How to safely come off beta blockers
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 พ.ค. 2021
- A lot of people have contacted me and asked me as to how to safely stop beta blockers and therefore I thought I would do a quick video around this subject.
Before I start it is important to say that please do not try and alter your dosage without speaking with you health care provider as he will know about your unique clinical situation and all I am doing in this video is just giving general information.
Beta Blockers are one of the commonest classes of medications that we use in cardiology and often serves as a jack of all trades. They basically blunt sympathetic activity and by doing so, have a multitude of potentially beneficial effects such as reducing heart rate, reducing blood pressure, making the heart less irritable, reducing the demands on the heart and increasing the time for the heart to fill with blood do that the heart is able to contract more effectively. In some situations they make people feel better I.e improve quality of life. In other situations, they may actually have a prognosis modifying role.
Let me give you some examples.
Beta blockers can be used to control blood pressure. Here they don’t necessarily make patients feel better may have a prognosis modifying role (albeit a weak one).
Beta blockers can be used as a treatment for heart failure. Here they make people feel better and have a very significant impact on improving lifespan
Beta blockers can be used for heart rhythm disturbances (ectopics/AF/SVT/VT) and her they may make the patient feel better and in some heart rhythm disturbances may also have a prognosis modifying role
Beta blockers can be used to treat angina and prolong life after a heart attack so against they may improve quality and quantity of life.
Sometimes beta blockers are used in a purely symptom control role such as for controlling anxiety or benign ectopics in people with normal hearts
So if you are taking beta blockers it is always worth asking why you take them. Is it because they make you feel better or is it because they in some way are being used for their prognosis modifying effects? This is important because if they have a prognosis modifying role you may decide you just want to remain on them
Acute, abrupt withdrawal of beta blockers has been shown in many case reports to be associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. This is mainly seen in patients who were taking the beta blocker for angina due to significant coronary disease and in a few of these patients, stopping the beta blocker was associated with more angina and even development of heart attacks. Similarly there have been case reports of patients who were taking beta blockers to control dangerous heart rhythm disturbncaces and when the beta blocker was abruptly stopped it led to precipitation of ventricular dysrhythmias and even in some cases death. There have also been reports of heart failure status worsening and blood pressure going up excessively. This is termed as Acute beta blocker withdrawal syndrome.
Why does it happen?
It is believed that withdrawal effects happen because if increased sympathetic activity which is probably because of Beta receptor up regulation during the period of beta blockade. Upregulation is a well recognised phenomenon where the receptors that are being blocked become more sensitive and responsive to circulating adrenaline. It is believed that receptors take 24-36 hours to down regulate when the blockade is removed. So if you stop the beta blocker abruptly and it doesn’t stay in the body long (and how long it hangs around in the body depends on that beta blockers half life) then there may be a period where you have receptors which are significantly more sensitive to the effects of the adrenaline and this can then trigger this withdrawal syndrome. What this means is that the withdrawal syndrome is far more likely with short acting beta blockers or those beta blockers where you have to take 2 or 3 doses in day because they will have a much shorter half life. Beta blockers that have a lon half life will stay in the body for much longer and therefore will allow that time that is needed for the beta receipts to down regulate.
So if you are taking a short acting beta blocker I.e propranolol, metoprolol, carvedilol etc, it is best to be more cautious about reducing the dose.In such cases I would suggest taking the usual dose once daily for a week, then every other day for a week and then stop.
If you are taking a long acting beta blocker eg Atenolol, Bisoprolol etc , then take half the usual dose for a week, then half the the usual dose every other day for a week and then stop.
As I say it is very important that you only alter your dosages if sanctioned and supervised by your own doctor as it may in some patients have dangerous consequences.
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Best video of the heart meds. Have been taking htcz, atenolol 100gm, nivedipine and aspirin 75 gm for 20 years. Recently adopted keto reduced weight and bp kept reducing. Have stopped htcz and nivedipine and now remaining aspirin 1/3 and atenolol 121/2. All these without dr supervision. Have now the last to drop. Withdrawal symptoms of a throbbing heart beat are there but I check my pressure in my house. Average is 118/68. Thanks. . Fast forward after 5 days of completely stopping the meds I feel like liberated a new. The heart is thumping but l Will win. My diet is mainly a avocado, banana, potatoes, sweet potatoes, whole grains, olive oil, ginger, tumeric, oranges, watermelon, spinach, cabbage, peanuts, sardines, garlic, kales and eggs. These have assisted to overcome the transition. My ED of 20 years has reversed in just 5 days. It is hallelujah to my God. God bless Dr Gupta who gave me the final push. Dr Berg is the contemporary. Best wishes from Kenya.
