Beta Blockers and Side Effects

[ERH]

Last June, I had a catheter ablation procedure that was for the most part successful. After the procedure, my doctor put me on Toprol (50mg) that had many side effects (depression, anxiety, tightness in my head and neck, and sleeplessness).

My doctor took me off Toprol several months ago and I am now taking Atenolol (25mg) which seems to be better but I still do not feel "back to normal" (occassional dizziness or lightheadedness, occasional nausea etc.).

I am interested to know anyone else's experience with beta blockers with regard to side effects. I know that drugs affect everyone differently, but what's worked for you? What has not? Will I ever feel like my previously healthy self again? Thanks!

[zip2play]

For me,
Beta Blocker side effects: weight gain, exhaustion, erectile disfunction.
As a drug class they stink!

[CobaltBlue]

My history with beta blockers started in 1997 when I had Ziac 5.0/6.25 combined with an ace inhibitor and HCTZ to control high blood pressure. I had absolutely no symptoms. After being diagnosed with diabetes in 2000, I was switched to Atenolol. I noticed one symptom, and that was ED. I put up with it for a while. After my heart attack in 2002, I was switched to Toprol. Not only was there significant ED, but loss of libido. I went to my cardiologist and told him, "I am only 36 and something about Toprol has caused me to lose all desire, and my wife is not pleased." He weaned me back off and all is back to normal

The only other side effect from the Toprol, was that I took it at a time after my sedentary 20 year period was over. The net effect was resting blood pressure at 100/60 or lower, plus resting heart rates of 37-43 bpm. I felt alright at that level. Luckily, my blood pressure is fine now with the beta blockers; however, I have lost 70 lbs in the last 13 months which had to help.

[Random2]

Originally Posted by ubernier

My history with beta blockers started in 1997 when I had Ziac 5.0/6.25 combined with an ace inhibitor and HCTZ to control high blood pressure. I had absolutely no symptoms. After being diagnosed with diabetes in 2000, I was switched to Atenolol. I noticed one symptom, and that was ED. I put up with it for a while. After my heart attack in 2002, I was switched to Toprol. Not only was there significant ED, but loss of libido. I went to my cardiologist and told him, "I am only 36 and something about Toprol has caused me to lose all desire, and my wife is not pleased." He weaned me back off and all is back to normal

The only other side effect from the Toprol, was that I took it at a time after my sedentary 20 year period was over. The net effect was resting blood pressure at 100/60 or lower, plus resting heart rates of 37-43 bpm. I felt alright at that level. Luckily, my blood pressure is fine now with the beta blockers; however, I have lost 70 lbs in the last 13 months which had to help.

I wonder if Toprol had anything to do with the weight loss????

[CobaltBlue]

Originally Posted by Lillians Axe

I wonder if Toprol had anything to do with the weight loss????

Lillians Axe,

It has nothing at all to do with it. I went from sedentary to exercising 2-3 times a day and from the 3000 plus calorie/day diet down to a controlled diet of approximately 2000 calories.