Problems from Bystolic

[dsc3507]

I had an extremely bad reaction to Bystolic. It was delayed after taking so at first confusing as to being the problem. I started on 2.5mg and went up to 10mg on doctors orders. My BP was only moderate and fluctuated greatly.

Witihin 2 months of starting Bystolic I developed severe joint and muscle pain. I also had numbness and circulation problems to my extremities. I though I had Lyme and doctor took blood and said no lyme although titers were up. I also developed extremely bloodshot eyes which my eye doctor could not diagnose. My HR was as low as 50 or so at rest and I would often wake up at night and have arms "asleep" and aching. I believe it could have caused some nerve damage that is slowly repairing and this may also be why I am having extremity numbness that I never had before.

I finally gave up on this doctor who did not seem to care. I stopped taking Bystolic all together and started herbal remedies from a holistic doctor including magnesium.

Today after 2 month or more off of Bystolic I am much improved. It was a long time to improve. I still have extremity numbness and bloodshot eyes and the eye doctor after hearing my original symptoms wants me to see a rheumatologist.

I still think this is all caused by the Bystolic as I was healthy and in general good health my entire life before taking it.

Has anyone had these symptoms? I see where some report a year or more for these things to clear up. Interesting in hearing others stories about this?

Doctors push these drugs and don't even have a clue that they could cause such serious problems. It is a crime!

[famnd]

Hi Disc,

I had a similar reaction only worse from Cozaar (b/p med.) These meds are all the Dr's have to give us as most people refuse to do the lifestyle stuff that would probably help decrease b/p in most patients. Once one is on b/p meds it is more difficult to lose weight to make things worse. Fam

[ACE28]

Some who take Bystolic seem to have no problems while others appear to suffer every known side effect. I've taken Bystolic for quite awhile and the side effects you mentioned, such as sore muscles, tingling and arms and legs falling asleep etc. are pretty common. Fatigue is another known issue. In my opinion, Bystolic was pushed to doctors by the Pharm. sales representatives who promised a beta blocker with less side effects and unique modes of action. They were cited by the FDA for making false claims and lessening the side effect profile. They also made numerous false comparisons without any proof of effectiveness to other beta blockers. The research is poor, and the effectiveness and benefits in comparison to other beta blockers such as Coreg and Metoprolol for heart failure, MI etc. has never been shown or proven with Bystolic to date. I've seen lots of boards which include other symptoms with Bystolic such as sexual dysfunction, hair loss, increased Uric Acid, increased Glucose, low HDL cholesterol, anxiety and mouth and tooth pain. At least the company should be honest about the side effects rather than have us feel it's all in our head or this pill is in some way unique to all other beta blockers.

My feeling is, if your feeling terrible and you need to take a beta blocker, consider the proven and tested beta blockers first, such as Metoprolol, Coreg, Nadolol etc. These beta blockers have been researched for close to 30 years, and have proven efficacy in numerous trials and probably less side effects. TOPROL XL is the chosen beta blocker among some of the best cardiologists in the world. Probably for a reason. This beta blocker together with Propranol are the Gold standard of beta blockers. Proven to reduce anxiety and improve Cardio syptoms. Many have switched back to Metoprolol or Atenolol after several months of trying Bystolic.

[ms58]

You may have read my previous posts about beta blockers as you mention a year to get all better, and that was my situation getting off Atenolol.

So, assuming you've read the other posts, I will tell you to give yourself more time for your body to heal from the assault it got from the beta blocker. And to never touch a beta blocker again, any type. If you are affected badly by one you will be effected badly by all of them.

I was switched to a calcium channel blocker, because those of us who have the circulation numbness, etc., from beta blockers, often benefit from calcium channel blockers because they create better peripheral circulation.

If I were you, and I was you a few years ago, I wouldn't start running around to all sorts of doctors looking for the cure to a disease you probably don't have. If you were in good health before the beta blocker effects, as I was and you were, in time you will get better, the blood shot eyes, I had them, the poor circulation, I had them. Over the course of the year, the symptoms went away and I'm fine now.

Give your body time to heal. If after 8 or 10 months, you still see no improvment, then you can get another opinion, but for now, I'd just let time heal you.

[dsc3507]

Thanks so much for your thoughtful reply. This is such a strange and scary thing to go through! While most if not all of my physical problems have lapsed I am still besieged with these chronic bloodshot eyes. I am concerned about it possibly causing sight issues, which it has not yet. Seeing another eye doctor for a second opinion this week. The first diagnosis was: Scleritis, unspecified, OU

Getting back on my health care soap box for a moment. I am totally disgusted with this pharmaceutical/doctor relationship. When you go to the doctors and you see note pads, posters, etc. with a drugs name on it this should be a real red flag clue that the pusher has been there. Take heed when you see this and do your homework. You are your own best advocate!