I have read that chronic Propranalol use, in SOME individuals (likely with significant comorbidities) induced heart attack or heart failure when they attempted to abruptly stop it. I have been weaning myself down from 120 mg given (most likely for anxiety regarding "palpitiations") in 2006. I am currently on about 20 mg/day (yes, about 18 years later). I am trusting the LORD to allow me to completely come off it; it's very difficult as I had worsened episodes of "flutter" (Cardiologists in 4 countries over 20 years couldn't find anything), severe (to the point of being hospitalized) panic attacks and anxiety; and numerous PACs and PVS over the past 20 months. But i am grateful that i can get this low; the thing is, if your blood pressure spikes during the day due to emotional stress (arguments with your wife, family members, friends, or work colleagues) or during the night due to sleep apnea, it is very important to replace the beta blocker with something else (even a natural product) to keep your blood pressure stable.
My experience is that the Cardiologists dispense it (and other pharmacopeia favourites ) as a standard panacea after any and all cardiac events without thinking it through and have no methodology where they are happy to take the patient off-ever. I have never had any counselling on food based alternatives, just vague entreaties to modify my lifestyle. What has been effective has been my fundamental approach to mental health via several professionals and I feel damn good, thanks.
Thank you so much. My aunt had Prednisone for a week, she had to stop it when it is finished because this medication was given for only one week - She almost died, not the doctor and not the pharmacist advised her about its withdraw symptoms or how to lower its dose and come out slowly and safely. Since then, whole family checks every medication given on the Internet before even using them!!!
Such important information. Thank you for all you do and especially these timely videos. You do more good for people than you realize.
YOU ARE THE MAN! 👨⚕️ Thank you so much for your CLEAR explanations and different scenarios.💪 ❤️ 🏆
Excellent video as usual, Dr. Gupta! Thanks for always being a caring doctor! blessings to you and your family!
Thank you. As always very informative and helpful. We are very lucky to have you talking to us and taking care of our health.
So it takes a GP less than 10 mins to put you on them but getting yourself off them could possibly kill you. Incredible
I knew I should've told my cardiologist no thanks to metoprolol and just dealt with the palpitations. Figures.
@@2ndamendment1776I totally agree ever since I’ve been taking this poison, the quality of my life has plummet. Western doctors are not trained to heal us naturally because they are supported heavily by drug manufactures so dollars over health.😭
I’m so thankful I have the privilege to come back and watch your videos again as often the concerns can be a year or so later.
You are so appreciative.
Thank you ever so much
You're making the best use of quarantine. Thank you very much for this helpful video.
God bless you!
Thank you so much Dr Sanjay. I realise you have had some recent sadness in your life and I wish you peace and healing. You are a great blessing to many people, including me, and your explanation and compassion bring much understanding and calm. Thank you again and God bless you.
Thanks so much for the thorough and comprehensive review. Completely understand all aspects of my beta blocker, half life, the receptor sensitivity, and what types of conditions they are used for. The prognosis vs symptoms (making you feel better) was really informative! You’re a fantastic teacher.
Thank you Dr Gupta. You are appreciated. You help me to understand exactly what is what in regards to my heart. The doctors here just do not have the time to talk to you like they should. You are a blessing!
Magnificent explained.. My salutes to the Dr.
Great video !! I've watch most of your videos (and subscribed) and I can honestly say you made my newly diagnosed "Paroxysmal" atrial fibrillation a much less nerve racking experience. You are truly a blessing. And keep in mind I'm a BIG "brother" from Detroit and I don't scare easily,.. but this atrial fibrillation can be a bit scary at times. which causes my heart to race even more than it should because of adrenaline etc. But watching/rewatching your videos informs and calms me down. Which helps slow my heart rate. THANK YOU!
You have been a God send for me with your info. Thanks from the bottom of my "heart".
No one is worthy of calling God exept Allah
I have been far more conservative coming off the heart meds than the doctor or the pharmacist recommended. This video is BRILLIANT, in so many ways, because now I understand why I’m still trapped on the Metoprolol and why I still “need” it. I am strengthening my heart through minerals and exercise but am not trouble by the small amount of Metoprolol I’m now taking. Before this adjustment the dosage was such that it left my muscles therefore myself feeling like crap. It seems hard to help a doctor understand. Thanks Dr Gupta. What a blessing you are.
