12 of which was in less than 3 weeks.
I finally decided I need to be tapered off Toprol just in case. Then I found this board and and to my surprise, I was shocked that others had my same problem while on Toprol ( anxiety and jitters and such and not all at the beginning either). Seems like Dr's brush it off, or maybe its not so common. Torprol side effects, which I did not know at first, is depression. Why did no Dr's put 2 and 2 together? One board wanted to know why I was not put on diuretic first, why go right to Toprol. good question that I don't think I will get good answer from my GP. I am considering trying to find another, but where I live we don't have tons of Drs so its hard, even though I am in NJ. I do like my Cardiologist that I just started with a few weeks ago, who is tapering me off.
I won't know for sure for a while, but boy was this board helpful and I am so greatful to it.
By the way, this whole thing started while on vacation, and I found out I have acid reflux also, yikes!!
Sil
I hope that I can write in a few days, or even weeks that my anxiety due to Toprol is gone and I feel normal again. Of course, I will probably have to go on another BP medicine, hope this does not start up again.
This ordeal has been a long shot because for over 2 months and many tests ( so far pretty much all normal) no Dr has come up with anything other than small hiatal hernia and low potassium which was found after a trip to ER. They blamed everything on anxiety.
I came up with the idea about 3 weeks ago that maybe it was the Toprol out of the blue idea flashed in my head while on the phone with a friend.
GP Dr. kept saying its anxiety, what I am worried about was the big question. Cardiologist assistant I saw before cardiologist appt. said I would most likely have side effects at beginning, not after a year, did not seem likely. No one seemed to consider that I lost over 22 pounds, 12 of which was in less than 3 weeks.
I finally decided I need to be tapered off Toprol just in case. Then I found this board and and to my surprise, I was shocked that others had my same problem while on Toprol ( anxiety and jitters and such and not all at the beginning either). Seems like Dr's brush it off, or maybe its not so common. Torprol side effects, which I did not know at first, is depression. Why did no Dr's put 2 and 2 together? One board wanted to know why I was not put on diuretic first, why go right to Toprol. good question that I don't think I will get good answer from my GP. I am considering trying to find another, but where I live we don't have tons of Drs so its hard, even though I am in NJ. I do like my Cardiologist that I just started with a few weeks ago, who is tapering me off.
I won't know for sure for a while, but boy was this board helpful and I am so greatful to it.
By the way, this whole thing started while on vacation, and I found out I have acid reflux also, yikes!!
Sil
Sillyme03
10-20-2003, 06:40 PM
ubernier
How did you Taper off the Toprol? Did you have any side effects while on it.
Sil
How did you Taper off the Toprol? Did you have any side effects while on it.
Sil
CobaltBlue
10-22-2003, 08:52 AM
I tapered off (with my cardiologist's blessing) by going from the 50 mg dose to the 25 mg dose and holding there for one week. The following week, I cut the 25 mg in half to make it a 12.5 mg dose and held there for a week. Once I discontinued it, I noticed a higher HR and heightened anxiety on the 2nd day after quitting. From what I remember, that lasted another 2 days, and by day 4 after stopping I could tell my maximum capability for exercise took a big jump that afternoon.
Sillyme03
10-22-2003, 08:57 AM
Thanks. I tapered off a little differently. Today is only third day off. I have heard some people take longer to have all effects go away. This has been such an ordeal, and still not sure if it was the toprol, but am eating more and feeling a little better. Taking one day at a time.
wr6969
10-22-2003, 12:11 PM
Glad to know you're feeling better already! Hope the recovery process goes fast, although I have to say that one shouldn't have any expectations on how fast or slow one can get off the side effects of the withdrawal...otherwise you'll probably be putting yourself in a situation with more anxiety involved. I think what I'm trying to say is that different individuals take different times to come off the side effects, and other people's experiences should only be taken as a guide, nothing more.
But more importantly, I think that those of us who are suffering these withdrawal symptoms should constantly tell ourselves that it's only a side effect, other people are experiencing it too, there is nothing to worry about, and to just stop thinking about it! My cardio advised me to do some exercise whenever I have the symptoms which I posted in another thread...
But more importantly, I think that those of us who are suffering these withdrawal symptoms should constantly tell ourselves that it's only a side effect, other people are experiencing it too, there is nothing to worry about, and to just stop thinking about it! My cardio advised me to do some exercise whenever I have the symptoms which I posted in another thread...
