Meds

I was on toprol xl for about 5 years but about 4 months ago or so it stopped working for me so i was taking atenolol then i had my ablation and i went back to my EP on tuesday for a follow up and he wanted me to stop my atenolol and start taking toprol again. I tried to explain that it stopped working for me and he insisted that it would work since i had the ablation. So my dumb butt listened to him and within a couple of hours my heart was pounding, I had a migrane, dizzy( im very symptamatic) And chest tightness. So i call the office and he says well it takes time to build up in the system and to keep taking it and if it still does not work then call in the office on friday. The toprol does nothing for me anymore. Is my doctor crazy or what? Anybody else had there meds just stop working out of no where one day?


4 Comments

Toprol Side Effects

by SMITTY - 2009-01-22 06:01:17

Hi Lisa,

Below is part of your message and some edited side effects for Toprol XL. I'm sure you don't need all this, but I have put your symptoms from the Toprol XL and the side effect listed for this medicine on the same page so I could do some cross checking with what you say and what the literature shows on side effects. First, I'm surprised that you got such fast reaction, unless you are having an allergic reaction. But based on what I'm reading an allergic reaction could be a major part of your problem.

I've taken Toprol off and on (whenever I got a new Dr.) for several years. My complaint has always been that it caused palpations, and made me feel as if I had a bad case of flu, without any fever. Toprol and all other beta blockers are on my "do not take list." I never had a beta blocker to help me but without exception they all have come with undesirable side effects.

Fortunately for you Friday will be here in a few more hours. I think it would serve that doctor right if you called him at 12:01 AM and tell him "it's Friday and I still feel like hell, so what do you want me to do now?"

Anyway, below is what I'm basing my comments on for whatever good they may be.

All I can offer is good luck.

Smitty

"So my dumb butt listened to him and within a couple of hours my heart was pounding, I had a migraine, dizzy(I'm very symptomatic) and chest tightness. So I call the office and he says well it takes time to build up in the system and to keep taking it and if it still does not work then call in the office on Friday."

Possible Side Effects of Toprol XL:

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include mild drowsiness; lightheadedness or dizziness; or unusual tiredness or weakness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience shortness of breath, wheezing, or slow or irregular heartbeat. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.



Meds

by Angelie - 2009-01-22 07:01:14

Oh the dreaded meds.
I saw this post and had to chime in. I'm so sorry that your meds are not working.
I am living proof that meds do STOP working. I have tried everything on the market for my heart problems. I have had 3 FAILED ablations. I now have a pacer, and was placed back on Toprol XL. It's been 4 months, and already I'm speedy Gonzales again. That's on 100mg.
You are not crazy, and neither is your doctor.
I'm sorry your doctor doesn't seem to be listening to you. You know best what is working, because obviously you're the one taking the darn medicine.
I really feel that your doc is just trying you on the Toprol anyways just to see how you'd do. Your doctor is correct, please take my word for it as well, that medicine does sometimes take a few days to get into your system. Sometimes medicine even makes you feel worse for a few days until your body adjusts- thus the medical warnings that they place on the side of the bottle. (Ex: "do not drive or operate machinery until you know how your body reacts to this medicine. "May cause drowsiness, etc" If you're not able to tolerate it still after a few days then at least you gave it your best.
Beta-blockers (Toprol) is known to make some people feel misrable. The first time I took it, I quickly was titrated up to 100mg and felt like death warmed over every day of my life. I was in my 20's then, and it was awful. Now, I have a pacer, plus take 100mg of Toprol and don't suffer any ill effects from the Toprol like I did before. The effects I feel now, are from the Toprol simply not covering my arrhythmias and I suffer from numerous breakthroughs throughout the day.
Just try it sweetie, that's all you can do is just your best. That's all your docs expect of you as well, I'm sure.
Good luck, and let us know how it goes.
Angelie

meds

by gibbons01 - 2009-01-22 11:01:41

You have to be firm and remember that this is your body and you are in charge of it. My husband was also put on toprol once and hated it. He took it for less than a week and then had to be changed. Have you tried verapamil or amlodipine?

Thanks for all the comments

by lisa29 - 2009-01-23 11:01:15

I think my body just got used to the toprol and it no longer works. The reason for the symptoms is because i am very symptomatic with my heartrate, When my heart rate goes up and down so fast it makes me feel ill. I will get migrains, dizzy,short of breath, chest pressure pretty quick and visual problems(if they are connected). All 3 ablations did not work, well atleast it did not work on my inappropriate sinus tach, I have also had/have atrial tach and svt.i tried cutting a carrot and my heartrate instantly went to 140+ Im gonna call the doc here in a few minutes and tell him toprol has no effect on me at all and i will let you all know what he says. Lisa

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