How much metoprolol were you on before, and how much do you take now?
I'm taking carvedilol. 2 times daily. I think that I will be super conservative and alternate every other day between half a dose and full dose. No way I'm going to stop cold turkey.
How did it go. I want to get off of propranolol now. Advice appreciated
Judy Lee, would you mind sharing what minerals or supplements that you took? Are you still on Metoprolol? Thank you for your time.
Please share what you are taking
Really appreciate your videos. They are so informative and help with my understanding of my heart health. Thank you!
You are really very nice, dr. Gupta! You help me afford my disease much more easily. Thank you! 💙
Thank you for this valuable information! You are such a blessing to me! Could you please do a video on how stress can effect the heart? Thanks 😊
Very useful. I was warned when I was prescribed beta blockers that the side effect was to lower my existing low blood pressure. After a recent full test with my cardiologist I was told I was fit as a fiddle, and could gradually reduce and eventually stop taking them. At 79 I am very active around the home, up and down ladders, maintaining everything. But sleep becomes difficult after a few hard days work, as the thumping when I lie down takes forever to quieten. This video certainly has made me feel much better about reducing and eventually stopping the atenolol drug. ❤ will check out your other videos.. have subscribed 🌈🇿🇦
If you can feel the thumping that is bothersome, it sounds like afib, which is what I have. I hope you are being tested for that.
Well said dear. Dear this is the first time I am watching a video in which you are explaining in a simple and the best way about the beta blockers. Even the manufacture is unable to provide those kinds of details. You are the only one . I also watched many videos of yours and I am grateful and proud of you for working so hard and providing us the best knowledgeable videos.Thanks.
Thanks Dr Gupta. Very clear information, communicated very clearly - and without any aids! Well done. It has helped me further understand the nature of beta blockers, their role and the potential dangers or sudden withdrawl. Your committment to a greater public understanding of complex medical treatments is much appreciated.
Most informative, a solid comprehensive discussion on Beta-blockers that will be most useful to many people!
Thank you..
Very good and simple review / explanation. Thank you Doctor!
Thanks doctor.
I understand they can relax the heart. And your explanation is well explained!
Really good information with no ego. Appreciate you taking the time to explain this issue. Thank you, Doctor :)
Very informative as always. I hope the quarantine isn't too much of a drag.
Thanks Doc, exactly the topic i wished for.
Dr. Sanjay, Thanks for your generous and helpful comments. Great information and very kind of you to share your expertise to provide this important info.
Thank you for sharing, this is super clear and very helpful.
I took metoprolol succinate 25mg daily for 20 days and my PVC was gone, My doctor told me I can stop any time . I stopped take it without proper withdraw, my pvc came back again.......Thank you for the information.
Thank you so much for this important information. I wish all doctors were so informative. And thanks for using your "down time" to keep helping patients! So many patients would be more medication compliant if doctors would explain things and not just give orders.
I actually gave my Doctor's assistant his link so she would show him..
Really very awesome 👏...always doing great n guiding to people
Incredibly helpful video, thank you DR.!!!!! :)
Hi,thanks a lot for this important information. May God bless you always Joy's only.
Dr, I took Nebivolol to reduce cardiomegaly. My heart grew due to poor lifestyle choices, it has since returned to its normal size through major lifestyle improvements, nutrition, exercise, and the employment of Nebivolol.
My cardiologist shook my hand.
I have your videos to thank for the lifestyle improvement sir. At the rate I was going, I would’ve died before 40 years old.
Ml Lll)} 00
What kinda beta blocker is Nebivolol ??! Did ya get rid of it?
Did you have LVH by any chance. And what were these lifestyle changes that you made. Would you mind sharing some detail? Also, how long did it take for your heart to return to normal size? TIA
Dr Sanjay, You are the most amazing person. You have my respect and admiration. Happy New Year
Thank you for sharing wisdom it's so very helpful to know what to expect!
As always, so much informative and helpful content :)
If you find time, please make a video on Vitamin D & Calcium supplements, related to calcium build up in heart's arteries. It's so common for people during COVID to take high dosages of Vitamin D and Calcium. I read that it's not safe for the heart, it builds up calcium over time, and may cause heart attack. It'd be great if you share some information on it.
As always, keep up the good work!
Some studies are stating that k2 will take the calcium out of the veins and arteries and put it back into the bones to prevent this. Do your own research and ask your fundamental Doctor. I personally have seen and felt a big difference in my mobility since taking k2 daily with D, magnesium, b complex, potassium, Coq10, and zinc. My kidneys and liver are back on line. My heart went from 24 percent to 45 percent. Diet and walking with supplements are a must with the right medical doctors to help you. I also love the way I feel on coconut water, it gives me magnesium, potassium, electrolytes. God bless. Keep learning and sharing guys.
