Thanks @cynaburst, I actually went back to a different cardiologist in the group on Monday. I could tell by the look on his face he didn't agree with the Carvedilol either, although it is indeed prescribed for hypertension. We talked about starting Cozaar after all the effects wear off. I am following up the end of next week.

I was also prescribed Coreg.(3 years ago) I was 66 had shortness of breath. Had heart cath, they discovered two blockages, 99 percent. I was not in heart failure, I understand I had blockages, but is Coreg good for this? My EF is 84. My last stress test was great. I am ok taking the 3.124 mg at night, but cannot take it in the day. the quality of life is 0, my heart rate drops into the low 50's, dizzy, feel like I will pass out. The cardiologist insist that I need to take this, I hate to argue with a heart doctor, but there is a catch in my spirit that says something is not correct. (my Cholestoral when I had the stents put in was 138). I exercise regularly, eat low carb. I started meds for BP when my pressure shot up because of headaches. BP has been good for over six months, yet I am still on BP meds. I would like to take as few meds as possible, but don't want to do harm to my body, by not taking those that I should.
I am told that my heart doctor is a very good one, I have no reason to doubt this, but feel I would like more information. Thanks for your info. I might seek a second opinion, but I don't know how to pick out another doctor.

Hello @clariseb,

We're so glad that you've joined us here on Connect; you are advocating for your health by seeking more information, and I think that is very commendable!

There are a few other discussions taking place on Connect, which you may wish to view:
– Carvediol Bad side Effects - advice & getting weaning off http://mayocl.in/2tOX5kC
– Side effects of heart medicine carvedilol joint pain and stiffness, http://mayocl.in/2nTvsB6
– High blood sugar due to Coreg? http://mayocl.in/2tn8Iy7

I'm confident that the members in this discussion will join in and share their experiences, but I'd also like to introduce you to a few others to seek their insights about Coreg; please meet @incrediblemulk98 @myra @bergordon @l8dybug5 @teatime @murryone @neeci @momma78 @constanceann, and our Mentors, @hopeful33250 and @predictable.

If you would like to get a second opinion from Mayo Clinic, the contact information for Minnesota, Arizona and Florida can be found here: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63.

@clariseb, have you asked your doctor for an alternative to Coreg? What explanation has he/she provided for your present symptoms?

All i know when i was on coreg i could not function at all. It was the worse drug i ever took. I wanted to die. Terrible side effects. I told my heart doctor i wasnt taking it and he went with me.

This is a response to @clariseb and @michelep1964, both of whom had severe side effects from Coreg (Carvedilol), although their doses were relatively small. I have taken Carvedilol for more than a year in doses of 25mg twice daily (with breakfast and dinner). Clarise says she is taking 3.125mg in the morning only. Her experience takes me by surprise, since I don't have any significant adverse symptoms from a daily dose of more than 15 times as much. Coreg seems to be what I need to manage my a-fib and hypertension, but comments here on Mayo Connect from a few individuals make it clear that they can't tolerate Coreg, and because of withdrawal symptoms, they have to work with their medical without delay to transition to a medication they can tolerate. Don't delay!
Martin

I have asked, he says this is the best medicine. He tells me I have "heart disease", I am not sure what this means. when I asked the nurse, she said because I had clogged arteries. Does Carvedilol help that, I don't see it anywhere. It is mainly for heart failure and I think my doctor may be using it for high blood pressure. My blood pressure this am was 116/66. ( I am taking 3.125 mg carvedilol at night, tried several times during the day and cant do it).

@clariseb, can you arrange for another "doctor" (cardiologist perhaps) to review your medical records and give you a second opinion? Can I help you with that? Your case seems ready-made for it. Your low blood pressure reading of 116/66 and your lowest possible daily dose of Coreg align with each other and suggest that hypertension is not the target of the medication. Something else may be, and you deserve a full advisory conversation on that, your prospects, and a longer-term plan for managing your symptoms. Martin

Welcome to Connect, @michelep1964,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Coreg; the "one size fits all" concept does not always apply when it comes to medication, right?
The way a person responds to a drug is affected by many variables, like genetic makeup, age, other diseases, drug interactions. Since so many factors affect drug response, doctors have to choose a drug appropriate for each person. Mayo Clinic advises that people consult with their current care provider before making any changes to their existing medication or treatment plan.

We look forward to getting to know you, @michelep1964; may I ask what brings you to the Heart & Blood Health group on Connect? What alternative medication(s) did your cardiologist suggest?

I have dialated cardiomyapathy with ejection fraction of 30. I am on lisiniprol only right now. Even this makes me feel crappy but i can function

Thank you Martin. I plan to see another doctor to get a second opinion. I want to do what is best for my heart. Also, my doctor agreed to prescribe the coreg, instead of carvedilol, which may be giving me the extreme problems. I will post a follow up when I get a second opinion. Thank you very much.