extreme fatigue on beta blocker - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

ancdc · 10-16-2008, 02:59 PM

Hi -
I started a beta blocker about 2 weeks ago. I am on it for migraines, not HBP.

At first I seemed to be more relaxed during the day, but now I am having trouble staying awake in the afternoons and generally feel very fatigued.

My blood pressure has dropped from about 112/72 to 100/60.

Could this extreme fatigue be a result of the beta blocker? If so, would it help to switch to a different beta blocker or any advice on time of day to take it? Currently I take it before bed.

Thanks.

writeleft · 10-16-2008, 03:27 PM

Which medication specifically are you on, if I may ask?

I have been on every BP med you can imagine, as I have a very difficult to treat type of hypertention (malignant hypertention).

I can tell you that these medications all take time to reach theraputic levels in your bloodstream. I would be patient with yourself during this time. Once that happens (often 3-4 weeks), then you must adjust to it, and that takes time too.

I always allow myself two month's to get a new medication going, and longer to get off. That is just my experience, and everyone is differant.

As far as the fatigue, that could be from the medication. It also could be due to your drop in blood pressure. When I drop down to 100, I am hardly able to function. At 110, I am ok. I would keep track of your BP's throughout the day, and if they are just too low, I would tell your doctor immediatly. Be careful getting too low... I have just passed out on the floor many times, while trying to get my BP's in control. It has also gone way to high, up to 240/160 which resulted in 4 strokes.

Didn't mean to be scary, just my two cents-Once these meds do start working for you, they are very reliable and do not cause unbearable side effects. I do wish you the best..

marantz1935 · 10-16-2008, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ancdc

Could this extreme fatigue be a result of the beta blocker?

Hi,

In my case I was on a beta blocker called Atenolol and one of the many side effects was extreme tiredness. I was falling asleep in the evenings, something I never do. I felt like I had aged. AFAIK, there are other beta blockers and I don't think they are as bad as the one I was taking.

Marantz

ancdc · 10-17-2008, 07:43 AM

Thank you Marantz1935 and writeleft.

I am on Inderal. My doc told me to take it at night before bed.

I am definitely concerned that my pressure is too low for me - even though it is still in the "normal" range. I do not want to pass out or fall asleep every afternoon.

I didn't realize it took so long for the drug to build up in my system, so I will wait a couple more weeks. I have a follow-up w/ my doc in mid-november, so perhaps I'll know by then how I am doing on it.

Thanks again for the advice - very helpful!