This video was really helpful because I've been considering stopping my medications due to side effects. As usual, Dr. Gupta gave me food for thought and good common sense advice. That's why these videos are so valuable. I trust him and thank him for taking the time. 💖
Yes wise to get off this chit. Evil evil medicine. Shape up and watch diet. Weak people need drugs. Sad sheep run to drugs
Thank you ,You have explained exactly what i need to know .💖
Thank you for all the great videos. They are all so informative and helpful. I take a long acting beta blocker as needed for palpitations (PVC) that I only get occasionally. Usually I only need to take one 25 mg pill to stop them. If I have to take the beta blocker for a longer period of time, I will reduce gradually by taking 3/4 pill for awhile, then 1/2 and then down to 1/4 before I stop. That seems to work well for me.
My prescriber finally put me on a beta blocker as a comfort measure after I asked for help from benzodiazepine withdrawal . A few months later I was diagnosed with diabetes type 2. I researched it and the American Diabetes Association confirmed the fact that there is a relationship between them and hyperglycemia!
i didnt know that, thanks for sharing your experience
Yep! Should be common knowledge but you'll never hear it from a doctor. BBs are NASTY drugs!
That sounds like a nightmare. It should be common knowledge and it's actually logical.
I'm building up visceral fat at an alarming rate on metoprolol. No wonder with hyperglycaemia as lots of insulin is secreted. Insulin is demonstrably responsible for fat storage.
An explanation I found was that they block “beta” and the beta cells in the pancreas are responsible for insulin - but the prescribers with their very high degrees and intellect should have figured that out very easily. Is it that simple?
Thank you Dr Sanjay for your clear explanation regarding beta blockers. I am withdrawing from Procorolan 7.5 mg. and I finally learned through your video what benefits they are to some people, but not me.
Thank you for all this incredible information.
thanks doctor - this was extremely valuable. Keep up the videos.
Thank you so very much for your videos Dr. Gupta. I greatly appreciate what you have taught me about my own condition. The Dalia Lama is quoted as saying “Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality”. I think you are well on your way.
Great video, very informative.
Best doctor ever....thank you very much...God bless...cheers.
Good doctor with good heart
Yes I spoke to the doctor. But can't get off of it. Helps my irregular hb and fast hb. It's good. Thank you for your advice.
Useful information. I am trying to get off beta blockers. If the General medical practitioners were good, one would not need to look for these videos. NHS is in a chaos. Several cardiologists only talk to patients on phone and some have never met the patients. That includes the flagship Barts at Barbican London. I am envious of animals who get a lot better health care.
You are really nice, dr. Sanjay Gupta! You help me afford my disease much easier. Thank you! 💙
You're the best
thanks so much for such a concise explanation!
Would love to see a video about vagally mediated Atrial Fib and how beta blockers can make that worse, and how to treat it.
I took Inderal for 46 years and went off it. A-Fib was horrible for a very long time. Took me over a year to get over the rebound effects.
Over a year? Did it slowly go away?
Thanks doctor you always upload very informative things and guide us thanks as you provide us this knowledge free of cest
Thankyou again..... I'm actually thinking about staying on my 1.25 bisoprolol twice a day now but i did some homework and found out about the v2 receptors and how it all works(roughly) and being adhd coupled with the massive hyper happy reaction i had a year ago going down 1.25 the idea of staying on them....... doesn't seem as ominous after all. Also by listening again to the benefits they provide...... and being 51......im quite liking being safe. Thankyou again, and i hope your lockdown is peaceful and that you find things to help your general mental health. You're very calming to listen to and the way things have changed in the system over the years doctors don't have as much time and we as patients are more prone to not listen or diagnose ourselves. Until people stop using their phones or watching tv I'm afraid nothing will bring back the kind of patter generated in an appointment with 'my doctor'. However, no one can interrupt what you're saying while your saying it on you tube so for now..... I'm thoroughly enjoying lapping up everything you say😁👍
I am taking bisoprolol 2.5 twice a day can i come 1.25 twice a day? I am in 25 age.
