Bystolic

I had my ICD implanted two weeks ago and was given Metoprolol 12.5mg twice per day. I'm an avid cyclist and former marathon runner so being active is very important to me. The Metroprolol totally zapped my ability to exercise with any intensity. I know it's only been two weeks but the EP and my cardiologist cleared me to ride my bike indoors on the trainer until the leads are healed. Long story short at my follow up yestserday the cardiologiet gave me Bystiolc (nebivolol) saying that it dosen't have the same negative side effects as the Metoprolol.I'm wondering if anyone here has any experience with Bystolic and are they happy with it.

9 Comments

Correction - I Hope

by SMITTY - 2013-09-06 01:09:29

Hello Cruzer,

I see the 1st paragraph of my comment is a little garbled so I hope this one is clearer.

I'm not saying your dr. is full of beans with his statement that Bystiolc doesn't have the same negative side effect as does Metoprolol. I'm making this comment in case you find your fatigue is equal to that from Metoprolol and think something new has surfaced.

Gotta get me another spell (or English) checker.

Good luck,

Smitty

IWatch Those Beta Blockers

by SMITTY - 2013-09-06 01:09:30

Hello Cruzer,


Hello,

I'm not saying your dr. full of beans with his statement that Bystiolc doesn't have the same negative side effect as does Metoprolol. I'm making his comment in case you find your fatigue is equal that from Metoprolol and think something new has surfaced.

Both medicines are beta blockers and all beta blockers can (mind you I said can) have the same side effects. My doctors tried me on about 7 or 8 different ones before I got the decision that I could not tolerate beta blockers because to the severe fatigue they caused.. For your sake I hope the dr. is right. It is just that I no longer trust drs. that make such absolute statements about beta blockers.

Good luck,

Smitty

Inga

by Tracey_E - 2013-09-06 01:09:40

He said bystolic would drop it more than atenolol.

Tracey

by golden_snitch - 2013-09-06 01:09:41

I tend to have very low blood pressure, and it definitely was worse with Metoprolol, Atenolol and Bisoprolol - yes, I tried them all - than with Nebivolol. Atenolol gave me really bad headaches, because my blood pressure dropped too much. Nebivolol is great stuff - just A LOT more expensive than all the other betablockers, so maybe that could be reason why your cardio refused? Just a though.

Smitty, if you carefully read how Nebivolol works in comparison to other betablockers - it is a so-called third generation betablocker -, you'll probably understand why Cruzer's cardio made that statement. There is a pharmacological difference.

Inga

Just to clarify

by Cruzer - 2013-09-06 02:09:55

In response to Smitty my cardiologist didn't make outlandish claims about Bystolic. What he did say was that if I couldn't tollerate Metoprolol he would take me off it. He wanted me to try Bystolic first and if that dosen't work than we'll deal with it at that time.I actually like my cardiologist, my EP the jury is still out.

Another question - How long would I have to be on it in order to give a fair assessment as to how it affects me.


time

by Tracey_E - 2013-09-06 03:09:09

Cruzer, I was told to stay on any of them 6 weeks before making an assessment if it's working and what the long term side effects will be.

Inga, I'll ask about Nebivolol again. It was almost 3 years ago when we had the discussion last. Is it prescribed less in the US so he might not be as familiar? I don't know what he was thinking at the time, but bp was definitely the reason he gave. He was concerned any of them would make my bp too low. I'm doing ok on the atenolol for the most part.

Thanks

by Cruzer - 2013-09-06 03:09:28

Thanks for your responses. It's great to be able to draw on others experiences as I try to get things sorted out.

bystolic

by Tracey_E - 2013-09-06 11:09:37

I've heard great things about bystolic and it's lack of side effects. It tends to drop bp and mine was borderline low to start with so my dr wouldn't let me try it :( I didn't tolerate metoprolol. I'm on atenolol now.

I was told 6-8 weeks on it before the side effects get better. It's a fine line for me. Without it, I race too much to work out. With too much, my rate won't get up and I can't work out. It took us months to find a balance that works for me. I take half a dose before the gym, the other half when I get home. My point is persistence and patience. These meds don't work instantly, it takes weeks to build up in your system and for your body to adapt so don't assume what's happening now is what will happen a month from now. It may take care of itself. or hopefully the bystolic will work better and that will be the end of it!

Good luck! You're only two weeks out, don't judge your ability to work out just yet.

Best betablocker

by golden_snitch - 2013-09-06 12:09:55

Hi!

Nebivolol is the only betablocker that I tolerate. It's the most cardio-selective agent among all betablockers. I have had bad side effects from Metoprolol, but Nebivolol works fine.

Tracey, I don't understand the logic: Every betablocker reduces the blood pressure, so why is Atenolol ok and Nebivolol not? Strange decision your doctor made...

Best wishes

Inga

You know you're wired when...

Friends call you the bionic woman.

Member Quotes

I'm 43 and have had my pacemaker four weeks today. I'm looking forward to living another 50 years and this marvelous device inside me will help me do that.