Been on carvedilol for the past 6months and my experience has been terrifying.
It all started in December 2019 when i woke up in the middle of the night shaking and my heart was racing, I managed to drive myself to the hospital and i was admitted. They managed to calm me down from some kind of a panic attack. In January this year i was having unending pain in my right hand shoulder. i went to the hospital and after several visits they concluded it could be something to do with my heart and they decided to put me on carvedilol. After being on this drug i have been having sleepless nights. feeling of my heart stopping to pump were so real that i would rush to the ER in the middle of the night. Did a first Echo and it came out with mild symmetrical hypertrophy. ECG came out normal. After being carvedilol for 6 months i decide to do the tests again.
Echo came out normal. ECG came out with PVCs which i never had at first and i have never had them. i became so fragile very slow and depressed. my bp has always been normal. My heart rate sometimes is 52 bpm and it makes me feel very tired. My Doctor still insists on my contnuing taking carvedilol 12.5mg once per day. my life has gone down and i have a feeling am a wrong treatment. i tried to skip the taking of the drug and all symptoms disappeared,
Am in a state of confusion weather to continue or stop!!!!!!!!Cardiologist told me my heart is very ok. my EF is 64.8%.
@charlieindia I too am someone who has had Heart rhythm issues and have been on Carvedilol. I noticed you mentioned about stopping but I would advise against that. I can't add much but seeing the right type of Cardiologist is super important. Within the speciality area of Heart rhythm arena there are even 2 types, ones that handle the upper heart like for afib and ones for the lower heart for Ventricular tachycardia but both are in the speciality group of EP Cardiologist and handle the electrical areas. So I would look for one that specializes in that area. I also had PVC once in a while but from my experience they are not usually a problem and many people have them and are not treated for them. I was told by my cardiologist that mine we're never long enough to get concerned.
I also noted you mentioned in another area that you Lost your wife 9 years ago I am so sorry and my prayers are with you. I will share also that from my own experiences that Heart rhythm issues can be brought on by stress kinda like a 2 edged sword, having the thoughts about your next episode can help bring it on. It a form.of PTSD, so you might want to seek maybe some way to help reduce anxiety. For me I used to actually tell myself im fine it's not really a problem and order myself to stop worrying. I hope that helps and please let us know how you make out.
If you like and share where about you are maybe someone might know a great clinic of Doctor in your area.
Have a Blessed Day
Dana
Been on carvedilol for the past 6months and my experience has been terrifying.
It all started in December 2019 when i woke up in the middle of the night shaking and my heart was racing, I managed to drive myself to the hospital and i was admitted. They managed to calm me down from some kind of a panic attack. In January this year i was having unending pain in my right hand shoulder. i went to the hospital and after several visits they concluded it could be something to do with my heart and they decided to put me on carvedilol. After being on this drug i have been having sleepless nights. feeling of my heart stopping to pump were so real that i would rush to the ER in the middle of the night. Did a first Echo and it came out with mild symmetrical hypertrophy. ECG came out normal. After being carvedilol for 6 months i decide to do the tests again.
Echo came out normal. ECG came out with PVCs which i never had at first and i have never had them. i became so fragile very slow and depressed. my bp has always been normal. My heart rate sometimes is 52 bpm and it makes me feel very tired. My Doctor still insists on my contnuing taking carvedilol 12.5mg once per day. my life has gone down and i have a feeling am a wrong treatment. i tried to skip the taking of the drug and all symptoms disappeared,
Am in a state of confusion weather to continue or stop!!!!!!!!Cardiologist told me my heart is very ok. my EF is 64.8%.
Greetings to you all. Update on my condition being put on carvedilol. and off it.
The one who put me on this medication is a general Doctor. when i visited a cardiologist he told me to stop taking carvedilol and he put me on 5mg enalapril once per day and 75mg asprin. it went on well for about 2 weeks and then i just woke up in the middile of the night trembling and thats how i went back to taking carvedilol again.
My ECG was good before i started this drug but there after everything just became abnormal. i never had PVCs they all came with carvedilol. i was very energetic could work from 6am to 6pm but after i was put on this treatment i became a zoombie.
on 11th July 2020 i decided to stop after tampering the dosage 12.5mg to 6.25mg to 3.125mg to 0.
i have been off carvedilol from 11th July 2020 to date. i replaced it with good diet and 30 minutes cardio work out per day.
the first week of working out after stopping carvedilol was terrifying my heart was beating very hard and fast just after doing work out for 2minutes. i could feel like i was going to collapse. i never gave up. i started becoming stronger and stronger. i ride my bicycle 10kms with no problem. i did my drug free ECG on 14th August 2020 it was so good to look at i was celebrating i took the risk for the right decision.