When I was 36 in 2007 I had a blood pressure pill that had a diuretic and I lost my potassium completely and it gave me a heart attack and messed up the rhythm. They put me on a beta blocker and over the years I'm now on 100 mg atenolol and on Lisinopril for high BP. My BP is Heriditary and I've been on meds since 18. I recently lost over 30 lbs and I didn't realize I needed to reduce my bp pill. It sent me to hospital for dizziness and my heart was beating at 43 during the day and 30 when I was asleep. Thank goodness I went. I know have a cardiologist doc and he would not touch my beta blocker and took my Lisinopril from 20 to 10 and it brought my rate up to normal so far. I just went through this and it's very scary. Thank you for caring and the information. He said my heart is in perfect rhythm so he didn't want to adjust the beta.
I’m sorry for what you had to go through. My prayers are with you.
You’re amazing! Wish I could be your patient. 😁
Nice demonstration everything is clear. My Allah heal everybody who is in that dangerous condition
Thank you Dr. Gupta for this great information!!!!!
Thank you Dr. Sanjay. We are proud you are an Indian. Great. No Doctor ever told this out. We will come out of Beta blockers as you have suggested with Drs advise and with mental strength. Long live.
How many years u take betablocker
Can you do a video on The Coronary Artery Calcification score/scan. Please
Thank you Dr. Sanjay.
Very interesting and informative video
So helpful! Thank-u for all u do to educate us.
Thanks Josh - Id be so grateful if you'd consider sharing and subscribing:-)
such a great guy - he is in quarantine yet has so much passion to help people- hats off to you doc. one question: if any side effects appear what should a patient do? go back on beta blocker or continue to build natural resistance or something else?
I fully agree. I learnt more from him than from my cardiologist and electrophysiologist.
Im not a hypertensive senior ,but sometimes I feel nape pains,palpitaions and some sypmtoms of HPN,so I am taking atenolol whenever I have these awkward feeling,and it did help!Is it ok to be taken as PRN meds?
I was taking propranolol for 4 years (40mg x2 daily). I had to stop taking it because of shortage of medication. I lowered the dose by half every two weeks till I got down to 10 mg 1xday.
during those weeks I had consistent chest pain, high fluctuating blood pressure, palpitations, afib attacks and rapid heartbeat(up to 150 at night) and averaging 110 during the day. I thought I was going to die.
I pushed through it ,my doctor didn't believe me and I stopped the 10mg 1xday 6 days ago. I don't get any more chest pain but I am having high blood pressure fluctuation and rapid heart rate on and off. Sometimes my high heart rate does not come down for 12 hours. This is an absolute nightmare to go thru . Everytime I even move or try to do anything physical
my heart rate goes crazy and so does my blood pressure. I have heard from others that it can take 6 weeks of this after stopping. I hope I survive it. I will never touch drugs again even if they say I need them.
@startbro how are you now
@@rameshlumb4003 I am on day 12 of no propranolol and nothing has changed. I have fluctuating blood pressure so much that I cant take a reading and my heart rate is maybe normal 2 days a week but the rest of the week it is racing well over 100 during the day and 120 at night and I can't sleep at night. I feel like this drug has damaged my heart. It pounds in my chest from the simplest of movements, even my arms. I still have chest pain on and off and palpitations alot . I hope it gets better soon cause how long can somebody survive this?
Its crazy.
@@starbro112 thank you my friend I m taking 75 mg metapralol succinate and feel no energy so I also wean off metapralol
@@rameshlumb4003 Do it very slowly and carefully. Best of luck friend
@@starbro112 thanks my friend
What an amazing doctor you are ❤
Thanks for sharing this information. I wish everyone well ..I know how it feels be strong everyone 💜💪
Excellent ❤ lecturer about Beta Blocker 👏...when I worked in pharmaceutical company we always made a lot of Beta Blocker group of hearts medication
People who consume this type should always educate themselves with this information 😊 ...I would if you would explain the symptoms or the side effects of this Medicine on prolong use and of course the patient should always consider a very well healthy balanced diet 😉 + quality sleep with moderate exercise to help their body recover from any unwanted side effects
Well Done Dr. GUPTA
I wish if you do a video on Telmisartan class of drugs that is called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) the one that work on relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. 😊❤🙏
With love and respect to you !
I'm also taking telmisartan ..hopefully mr. Gupta will also discuss it ..
Thanks for taking your time to always educate us.
Another great video. Thank you very much !
Thank you for this information!
A thousand, thousand thank yous, Sanjay I found this extremely helpful.
