Toprol XL and pacemaker

Started taking Toprol XL 25mg for blood pressure. Feel like crap on this medication. Have SSS subtype sinus bradycardia. PM set at 60. Everything I read states you should not use this medication if you have a serious heart problem such as heart block, sick sinus syndrome, or slow heart rate. Anyone out there willing to share there experience on a beta blocker after PM implanted and how do you feel? Appreciate feedback on the contraindication part!

6 Comments

Effects Of Beta Blockers

by SMITTY - 2012-10-07 02:10:15

Hey Buster,

You say you feel like crap , well just hold on a few more days or weeks and you will be saying you feel like stinking crap. I have tried beta blockers several times and felt like crap each time. The last time was July and it took about 6 weeks for me to say that's enough. I was also taking it for low BP and a fast irregular heart rate much of the time and with A-fib thrown for good measure. I stopped the beta blocker and my Dr went with digoxin which has done a respectable job of leveling out my heart rate. The A-fib decided to take a vacation I guess because I seldom have episodes of it now. But that is not unusual as I go in and out of A-fib from time to time.

Now I'm sure you will hear from people that are take Toprol, or other beta blockers and not having a problem. It seems that some people can take these medications with not problem and some of us can't. Talk to your dr as there may be other medications for treating high your high BP.

As for the low set point on your PM, I have tried different beta blockers, including Toprol XL, during the last 12 years when my low set point was 60, 70 and now 80, and the results from it were the same.

Good luck,

Smitty

Hang in there for a couple of days!

by golden_snitch - 2012-10-07 03:10:35

Hi!

This contraindication does not apply when you already have a pacer implanted that prevents your heart rate from slowing down too much or even pausing. Your pacer will take care of that.

I'd give the betablocker a try as some side-effects disappear after a couple of days. Have had that with so many medications, but in most cases, I started to feel better after a few days. Also, the full effect on the blood pressure cannot be seen after a couple of days; betablockers usually need a couple of weeks to really kick in. If you do, however, not tolerate this betablocker, there are others to try. I do not tolerate Toprol well, but am fine with Nebivolol, but I'm not sure that this is available in the U.S. In addition, there are other medications to treat high blood pressure than betablockers, as for instance ACE-inhibitors.

Best wishes
Inga

Beta Blockers

by donr - 2012-10-07 04:10:11

I second what Both say! I was on a Beta Blocker, Acebutolol, for HBP prior to getting my PM & it worked fine for me. There were other meds that made me feel like Smitty's Stinking Crap." & I just gave up on them.

Got my PM & signals got mixed among my Cardio, EP & me as to whether I was to take it or not. I refused to take it until my EP came & saw me & clearly stated that he wanted me on it & why - since he had said - I thought - prior to the implant that I was to be off it. The nursing staff was more than a little perturbed w/ me because I refused to take a pill, but age & treachery won out.

I am now on it w/ my PM to help control PVC's by helping to induce Brady. At the max per day I cannot tolerate it at all - partially turns me into a zombie. But have found a reasonable level it does the job its supposed to do. w/ acceptable side effects. Took a long time to build up the tolerance, however.

Don

toparol xl

by daisy41763@yahoo.com - 2012-10-07 04:10:35

Buster,
Well, here's my info I know about this drug.
I have HOCM Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy., and I have been on this drug about 10 years. Toparol XL Started at 25mg. and now I take 150mg 1xday at night, I will add.

I dont have bp issues, how could you taking this.
My BP stays at the normal range, and my heart beats the average of 59 to 65 BPM.

I have had open heart surgery first time for a enlarged septum, the second for a blocked left ventricle., I also have a ICD device.

I guess the question is how do I feel on this drug. ?
I am a bit slow sometimes, I do lack energy. I dont stay awake well during movies, can lay down about any time and go to sleep. I guess, I have adjusted myself to taking since Ive been on it for such a long peroid of time. I will add that after my last surgery for HOCM and my icd implant I stopped working. Right befor I stopped working I found it almost impossible to focus to what I was doing at work. Made a lot of mistakes, probally because I was in a half sleep state most of the time.
My doctor at the Cleveland Clinic perscribed this to me about 6 years ago, and I totally trust him and his judgement. He was a cardioloy specialist who specialist in pharmacology also., I tried several other things that just didnt work for me. This helps reduce chest pains and reduces the internal pressure inside the heart from over taxing my heart.
My mom started taking this for atrial fib about a month ago and she just takes 25 mg. and now she sleeps on the time. ( I will add she is bedridden from a stroke)..
I wish you the best. If your taking this during the day time, you may see if the doc will let you take it at night.
So, you can sleep off the sleepy stages.
Sheila G.

Toprol XL 25 mg, Statins, and Techs

by 1977-Hodgkins - 2012-10-07 06:10:01

It's not who was put on this drug after a pacemaker - it's who wasn't! I got off of it and it wasn't easy - the stuff is absolutely habit forming!

The less drugs the better - I went Vegan and stopped my statins.

You might ask - do I feel better - and unfortunately with both drugs cut the answer is no.

I believe the only way to feel better is for the freaking technicians to properly adjust your pacemaker - which they never do. And the doctors simply don't know enough about the tech side to comment.

Hey - at least we're alive!

I wasnt on it at first

by ohiolaura - 2012-10-08 08:10:42

I was released from the hospital w/no meds in July this year,first timer Pm person by the way.
After 10 days ended up in ER,needed adjustment made to PM,was having alot of stress/anxiety issues,so local Doc put me on Metroprolol,low dose,said he thought it to be a temp thing for me.
Main Dr said I could stay on it,but did tell me to take the 1-50 mg at night,which Ive been doing just fine.
My family Doc wondered why Id be on it,since I have a slow HR,and suggested taking a half,and she thinks I can go off it anyways,which I agree with,so hopefully I will soon.
Thinking of going down to the half this week,see how I feel.
I will say luckily for me,I dont have any side effects from it,which Im happy about.I am not a medication person,never have been,but with all this,I have had to change.Hoping to get back to the no med status.
I agree,some tolerate better than others,guess thats why there are so many options.

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