Sillyme03
10-22-2003, 12:52 PM
Thanks for the positive thoughts
I am not out of the woods yet, but I went food shopping by myself today for first time in over 2 months. Had previously been dizzy in the store, very little today, and had some energy to push cart etc. One month ago I could not even drive myself to Dr. I really think more and more it was the Toprol.
I am not out of the woods yet, but I went food shopping by myself today for first time in over 2 months. Had previously been dizzy in the store, very little today, and had some energy to push cart etc. One month ago I could not even drive myself to Dr. I really think more and more it was the Toprol.
slpagirl
10-24-2003, 03:54 PM
Hello, I am tapering off of Toprol XL right now, and I started feeling better right away. By feeling better, it means I can sleep peacefully at night, and do not feel as anxious/negative feelings. Recently, due to a major battle with sinus', I had to take decogestants, which turns out made my bp go sky high. I increased my ToprolXL dosage to 50+ mg, and boy did I notice the negative effects. Could not sleep at night, felt nervous, anxious, negative. My doctor changed me to Lotensin, and it's made a great positive difference. She said many women do not react favorably to ToprolXL, and Lotensin is a good option. It contains a water pill too. How I tapered off is... 2 nights ago, I took 10mg Lotensin and 25 mg ToprolXL, then the next night I took 10mg Lotensin and 12.5 mg ToprolXL. Tonight, I will just take the Lotensin pill.
So far, it has gone very smoothly. I am having a little coughing side effect from the Lotensin though.
Ask your doctor first, of course, before doing anything I tried. This is just my experience. I'll let you know how it goes...
So far, it has gone very smoothly. I am having a little coughing side effect from the Lotensin though.
Ask your doctor first, of course, before doing anything I tried. This is just my experience. I'll let you know how it goes...
Sillyme03
10-24-2003, 05:05 PM
Hi
How long were you on Toprol? Usually the tapering off period is a little longer, but everyone is different.
Always glad to hear of anther experience. I am not familiar with your new medicine, but let us know what happens.
I am so glad you have a dr. that even knows about Toprol. My GP at my visit today said she never heard of toprol causing anxiety. what a joke! I wish I could find a dr. like yours.
Sil
[This message has been edited by Sillyme03 (edited 10-24-2003).]
How long were you on Toprol? Usually the tapering off period is a little longer, but everyone is different.
Always glad to hear of anther experience. I am not familiar with your new medicine, but let us know what happens.
I am so glad you have a dr. that even knows about Toprol. My GP at my visit today said she never heard of toprol causing anxiety. what a joke! I wish I could find a dr. like yours.
Sil
[This message has been edited by Sillyme03 (edited 10-24-2003).]
slpagirl
10-24-2003, 09:50 PM
Actually, I think I spoke too fast... because even though my bp is lower, my pulse rate is now really high @ 108. I called the doctor and she said it may be a withdrawal effect from the Toprol, so she advised I stay on Toprol @ 12.5 mg for a while. While I take the Lotensin. Bummer. I'm not out of the woods yet... Feeling really weak now that my pulse is so high. Good luck.
I seemed okay on Toprol up to 25 mg, but beyond that it made me feel anxious.
I seemed okay on Toprol up to 25 mg, but beyond that it made me feel anxious.
slpagirl
10-24-2003, 09:53 PM
Oh, forgot to answer your question... I was on Toprol XL for two years at 25 mg. Then, earlier this year, I got off of them altogether with no problem. My blood pressure elevated again a couple months ago, so went back on at 12.5 mg. Due to other health issues, I was taking eventually taking over 50 mg for a few days... so, I was coming down from that amount, when I was put on Lotensin.
lola0565
10-24-2003, 11:29 PM
just started weaning off today 25mg.toprol from 50mg.
today was already weird, my head felt like it weighed 100 lbs. very strange unconnected feeling.
like many of you, i feel i was placed on toprol too soon.i suffered from panic attacks and i believe the doctor misread my elevated pressure due to blood pressure and not panic attacks.
i would like to know if anyone else has a hard time with their weight. i eat very healthy and work out hard 4-5times a week and have hit a plateau. also, my legs are always restless. does this happen to anyone else.
today was already weird, my head felt like it weighed 100 lbs. very strange unconnected feeling.
like many of you, i feel i was placed on toprol too soon.i suffered from panic attacks and i believe the doctor misread my elevated pressure due to blood pressure and not panic attacks.
i would like to know if anyone else has a hard time with their weight. i eat very healthy and work out hard 4-5times a week and have hit a plateau. also, my legs are always restless. does this happen to anyone else.
