Do I need a new Beta Blocker? Magnesium Question? - Heart Disorders Message Board

emilycaitlin · 12-01-2006, 04:21 PM

Hi,

On Tues. I went for a checkup and was put back on Toprol xl for my SVT. I've had this med before but this time my dr doubled my dose. So far I've been feeling tired and sluggish yet not able to sleep well, also getting runs of tachy where my hr is 150 for several hrs. My svt attacks are more like 180-200bpms so not sure if this is an svt or some weird side effect from the toprol.

The dr said if this doesn't work I will need to go on and get the ablation, he's not sure my bp which is naturally low will tolerate this dose but says a lowered dose will probably be ineffective for the svt. Are there any other bb's I can ask about? I've never tried any but this one. Does this toprol just take a while for your body to get used to?

I've also read alot of posts here talking about the benefits of magnesium. Is this beneficial for svt, and can you take it along with toprol? Was thinking of trying some if it could be helpful. Thanks for any help, em

mnmnmnmn · 12-01-2006, 09:18 PM

emily... I too struggled with toprolol. It lowered my blood pressure too much which in turn just made me more tachycardic. I was told that magnesium is more effective in treating ectopic beats like PACs or PVCs however my cardiologist said it was worth a shot to try. I dont believe it has had any profound effects for me, other than currently I am having some Vtach and they have given me a significant amount of magnesium. So might be worth a try. There are other types of drugs beside beta blockers to try for SVT, such as antiarrhythmics like flecainide, rhythmol, or sotalol which has both bb and antiarrhythmic affects. Much riskier drugs to take since they all can cause sudden cardiac death. The ablation I had I didnt think was bad at all, so if they truely think they can fix ya with a ablation I would try it as well. Who knows maybe you could get off all drugs!!! Good luck to ya

missy101 · 12-02-2006, 06:02 AM

I prefer the metoprolol which is the same as Toprol but without the XL. So I take it twice a day and can take a little extra when needed (per Dr advice only of course). Same with the propranolol when I was on that (took that one 4 times a day however). I do not trust the XL forms of meds for whatever reason. If I start having troubles, I do not want to have to wait a whole day before getting some relief. Ya know?? This way it just seems to keep me regulated throughout the day. I dont trust that time release stuff LOL.

I can also say that when I first started BBs it took a good 2 weeks or so before I adjusted to it. So you should give any BB a little time. But definatly talk to your prescribing Dr about your concerns as things can be changed.

I also take a Magnesium/Calcium/Vit D and a Fish Oil supplement. I do believe I noticed a difference when I first started taking them. Less PVCs. But the BB controls my HR pretty well (knock on wood). Resting rate is always 60-75. Even when I exercise I cannot get up to my targer weight loss rate. The only time this isnt true is when I am stupid and have some wine...which I havent done in 4 months because it just isnt worth it.

Lenin · 12-02-2006, 08:54 AM

Before ablation, have a go with SOTALOL. It is specific for tachycardia.

Even though I am getting tired of reading my own post on the subject, I remain constantly AMAZED how every doctor in America has come to believe that there is only ONE beta-blocker, TOPROL XL.
That's what I call good "promotion" by Astra-Zeneca. There's more here than meets the eye!

emilycaitlin · 12-02-2006, 01:45 PM

Hi thanks guys for your replies.

mnmnmn-I'm pretty sure that's what happened to me, the toprol lowered my bp causing the tachy, just didn't feel like my "normal" svt. Glad to hear your ablation wasn't too bad. My doctor says I should have it, that it would completely get rid of this svt, but I'm still hesitant (uh maybe scared is a better word

) want to control with meds if I can find one that will work well.

Cheers-I go for another checkup in 2wks so will stay on this xl till then, see if I can't get used to it. Would be interesting to try a non-xl, see if it would help me more the way it did for you.

Lenin-I hear ya about the "promotion" stuff. Will def. mention sotalol when I go back.

This toprol is giving me weird insomnia, feel like I'm in slow motion but can't fall asleep, supposed to take at bedtime, wonder if it really matters, if morning would be better. Hope I get adjusted to it.

Thanks for all your help, em