Beta Blockers vs Calcium Channel Blockers and weight gain
My doctor prescribed a beta blocker which has really helped drop my blood pressure (which wasn't crazy high just about 140/98) but the best part was it brought my pulse rate to 75-80 consistently. (down from 110's) It has really helped me not feel so anxious.
My problem...I have gained 6 pounds in the past month while on Toprol XL 50mg a day. My doctor doesn't believe me that it is the medicine.
I am searching now on this board for:
[*]A Beta Blocker that won't make me gain weight
[*]A Calcium Blocker that may have the same effects of a Beta without the weight gain
Any suggestions from personal experience would be greatly appreciated!
Re: Beta Blockers vs Calcium Channel Blockers and weight gain
I think beta blockers can make people gain weight. I am not sure about the other meds you are on. I know when I started Azor and a water pill I gained almost 20 pounds in less than a year and my doctor and cardio doc both denied the pills made me gain.
I got it off, but then again I know people on the same meds as I was on and didn't gain an ounce.
Re: Beta Blockers vs Calcium Channel Blockers and weight gain
Sounds familiar...my doctor (who I really like) swears I'm nuts. I strongly disagree. Hoping someone has a suggestion on a drug that maybe hasn't caused weight gain and I can try another one.
Re: Beta Blockers vs Calcium Channel Blockers and weight gain
I've been taking the Beta Blocker Coreg for over a year. It has really helped me, and it definitely hasn't caused any weight increase. Coreg has been shown to be less likely to cause weight gain, than other Beta Blockers, especially in patients with Diabetes.
In my case, as I've increased my Coreg (Caredilol) dosage, I've experienced a slight weight loss, even though I have significantly increased the size of my meals. Of course...... everyone is different and may react differently to the same medication.
Re: Beta Blockers vs Calcium Channel Blockers and weight gain
I was on a beta blocker for PVCs and high blood pressure. Unfortunately, I experienced some strange side effects so my doctor switched to a calcium channel blocker. I haven't noticed any weight gain for either of the medications. I will state that the calcium blocker has done a far better job of controlling my PVCs. The blood pressure benefit has been about the same.
Re: Beta Blockers vs Calcium Channel Blockers and weight gain
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mastiff4mee
jamescott do you mind if I ask you what calcium channel blocker you were put on?
Diltiazem. I know there are other types but not sure what the differences are. Again, mine is designed to lower BP and control PVCs. I have yet to experience any sides effects. I'm on a fairly low dose but I have a feeling I'm going to have to increase it a bit. Not sure it's lowering my BP as much as it should. I'm averaging 130/80 since I started. However, my PVCs are much better than on the beta blocker.
Re: Beta Blockers vs Calcium Channel Blockers and weight gain
Hi Jamescott,
I was prescribed Diltiazem and needed to increase (which did not help lower BP - but instead produced extreme constipation). I would be thrilled to have constant BP at 130/80. Hope you do well.
Beta Blockers vs Calcium Channel Blockers and weight gain 