I’m a 77 widow in Australia with AFib & heart failure ... I’m trying to go on the keto diet I’ve lost some of the weight I’d like to loose ..... I find your videos soooooo helpful .... like all too many of us modern folk I live all alone 😫😣 which makes your videos that much more welcome, supportive & comforting. 😘 😘
I’m also watching all of Dr Grundy’s “Plant Paradox” videos. He’s just come out with new book on ‘essential gases’ in our, er, colon !! such as nitrous oxide (?) & hydrogen .......... 😳😳😅😂
Just go easy on the Keto diet , I went on it pre covid and lost a lot of weight, however I ate a lot of bacon and meat and fat with impunity. Now I am on the emergency list for an angioplasty with blocked arteries. Just eat vegetable based oils on the Keto diet, best wishes
Wish you well, I am with Afib of 60 years old my doctor insisted that I lose weight which I did almost 18kg out of 120kg honestly I feel much more better I am going to reduce another 20kg on the next 6 months hopefully, most importantly that I am so much less in my main diagnosed problems which might cause Afib is sleep apnea I feel good most my sleeping nights. My doctor has reduced my dose of Peta blocker to half, since I am progressing in walking and normal diet,
Please look up Dr. Eric Berg on TH-cam for doing Healthy Keto & Intermittent Fasting safely and successfully. Hope it helps you all.
@@veronicas1231 This advice is completely contrary to every doctor on line preaching the keto lifestyle. They would tell you there is no correlation to saturated fat and plaque build up in your arteries and seed oils cause inflammation.
@@bradellison1345 because they don't specify properly on eating the meat. It needs to be grass fed and grazed!
How kind to share so much details - thx you
I’m sorry you are still there in hotel and has the food improved at all? It looked very disgusting. We are all thinking of you and your loss, hope you go home very soon.
🌸
Thank you for your help! You are amazing.
I take 100 mg of brand Toprol at 5 a.m. every morning. I saw my cardiologist yesterday and he told me to try cutting down to 50 mg once a day. But I'm really quite timid to try that because of how I feel if I'm late taking my medicine now. It throws me for a loop. But interesting video and good knowledge to know about and for me to keep in mind. Thank you so much!
I detest being dependent on any medication. I hate that I need to ever see a doctor, detest hospitals, the whole scene. In spite of its seeming benevolence, it never empowers the patient, it's about control as much as prolonging life.
If one feels so good while taking beta blockers, why would they want to get off of them? Seems counterintuitive. Thanks for covering topics that are near to my situation.
Thanks for explaining it so well.
Thank you very much for your time for explanation of the beta blocker medicine
You probably won't see this, but I love your videos. I always considered myself healthy, as I've never been on any medications, & just use peppermint oil for headaches. But on Dec 4th I had a heart attack. The doctor said the heart attack I had was called, "broken heart syndrome", which is exactly what I felt, when it hit me. I was put on a machine, where they put dye in your wrist, & they discovered that I had no blockage, whatsoever. I don't smoke, drink, or do drugs, & I had quit gluten, & sugar 11 months prior to the attack. But, what I did have was stress. And because of that, I had also gained an unhealthy amount of weight. I had slowly lost 20 pounds, prior to the heart attack. I just want people to know what I didn't know. And that is, just how dangerous depression & stress are to your heart, & health. I was released to go home on Dec.10th, with 2 prescriptions, plus aspirin. The aspirin was because I refused to go on blood thinner. The two prescriptions were Lisinopril & Metoprolol. I had begun coughing in the hospital. I thought it was a cold coming on. But, as time went on, I discovered it was a reaction to one of the medications. I left a message for the primary care doctor the hospital gave me. Five days later, I got a return call, & she thought it was the Lisinopril. I told her I thought it was the Metoprolol, because it felt like when I had bronchitis a few years ago, & I heard that Metoprolol can have that effect. She told me I could stop taking the Lisinopril, & see what happens. And I might add, she was rather uncaring & rude. I would have just stopped, had my sister not told me that her doctor weaned her off it. So, I weaned myself off it. I was off it for10 days, but the cough was as terrible as ever. I can't sleep at night, due to coughing so much, & it makes you have to pee, so then I'd have to go downstairs to relieve myself. This is every 2 - 3 hours. I called my doctors office again, & they told me they would let the doctor know that the cough had not gone away. Four days later, which is today, I finally heard from her office. They told me that she said I could go off the Metoprolol, & see what happens. They said to call them back when the coughing stops. I don't feel good about this, because they did not tell me to wean myself off that either. If it wasn't for you educating people, about the dangers of that, who would know? So, I finished watching this video again to learn how to wean myself off the Metoprolol. Thank you for your informative videos. You seem so kind & understanding, treating patients like people, not just numbers. I feel like the doctors just want to check you off, & get you over with. Or push the pills on you. When i told her I need therapy, to help me with the stress, & that the hospital hadn't found a therapist for me yet, her response was to put me on another pill for that. I told her that I'm already stressed out by the ones I'm on now. I don't want to add to it. They are ignoring that stress caused my heart attack & that should be an important element in healing too, I'm in the process of finding a different primary care doctor. I have an echo scheduled for March 8th. I just wanted to let you know how helpful your videos are, even 1 year after you put them out there, they are doing people good. Maybe someday you can do one on depression & stress. Maybe you have, & I haven't noticed it yet. Have a great day. :) You're my hero! Otherwise, I would be even more stress out. Thanks again.