Sillyme03
10-25-2003, 08:33 AM
Hi Slapgirl
Hope it goes smoothly for you. It probably will, just relax and taper off slowly. I did get withdrawl symptoms, so its normal.
Lola0565
I hope your transition goes smoothly as well. You may feel withdrawl effects. I could lose weight on the toprol, that was not a problem for me. It was all the side effects.
I have been off for 6 days and still last night had a very bad night, restless legs for sure, asome anxiety as well. Never know when it will hit. Heard it cold take 2 weeks or even a month to go away.
hang in there
Sil
Hope it goes smoothly for you. It probably will, just relax and taper off slowly. I did get withdrawl symptoms, so its normal.
Lola0565
I hope your transition goes smoothly as well. You may feel withdrawl effects. I could lose weight on the toprol, that was not a problem for me. It was all the side effects.
I have been off for 6 days and still last night had a very bad night, restless legs for sure, asome anxiety as well. Never know when it will hit. Heard it cold take 2 weeks or even a month to go away.
hang in there
Sil
Sillyme03
10-25-2003, 10:18 AM
I am beginning to feel like we can start a Toprol ex-user support group. Imagine with all these posts my Dr. saying she never heard of Toprol causing anxiety. I feel like I should make her a print out of some of these posts. I feel like I am my own Dr at times.
hpbguyfromca
10-25-2003, 02:26 PM
Just for the record, during my Toprol 1.5 week withdrawal I took everyday VERY slow.. walked slow, had VERY calm days at work, ate light soups, and took my vitamins..
I knew about these Toprol after-effects before I started weaning of it, so I kept them mostly at bay by keeping my mind and body VERY calm.
This worked for me.
I now only get accelerated heart rate when I get highly nervous or anxious. But, I'm a naturally nervous person to begin with.
The circumstance for my elevated HR was when I met with upper management about how I am waiting on a major job transfer (it's been a year waiting) to be with my fiancé in California, in our new home. We have been apart for 4 months.
F.
I knew about these Toprol after-effects before I started weaning of it, so I kept them mostly at bay by keeping my mind and body VERY calm.
This worked for me.
I now only get accelerated heart rate when I get highly nervous or anxious. But, I'm a naturally nervous person to begin with.
The circumstance for my elevated HR was when I met with upper management about how I am waiting on a major job transfer (it's been a year waiting) to be with my fiancé in California, in our new home. We have been apart for 4 months.
F.
Sillyme03
10-25-2003, 03:27 PM
Flamaest
Thanks for the update. Hope you get your transfer soon. That must be hard.
When I started on Toprol a year ago, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Both Parents had high blood pressure and to my knowledge had no problems with what medicine they were on. I just took it blindly.
Until I started feeling horrible, and weeks into it, was when it occured to me it could be the Toprol. My GP still thinks it cant cause anxiety.
If I am put on something else by my cardiologist, I will ask more questions and do more research. I don't want to go thru this again.
I am trying to say calm and relaxed, but with
3 kids its hard. They don't seem to understand and increase my anxiety by fighting lots.
Thanks for the update. Hope you get your transfer soon. That must be hard.
When I started on Toprol a year ago, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Both Parents had high blood pressure and to my knowledge had no problems with what medicine they were on. I just took it blindly.
Until I started feeling horrible, and weeks into it, was when it occured to me it could be the Toprol. My GP still thinks it cant cause anxiety.
If I am put on something else by my cardiologist, I will ask more questions and do more research. I don't want to go thru this again.
I am trying to say calm and relaxed, but with
3 kids its hard. They don't seem to understand and increase my anxiety by fighting lots.
Sillyme03
10-26-2003, 08:50 AM
Just found this site with information on beta blockers. First time I saw anxiety and a bunch of other things listed, including hearing things, ( which I don't have)listed as potential side effects.
its interesting.
http://health.yahoo.com/health/drug/202087/precaution
its interesting.
http://health.yahoo.com/health/drug/202087/precaution