METOPROLOL

I have a Boston Scientific pacemaker, it was implanted 3 years ago. I had it implanted due to a very low heart rhythm, and for 8 second pauses. I am also taking Metoprolol 50mg.......and I am not sure this is doing me any good.....I have been experiencing some of the side effects that are published for this drug, like heart pounding, light-headed, etc. I just notified my doctor but is anyone else out there with a pacemaker for low heart rhythm also taking Metoprolol or any beta-blocker, and if so, is it helping??

9 Comments

Metoprolol

by cans624 - 2013-05-03 02:05:10

I have taken beta blocker atenolol for years and never had a problem took that for fast rythm but now experience more PVCs so dr changed my med to metroprolol and been on it for a couple weeks now and so far no side affects and seems to help control the PVCs better

IAN

by SgtLaw - 2013-05-03 02:05:17

Hi Ian - I do not have high blood pressure, the pacemaker was implanted because slow heart rate and the pauses; however, I did have an incident of high heart rate almost a year after the pacer was implanted....they couldn't stop it with the pacemaker so I was hospitalized and they reduced my heart rate medicinally. I was advised to have an ablation........which I did, and have not had the high heart rate since.
Rob (SgtLaw)

Why are you taking it ?

by IAN MC - 2013-05-03 02:05:25

Hi SgtLaw I don't think you have told us the full story. If your only cardiac problem is low HR and pauses then you don't need a beta blocker,

If you also have high blood pressure or periods of fast HR
( tachycardia ) or some sort of arrhythmia then you may need the Metoprolol . Often beta blockers are used in conjunction with PMs ; they are given for conditions such as those I have mentioned and the PM takes care of the low HR when it occurs.

Cheers

Ian

Rob

by IAN MC - 2013-05-03 03:05:27

If the ablation has sorted out everything apart from the low HR and pauses I too would be asking the Dr the question
" Why do I need Metoprolol ?"

.... but is it the Metoprolol which is reducing your HR , and without it, would your HR soar again ... you need to ask your doc .

Best of luck

Ian

IAN

by SgtLaw - 2013-05-03 03:05:39

Ian - thanks I appreciate your comments. My heart rate was slow well before the MetoproloI.... I have a call into the doc, I will ask the "Why Metoprolol" question.
Take Care

I'm on it too

by geoff - 2013-05-03 05:05:23

I have tachy Brady as well as constant AFib. I'm on 50 mg of Toprol as well as 150 mg of Flecanide twice a day. My doctor assured me that the medicine was needed to prevent my PM from working constantly. The way he described it to me was he could be more aggressive with the medicine because I have the PM. I have had side effects, especially when I started the medicine. For me it was a horrible shortness of breath and blurry vision. It as tapered off and now almost non existent. Good luck.

I'm on metoprolol as well

by Jax - 2013-05-03 05:05:35

I've been on this drug for a year now and yes it has helped me. So far no side effects. But I'm with Ian...if you don't have high blood pressure and no fast hb I would inquire why you are on it.

Been on it for 2 years

by lynquinn - 2013-05-03 07:05:01

After two failed ablations for tachy and AF I went through several different beta blockers including one that was recalled, two years ago it was decided to try Metoprolol with Digoxin twice daily. This worked well for my symptoms but drove down my HR so then got my PM. Have found that my energy level is not quite what I would like but its a small price to pay for not having the tachy and AF. I think you should get as much info about your condition and why you have been put on this drug. This is a journey with lots to learn along the way but you will find lots of help on this site, I don't know how I would have done without it, so thanks to everyone.
Good luck,

I was on

by ohiolaura - 2013-05-03 10:05:20

Metropolol,or however you spell it.
Ive had my PM since last July,and it wasn't a planned thing.Have slow HR,thus the computer I tote around.
I was sent home on no Beta Blockers,just some meds for sleeping and anziety,thanks to the meat grinder I went thru,meaning my life being turned upside down in a hurry!
I after 10 days post op ended up in the ER,and was kept overnight,needed pacer to be adjusted,and local Cardio,not the EP I have,suggested a beta blocker,as a temp thing,to help me adjust I guess.My BP always has been low,but when going thru all this,it did go up.But not bad.I stayed on the Met stuff about 6 months,and decided it made me feel odd,talked to EP's nurse about going off,she told me how to,and I did it even slower.
I feel so much better now,it was holding me back too much,made me feel sometimes like there was a small weight on my chest.It wasn't for me,and the EP told me at last apt Im good without it,and I agreed with him big time.
For me,it helped me thru a tough time,but when I started to feel not so good,I knew it was time for it to go away.Now when I work out,I feel stronger and have way more stamina,energy and wind.
Just my experience,ask your Dr questions for sure.
Good luck
Laura

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