I have problems with fatigue and lightheadedness which seems to set in an hour after I get up and take my meds. I also have thyroid problems of which I haven’t found a stable dosage at this point. I met with my MD today who said my thyroid is not the problem and thinks the fatigue and lightheadedness is due to my heart disease or the Tenormin(atenolol). He changed my meds from Tenormin(atenolol) 25mg to Toprol XL 25mg. I start the new meds tomorrow.
I appreciate any comments. Thanks.


[This message has been edited by donsabi (edited 09-15-2003).]

I've been on the same dosage Toprol XL for over a year now. At first I had fatigue, but was never sure whether it was from the medicine or just from coming back after bypass surgery. I don't remember being lightheaded. Now I don't feel so fatigued, but if I don't take the Toprol as soon as I get up I feel a heaviness in my chest and sometimes pain as well. My body definitely reminds me that I need to take my medicine. I've never taken tenormin so I have nothing to compare it to.

Cutup,
Thanks for responding.
I have been on Toprol XL 25mg for five days now. The first couple of days didn’t go so well, (BP varying from 120/60 to 190/110). Past few days have been better, BP is stable and decreasing by about 10-12 points. Fatigue is becoming less bothersome, but I still have some ’brain fog’, probably due to the Synthroid. It is a little premature, but the Toprol XL looks like a better med for me than Tenormin.

Hi donsabi:
The fatigue and brain "fog" are pretty common side-effects of ToprolXL. I was on 200 mg of the stuff and it barely touched my blood pressure. Was finally switched to Diovan (and Norvasc) and must admit, my head is clearer and I'm able to exercise with few problems. I don't know if Diovan and/or Norvasc are right for you, but worth asking your doctor about especially if Toprol isn't working consistently to lower your blood pressure.
Best of luck

Thanks for responding to my post.
My BP is stabilizing but I still feel ‘foggy’ throughout the day and at night the ‘fog’ seems to clear. I asked my GP about it and he said to give it a few weeks. I will ask him about the Diovan and Norvasc if the Toprol doesn’t work out.
Would it be better to take the Toprol at night rather than in the morning? If so, what would be the best way to change the dosage times?

Originally posted by donsabi:
Would it be better to take the Toprol at night rather than in the morning?

I've always taken Toprol in the morning. I guess it was because that was when it was given to me in the hospital.

I was not able to take Norvasc. I had severe chest pain when on it.

Hi again:
The ToprolXL has an extended release, so really shouldn't matter when you take it. I took mine in the morning, at breakfast, when I'd be sure to remember it. I know how disconcerting the "brain fog" can be, so hope you find some relief soon.

After five days on Toprol 25mg I began having anxiety attacks and after seven days was having panic attacks. I have discontinued the Toprol and I am taking Tenormin once more. The anxiety/panic attacks have ended but I am back to fatigue and lightheadedness.
Comments are appreciated. Thanks.
(I am opening another topic on this).