Doctors help us but sometimes they miss the actual problem. Am 90% where i used to be before starting carvedilol. Natural food has helped me alot. i will share with you what i have been taking. i first weighed 116kg and now i weigh 96kg. My blood pressure is 115/75 heart rate 63bpm to 72bpm. when working out heart rate rises to 150bpm and no problem.
I have my life back and i can do everything in my power to share and encourage others. Don;t do anything like what i did our conditions may not be the same. consult your Doctor and consult yourself. the body will communicate if something is right or not. don't ignore your body language.
Fear of dying multiplies your healthy problems. Trust in God and tell yourself that even if you had to die you will not be the first one. we will all die at one point or another weather we want it or not.
No matter your condition do some exercise that your body and heart can handle but it will give you back your health i can assure you. Working out can lower your blood pressure effectively without side effects.
No mater how sick you feel and think you will die but it will not happen until God allows it.
God bless and heal you all. Take care and love you all.
Greetings to you all. Update on my condition being put on carvedilol. and off it.
The one who put me on this medication is a general Doctor. when i visited a cardiologist he told me to stop taking carvedilol and he put me on 5mg enalapril once per day and 75mg asprin. it went on well for about 2 weeks and then i just woke up in the middile of the night trembling and thats how i went back to taking carvedilol again.
My ECG was good before i started this drug but there after everything just became abnormal. i never had PVCs they all came with carvedilol. i was very energetic could work from 6am to 6pm but after i was put on this treatment i became a zoombie.
on 11th July 2020 i decided to stop after tampering the dosage 12.5mg to 6.25mg to 3.125mg to 0.
i have been off carvedilol from 11th July 2020 to date. i replaced it with good diet and 30 minutes cardio work out per day.
the first week of working out after stopping carvedilol was terrifying my heart was beating very hard and fast just after doing work out for 2minutes. i could feel like i was going to collapse. i never gave up. i started becoming stronger and stronger. i ride my bicycle 10kms with no problem. i did my drug free ECG on 14th August 2020 it was so good to look at i was celebrating i took the risk for the right decision.
Doctors help us but sometimes they miss the actual problem. Am 90% where i used to be before starting carvedilol. Natural food has helped me alot. i will share with you what i have been taking. i first weighed 116kg and now i weigh 96kg. My blood pressure is 115/75 heart rate 63bpm to 72bpm. when working out heart rate rises to 150bpm and no problem.
I have my life back and i can do everything in my power to share and encourage others. Don;t do anything like what i did our conditions may not be the same. consult your Doctor and consult yourself. the body will communicate if something is right or not. don't ignore your body language.
Fear of dying multiplies your healthy problems. Trust in God and tell yourself that even if you had to die you will not be the first one. we will all die at one point or another weather we want it or not.
No matter your condition do some exercise that your body and heart can handle but it will give you back your health i can assure you. Working out can lower your blood pressure effectively without side effects.
No mater how sick you feel and think you will die but it will not happen until God allows it.
God bless and heal you all. Take care and love you all.
When i was on carvedilol i never had quality sleep. it was full of interruptions and but after stopping i sleep like i own the sleep.
Am enjoying my sleep 100%.
@charlieindia I too am someone who has had Heart rhythm issues and have been on Carvedilol. I noticed you mentioned about stopping but I would advise against that. I can't add much but seeing the right type of Cardiologist is super important. Within the speciality area of Heart rhythm arena there are even 2 types, ones that handle the upper heart like for afib and ones for the lower heart for Ventricular tachycardia but both are in the speciality group of EP Cardiologist and handle the electrical areas. So I would look for one that specializes in that area. I also had PVC once in a while but from my experience they are not usually a problem and many people have them and are not treated for them. I was told by my cardiologist that mine we're never long enough to get concerned.
I also noted you mentioned in another area that you Lost your wife 9 years ago I am so sorry and my prayers are with you. I will share also that from my own experiences that Heart rhythm issues can be brought on by stress kinda like a 2 edged sword, having the thoughts about your next episode can help bring it on. It a form.of PTSD, so you might want to seek maybe some way to help reduce anxiety. For me I used to actually tell myself im fine it's not really a problem and order myself to stop worrying. I hope that helps and please let us know how you make out.
If you like and share where about you are maybe someone might know a great clinic of Doctor in your area.
