Feeling a LITTLE better..help from Pharmacist - Heart Disorders Message Board

missy101 · 04-21-2006, 09:29 AM

I called a pharmacist today. I figured, who knows drugs better, right? I asked about the differences between propranolol (what I am currently taking), Toprol (what my Dr wants me on), and atenolol (what my allergist thinks i should take). When I first started on propranolol, I was petrified. I spoke to a pharmacist and she said it was a very benign drug and the things she said really eased my mind. This guy spent a lot of time looking things up and told me that he thinks that both toprol and atenolol are even more benign than propranolol. WHAT A LOAD OFF!!! I realize that doesnt mean that they will be the best for ME..but it gives me more hope. He said that toprol has the positive over atenolol because it is a category C drug (in case I ever got preggo, I wouldnt have to stop it)..but that atenolol has the positive over toprol because it is a lot cheaper. Other than that he said they are pretty equal and both better than propranolol.

Anyway, moral of the story..if you ever have questions about meds - ask a pharmacist. I think they are a highly under utilized resource!!!

mike&ryansmom · 04-21-2006, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheers44

I called a pharmacist today. I figured, who knows drugs better, right? I asked about the differences between propranolol (what I am currently taking), Toprol (what my Dr wants me on), and atenolol (what my allergist thinks i should take). When I first started on propranolol, I was petrified. I spoke to a pharmacist and she said it was a very benign drug and the things she said really eased my mind. This guy spent a lot of time looking things up and told me that he thinks that both toprol and atenolol are even more benign than propranolol. WHAT A LOAD OFF!!! I realize that doesnt mean that they will be the best for ME..but it gives me more hope. He said that toprol has the positive over atenolol because it is a category C drug (in case I ever got preggo, I wouldnt have to stop it)..but that atenolol has the positive over toprol because it is a lot cheaper. Other than that he said they are pretty equal and both better than propranolol.

Anyway, moral of the story..if you ever have questions about meds - ask a pharmacist. I think they are a highly under utilized resource!!!

Hi cheers, I am glad you got some answers. I had my yearly up-date with my cardio, and he wants me on Toprol XL too -25 mg.
Im still scared to death to take them. I look at them every day and tell myself OK, you can do it. I do not kmow why I have so much fear on taking this medication. The only thing I can think is that I have two small kids and I am afraid, I will go wacky or pass out. The Doc wants me to take it because I have a lot of PAC's and I feel every single one. I just back from the Gym and during my work out they went crazy, so I came home looked and the yellow box and said to myself, Ok, tonight I will take it, but tonight will come and I wont. I'll be looking for your post on how you are doing with the change.
Good Luck

started04 · 04-21-2006, 10:03 AM

If one has the time, ability, and inclination the internet provides almost if not all the information necessary to make a proper decision. The pharmacy I patronize has 4 pharmacists counting pills and accepting money so there is not much time to research, but certainly willing to get away from the boring chore of pill counting and discusss what they have been trained to do. Doctor's rely on the drug sales' representatives for information and do not do much research, if any, and for the most part pharmacists don't question the doctors' choice..

I do my own research and closely read the information provided with each medicaton. I have counted the pills to verify the pharmacists' accuracy

Maybe I am paraniod, but it does provide some satisfaction to be assured.

CALIFBLU · 04-23-2006, 03:25 PM

I don't ever take a new med at night . never know what might happen! always take it when somone will be around or you will be awake in case you have problems atleast you can dial 911. I was a nurse just my way of thinking is all. always better safe than sorry. blu good luck

missy101 · 04-23-2006, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CALIFBLU

I don't ever take a new med at night . never know what might happen! always take it when somone will be around or you will be awake in case you have problems atleast you can dial 911. I was a nurse just my way of thinking is all. always better safe than sorry. blu good luck

Wow. That just really made me paranoid.

After reading these responses I feel like I shouldnt even take the new med at all!!

"call 911" Jesus!! What is going to happen. Now I am really scared.