Well, reading people's comments were not my intention when I watched this video. I was curious as I have heard safety comments like this one recently and it made me surprised to justify how they didn't apply to me or my situation with Beta Blocker medicines. Long story short, I have been on Propranolol for more than 20 years in a raw until recently that I stooped using it cold turkey. I stopped taking my daily 40mg (2 times a day 20mg) two months ago and I just could not feel any better ever since. I increased my routine work out sessions as well as my personal activities during the last two months with zero negative side effects whatsoever and that is why I said earlier as being so surprised compare to what some doctors or experts suggests. I sleep much better, remember faster and think sharper than my last 20 years of my life and I am on the beginning of my fifth decade of life time. Your story made me sad so I pray for you and your health. I think the definition of being healthy in the western culture has been publicized incorrectly. drinking and smoking has no harm if you are having a happy life in my opinion. When life is hard, anxiety is to the roof and future is uncertain then those habits might turn against you as well as almost everything else you do in your life. You have mentioned this in your comment partially and I just wanted to admit and add a few more of my personal experience in case someone would be interested to read.
@@Bold_Thunderbird Thank you for your kind response.
I am on so many pills now that it makes me feel like the only thing I have to look forward to in life is taking my morning dose of pills. At some point I will get sick and tired of side effects and put a bullet in my pistol and end my life. My dog got old and got euthenised, my beloved cat had to be put to sleep, I guess I will be next.
How are you doing now?
I would also suggest stopping sugar consumption, doing low carb. Consume diet rich in nutrients such as potassium and magnesium - unless one has kidney disease. I personally found that I couldn't stay off beta blockers without changing mt diet
I've been on beta blockers for a while now amd it made me feel good. I rarely get anxious and I function better. But recently my doctor prescribed another medication and I have a feeling they might stop the beta blockers soon. I'm preparing myself for that with information like this.
Hope you get through quarantine okay. Thanks for your information.
I was put on metoprolol for blood pressure last week and I feel like I am going crazy I need to get the hell off this shit
@eternalfight1032 how are you? Hope you're feeling well
That's exactly what it is...shit.
Great presentation Sanjay... refreshing to hear an explanation of the issues involved, and one given in some depth. Quite a lot packed into that eight minutes - eloquently expressed & with rigour. Many thanks👍!
Thank you, great advice clearly presented. Appreciated 👍🏻
Good information. I'm on a calcium channel blocker now, I asked my doctor to change my ace inhibitor when covid started.
@Yuri R. I took triamterne/hctz for maybe 10 years, he switched me to lisinopril about 4 years ago, I do believe it was weight gain that increased my blood pressure. I'd really like to get healthy and not take any BP meds.
@Yuri R. he put me on lisinopril when my blood pressure had been creeping higher. Pretty sure my dosage was 25/37.5 honestly not sure why he didn't increase it. He was not the doctor that originally prescribed it, my GP had retired. This new doctor also wanted me on statins but I declined taking them, my numbers weren't that bad.
I was put on metoprolol a couple of years ago after having some issues with SVT after knee replacement surgery. (I suspect I had it before). I was taking 12.5 mg BID. I went down to just once a day. I am too scared to try to wean any further.
Some of us get so terrified from the bad effects of the beta blockers that we just decide to quit ASAP. They made me feel terrible, low blood pressure, passing out, feeling of dying, out-of-body experiences, worse PVC's, and massive random adrenaline releases which are horrible and of course trigger massive anxiety, both organic, and due to feeling of dying. I ended up in the E.R. due to the beta-blocker effects and my B.P. was raised during that episode but came down within an hour as the adrenaline faded. I quit the beta blockers after this incident. My cardiologist give me Propranolol thinking it would calm down my PVC's, but it had the opposite effect. Nothing bad happened when I quit. I would not take them again. I still have some PVC's but they are mild and certainly easier to tolerate than the beta blockers. I could easily see people dying from taking beta blockers. I wonder how many times that has happened and the doc probably blamed their pre-existing condition.