Have a Blessed Day
Dana
Thanks to my friend Teresa (@hopeful33250), I learned of your plight @charlieindia and hope that my experience might lend a bit of confidence to you in your use of Carvedilol. I hoted two points: 1) the Carvedilol is suspected of side effects that worry you and 2) you didn't mention what your doctors called your diagnosis that started you on Carvedilol. Later, as I understand it, you were diagnosed with premature ventricular contractions (PVC). Those might have been what started you on Carvedilol, or perhaps that was atrial fibrillation, which sometimes originates in the upper chambers of the heart, then progresses to a ventricle below. If you get the chance, check on my posting in this discussion on May 24. It tells you something about my experience and points out some incidents from the use of Carvedilol.
My case began and remains with atrial fibrillation, combined with a hefty general hypertension, so my dosage of Carvedilol is 25mg twice a day. With a dosage that large, Carvedilol often gets blamed for side effects that are attributable more to sharp reduction in dosage, either deliberately or accidentally. Doctors (and the drug manufacturer) always warn against abrupt stoppage or reduction of dose because side effects almost always occur. Like any beta blocker, Carvedilol also causes uncomfortable side effects for some patients at normal and well-managed doses. Any change in use of the medication should be made only with the cooperation and advice of your prescribing physician. I have had little if any problem attributable to Carvedilol since I started on it six years ago. Atrial fibrillation started me on it, and chronic kidney disease (stage 3) was another reason for its choice. For hypertension, I also take 10mg of a diuretic and 40mg of Lisinopril, and ACE drug. At night I also take 5mg of Warfarin to protect me from a stroke caused by AF. Will you be able to track down a recognized heart specialist for a fresh discussion of your situation and use of Carvedilol? Martin
I appreciate your efforts to save a drowning me. My situation was big misunderstanding by my doctors. I never had PVCs. I get all stuff in this detailed reply.
I had a cardiac ablation for frequent (20,000+ per day) PVC. The Doc thought he burned the spot he needed to as the PVC’s stopped for over 30 minutes. Now, 10 weeks later, I have just as many PVC’s.
He told me that he didn’t think that he was aggressive enough. Instead of a second ablation at this time, I will try carefully, a drug that I have never used. If this drug doesn’t work, I will have a second ablation. The origination point of my PVC’s is on the Aortic Semilunar valve. A very tricky place to be more aggressive.
I had a cardiac ablation for frequent (20,000+ per day) PVC. The Doc thought he burned the spot he needed to as the PVC’s stopped for over 30 minutes. Now, 10 weeks later, I have just as many PVC’s.
He told me that he didn’t think that he was aggressive enough. Instead of a second ablation at this time, I will try carefully, a drug that I have never used. If this drug doesn’t work, I will have a second ablation. The origination point of my PVC’s is on the Aortic Semilunar valve. A very tricky place to be more aggressive.
Do you have any concerns about taking this med? Has your cardiologist offered you any other options?
Please know that it is always a patient's right to get a second opinion regarding treatment. If you decide to get a second opinion. As you have mentioned that this is a tricky location to be aggressive, I strongly suggest you go to a well-known heart center. They are often connected with university medical schools. Mayo Clinic also has a premier cardiac program. If you are interested in an appointment at one of the three Mayo Clinic facilities here is a link to get more information, https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments?
My doctor put me on carvedilol 12.5 and the insert that you read had nothing written on it. I have bronchial asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes And afib. Once I looked up all the side effects of this pill bronchial spasms, shortness of breath, weight gain I contacted my doctor asap. They tried weaning me off this pill but my pulse went up to 115 once and 125. So I tried to get off these meds and doctor hasn’t gave me anything in place of it. I do take deltiazem ER 180 mg twice a day plus 40 mg of diovan at night. Is there any other bets blocker that is safer then carvedilol ? I have also have a hiatal hernia and I heard afib can happen because of this being so close to the heart and diaphragm is this true ? Thank you for any help with this matter.
My doctor put me on carvedilol 12.5 and the insert that you read had nothing written on it. I have bronchial asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes And afib. Once I looked up all the side effects of this pill bronchial spasms, shortness of breath, weight gain I contacted my doctor asap. They tried weaning me off this pill but my pulse went up to 115 once and 125. So I tried to get off these meds and doctor hasn’t gave me anything in place of it. I do take deltiazem ER 180 mg twice a day plus 40 mg of diovan at night. Is there any other bets blocker that is safer then carvedilol ? I have also have a hiatal hernia and I heard afib can happen because of this being so close to the heart and diaphragm is this true ? Thank you for any help with this matter.
Hello @schul47 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. First of all, great job on being your own advocate and researching the side effects in comparison to your current health concerns. You will notice that I moved your post into an existing discussion on Carvedilol.
I found the following information that my be helpful as you explore replacement beta blockers.
