Low dose beta-blockers

Sonia567 · 02-13-2007, 01:29 PM

I have been scared to take a beta-blocker because of all the side effects I have read on this board, but I haven't found any drug class that works for me yet, and the 2 I haven't tried are diuretics and beta-blockers. Has anyone had experience taking a low dose of betas? (My dr. gave me samples of 25 mg Toprol XL). The side effects I have heard people describe that are particularly worrisome to me are: being extremely tired/having no energy combined with insomnia, being unable to exercise, weight gain, and some people have said they now have heart problems, such as palpitations, flutters, etc. that they didn't have until they started taking a beta-blocker. Additionally, I am concerned about betas increasing the risk for developing type II diabetes (as I am insulin resistant) and also the whole weaning off process that folks describe.

Would you still get these symptoms with a lose dose? and what would be considered a low dose on a beta-blocker?

Thanks!
Sonia

madfit · 02-13-2007, 03:20 PM

Hi,

A beta-blocker of 25 m.g. I believe is the lowest dose you can get. I take Atenenol 50 m.g. which is not high either. I find I have no problem with it. Have been taking it now for 2 1/2 years. My doctor recommends I take it at bedtime. That my solve your problem of being tired.

Check with your doctor.

morrisun · 02-13-2007, 06:07 PM

I've been on Atenolol 25mg for probably close to a year now, and I haven't noticed any side effects.

daringdarina · 02-14-2007, 11:56 AM

Hi there,
I am an 25 mg Toprol Xl and I have absolutely no side effects. I have been on it about a year now. But, the first week I took it it made me sleepy in the afternoon, I liked this as normally I cannot nap. Sadly, this lasted just 1 week. Doctors usually do a 1 month checkup after a change in medication, there is a good reason for that...it allows our body some time to adjust to the medication. The Toprol did nothing for my BP however but it really helped with anxiety symptoms that I was having. I don't know if this makes a difference or not but I exercise regularly at a gym.
I hope this helps.
Darina

arlmon18 · 02-14-2007, 12:43 PM

I don't know which one of my meds is making me so sleeping in the afternoon. I take 50 mg. of Atenolol, 80 mg. micardis plus and 1/2 of a 5 mg. of Norvasc. Madfit mentioned taking atenolol at night - does it make a difference if you take you BP meds in the morning or night???