I've been considering quitting mine also. The low blood pressure problems and constant fatigue just pretty much make me feel I'm an entirely different person.
Have you looked into diet to see if that was causing your pvc's, etc.? Personally I found that I have to eat a low histamine diet, otherwise I get pvc's, my blood pressure spikes, etc.
I hate metoprolol. I was put on them this past January for high BP. I have never felt so lousy in my life. I have cut my dose in half but when l tried to stop completely my heart took off like a motor boat on the 2nd day without them it was terrifying! I'm gonna try going to 1/4 pill soon. UGH
I cut mine in half and reduced the dose slowly. I also felt very fatigued, pounding heart, and like I might die when I just stopped taking them. I don't have heart problems, they were for blood pressure control. My blood pressure was dropping too low is why I stopped them. My relative with heart disease takes them without any issues.
@@STEVEH0LT thanks! Tried everything else!
Important info to know, Thank you!!!
After watching your videos, Dr. Gupta, and about the role of Magnesium, Potassium and other minerals and a healthy diet impact on heart, I am now completely out from the atrial fibrillation, AFIB, for the third year now, after learning from you. You are a fantastic doctor. Unfortunately, I'm in the U.S., otherwise, I would ask you to be my cardiologist. So far I'm trying to watch all your very professional, informative and so very helpful TH-cam videos. God Bless You, Dr. Gupta!
I wish I could talk with you. I was put onto Metoprolol Tartate due 2 episodes of AFIB - but discovered it was actually a side-effect of Benadryl that I was taking nightly for sleep. I immediately stopped the Benadryl but I have now been on this Metoprolol for 3 years. I want off of it. I have gained 50lbs, do not sleep well at all, and am utterly exhausted all day, every day.
Best of the best cardiologist!! 🥰❤
Thanks as always Dr Gupta. I was just recently put on beta blockers - as well as anticoagulants - for AFIB. I really feel so much better and calmer with them so hopefully my cardiologist will let me continue. You are a blessing and such a sweet person. I hope that you are feeling a little less sad after the loss of your Dad. I know he is in a happy peaceful place and he would want you to be happy too. Tale care.
i was put on beta blocker in 2005 and took it regularly for 15 years and felt good. in 2019 i stopped taking it and in 2020 i had a mild stroke. again on beta blockers.
@@tanveershah4974 what was your diagnosis that led to beta blockers?
Hi Janet are you still feeling good on the beta blockers
I have afib and on the same Meds weight gain is the main side effects and tiredness..
@@martincosgrove1529 Absolutely fine, no side effects. My heart is calm and blood pressure around 120/130 over 75/80. 😃
Thanks a lot!
That's very helpful.
It was fab to CU on my local News ystrdy Re: Covid test & travel. Thnx 4 highlighting the injustices when returning to Uk from abroad.
Great timing on this video for me. Just started cutting my 25 mg atenolol in half. I was taking this to help with very annoying PVCs that were causing the propagation of anxiety then causing more PVCs. The effects are real for weaning off of this beta blocker. I have been told I am very healthy. Even in the first day of reducing the dosage, I experienced headaches(something I haven't had since going on the atenolol months ago), slight chest pain and tightening in the neck.
I do not want to be on a beta blocker long term when there are other options to treating the PVCs.
You off them yet buddy? And how long you been taking them
@@davidconstant4716 I am still on 12.5 mg right now waiting for it to level out. I might cut to 6.25 instead of going off completely.
I started taking them 5 months ago. It started working too well for me. Very low blood pressure and very low bpm.
I was so surprised how intense it was going from 25 mg to 12.5 mg. 25 mg is the smallest tablet that is manufactured.
@@DanWActual keep us updated buddy
@@davidconstant4716 It has been 2 weeks since going to 12.5mg from 25 mg. I finally feel 100% normal. I feel much better on 12.5 than 25. My bp and bpm went up slightly. I have much better blood flow. I am going to stay on 12.5 for a while to see how I feel before doing anything else.
Hey guys I've been also been on 25mg atenolol about 2 years for elevated BP and palpitations. This day 1 of cutting my pill in half and my heart feels like a bass drum. Hard to move without my pulse going over 100. Just wondering if this feeling ever leveled out for you guys?