My doctor put me on carvedilol 12.5 and the insert that you read had nothing written on it. I have bronchial asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes And afib. Once I looked up all the side effects of this pill bronchial spasms, shortness of breath, weight gain I contacted my doctor asap. They tried weaning me off this pill but my pulse went up to 115 once and 125. So I tried to get off these meds and doctor hasn’t gave me anything in place of it. I do take deltiazem ER 180 mg twice a day plus 40 mg of diovan at night. Is there any other bets blocker that is safer then carvedilol ? I have also have a hiatal hernia and I heard afib can happen because of this being so close to the heart and diaphragm is this true ? Thank you for any help with this matter.
Hi @schul47. Hope I can be helpful, but on second thought, my best advice is to limit your personal initiatives to working with a medical team that you trust and gives you the opportunity to work with them on your situation. Carvedilol and the other beta blockers are often seen as essential to managing the effects of a-fib, but because a-fib is such a widely variable condition, patients should not try to go it alone. In my case, for example, my a-fib gave me a small stroke, but other than that, I feel no symptoms consciously and see my irregular heart beats only when hooked up to a recording device. I've been on Carvedilol for several years at the suggestion of my nephrologist, backed up by my cardiologist. Last year I passed out one morning at the auto repair shop and wound up in ER. By days end, my Carvedilol dose was cut in half -- to 12.5mg twice a day -- but only through an extended period of time during which I was weaned off the other half. Every recommendation I have heard told me to reduce the dose gradually and always in full cooperation with my medical team, not on my own initiative. One more thing regarding the information referred to you, the advice of pharmacists is not a good substitute for advice from your team of medical doctors who know your problems well. The article is from "SingleCare" which describes itself as having "close relationships with the big pharmacies (that) mean we can set lower prices on tens of thousands of drugs." What focused goal inspired their Carvedilol article? Finally, a-fib is an electrical condition of the heart. As such, it requires treatment from doctors who specialize in its many conditions, Martin
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@charlieindia I too am someone who has had Heart rhythm issues and have been on Carvedilol. I noticed you mentioned about stopping but I would advise against that. I can't add much but seeing the right type of Cardiologist is super important. Within the speciality area of Heart rhythm arena there are even 2 types, ones that handle the upper heart like for afib and ones for the lower heart for Ventricular tachycardia but both are in the speciality group of EP Cardiologist and handle the electrical areas. So I would look for one that specializes in that area. I also had PVC once in a while but from my experience they are not usually a problem and many people have them and are not treated for them. I was told by my cardiologist that mine we're never long enough to get concerned.
I also noted you mentioned in another area that you Lost your wife 9 years ago I am so sorry and my prayers are with you. I will share also that from my own experiences that Heart rhythm issues can be brought on by stress kinda like a 2 edged sword, having the thoughts about your next episode can help bring it on. It a form.of PTSD, so you might want to seek maybe some way to help reduce anxiety. For me I used to actually tell myself im fine it's not really a problem and order myself to stop worrying. I hope that helps and please let us know how you make out.
If you like and share where about you are maybe someone might know a great clinic of Doctor in your area.
Have a Blessed Day
Dana
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1 ReactionGreetings to you all. Update on my condition being put on carvedilol. and off it.
The one who put me on this medication is a general Doctor. when i visited a cardiologist he told me to stop taking carvedilol and he put me on 5mg enalapril once per day and 75mg asprin. it went on well for about 2 weeks and then i just woke up in the middile of the night trembling and thats how i went back to taking carvedilol again.
My ECG was good before i started this drug but there after everything just became abnormal. i never had PVCs they all came with carvedilol. i was very energetic could work from 6am to 6pm but after i was put on this treatment i became a zoombie.
on 11th July 2020 i decided to stop after tampering the dosage 12.5mg to 6.25mg to 3.125mg to 0.
i have been off carvedilol from 11th July 2020 to date. i replaced it with good diet and 30 minutes cardio work out per day.
the first week of working out after stopping carvedilol was terrifying my heart was beating very hard and fast just after doing work out for 2minutes. i could feel like i was going to collapse. i never gave up. i started becoming stronger and stronger. i ride my bicycle 10kms with no problem. i did my drug free ECG on 14th August 2020 it was so good to look at i was celebrating i took the risk for the right decision.
Doctors help us but sometimes they miss the actual problem. Am 90% where i used to be before starting carvedilol. Natural food has helped me alot. i will share with you what i have been taking. i first weighed 116kg and now i weigh 96kg. My blood pressure is 115/75 heart rate 63bpm to 72bpm. when working out heart rate rises to 150bpm and no problem.
