Tenormin to Toprol XL 25mg - Heart Disorders Message Board

donsabi · 09-15-2003, 08:42 AM

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).]

cutup · 09-15-2003, 01:31 PM

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.

donsabi · 09-20-2003, 02:34 PM

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.

NMc · 09-20-2003, 03:12 PM

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

donsabi · 09-22-2003, 03:53 PM

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?