I have my life back and i can do everything in my power to share and encourage others. Don;t do anything like what i did our conditions may not be the same. consult your Doctor and consult yourself. the body will communicate if something is right or not. don't ignore your body language.
Fear of dying multiplies your healthy problems. Trust in God and tell yourself that even if you had to die you will not be the first one. we will all die at one point or another weather we want it or not.
No matter your condition do some exercise that your body and heart can handle but it will give you back your health i can assure you. Working out can lower your blood pressure effectively without side effects.
No mater how sick you feel and think you will die but it will not happen until God allows it.
God bless and heal you all. Take care and love you all.
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Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsHello am back and want to talk briefly on sleep
When i was on carvedilol i never had quality sleep. it was full of interruptions and but after stopping i sleep like i own the sleep.
Am enjoying my sleep 100%.
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Hug
1 ReactionHello Dana, I appreciate the lovely guidance and the insight . see my progress below. thank you
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2 ReactionsHello Martin
I appreciate your efforts to save a drowning me. My situation was big misunderstanding by my doctors. I never had PVCs. I get all stuff in this detailed reply.
Thank you for every word of advise.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI had a cardiac ablation for frequent (20,000+ per day) PVC. The Doc thought he burned the spot he needed to as the PVC’s stopped for over 30 minutes. Now, 10 weeks later, I have just as many PVC’s.
He told me that he didn’t think that he was aggressive enough. Instead of a second ablation at this time, I will try carefully, a drug that I have never used. If this drug doesn’t work, I will have a second ablation. The origination point of my PVC’s is on the Aortic Semilunar valve. A very tricky place to be more aggressive.
Hello @razorclams,
We have many members on Connect who have discussed this med, Here is the link where you can learn more about the experience of others. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-drug. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-drug/
Do you have any concerns about taking this med? Has your cardiologist offered you any other options?
Please know that it is always a patient's right to get a second opinion regarding treatment. If you decide to get a second opinion. As you have mentioned that this is a tricky location to be aggressive, I strongly suggest you go to a well-known heart center. They are often connected with university medical schools. Mayo Clinic also has a premier cardiac program. If you are interested in an appointment at one of the three Mayo Clinic facilities here is a link to get more information, https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments?
My doctor put me on carvedilol 12.5 and the insert that you read had nothing written on it. I have bronchial asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes And afib. Once I looked up all the side effects of this pill bronchial spasms, shortness of breath, weight gain I contacted my doctor asap. They tried weaning me off this pill but my pulse went up to 115 once and 125. So I tried to get off these meds and doctor hasn’t gave me anything in place of it. I do take deltiazem ER 180 mg twice a day plus 40 mg of diovan at night. Is there any other bets blocker that is safer then carvedilol ? I have also have a hiatal hernia and I heard afib can happen because of this being so close to the heart and diaphragm is this true ? Thank you for any help with this matter.
Hello @schul47 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. First of all, great job on being your own advocate and researching the side effects in comparison to your current health concerns. You will notice that I moved your post into an existing discussion on Carvedilol.
I found the following information that my be helpful as you explore replacement beta blockers.
- The best replacement for Carvedilol:
https://www.singlecare.com/blog/carvedilol-vs-metoprolol/#:~:text=The%20best%20replacement%20for%20carvedilol,atenolol%2C%20nebivolol%2C%20and%20propranolol.
How long have you been attempting to wean off of it so far?
Hi @schul47. Hope I can be helpful, but on second thought, my best advice is to limit your personal initiatives to working with a medical team that you trust and gives you the opportunity to work with them on your situation. Carvedilol and the other beta blockers are often seen as essential to managing the effects of a-fib, but because a-fib is such a widely variable condition, patients should not try to go it alone. In my case, for example, my a-fib gave me a small stroke, but other than that, I feel no symptoms consciously and see my irregular heart beats only when hooked up to a recording device. I've been on Carvedilol for several years at the suggestion of my nephrologist, backed up by my cardiologist. Last year I passed out one morning at the auto repair shop and wound up in ER. By days end, my Carvedilol dose was cut in half -- to 12.5mg twice a day -- but only through an extended period of time during which I was weaned off the other half. Every recommendation I have heard told me to reduce the dose gradually and always in full cooperation with my medical team, not on my own initiative. One more thing regarding the information referred to you, the advice of pharmacists is not a good substitute for advice from your team of medical doctors who know your problems well. The article is from "SingleCare" which describes itself as having "close relationships with the big pharmacies (that) mean we can set lower prices on tens of thousands of drugs." What focused goal inspired their Carvedilol article? Finally, a-fib is an electrical condition of the heart. As such, it requires treatment from doctors who specialize in its many conditions, Martin