Spacey and very fatigued

Hi @kerk . I know what the fatigue and spacey feels like! I've posted elsewhere about this but I'll repeat myself briefly. Years ago I was put on metoprolol (a beta blocker) and was instantly hit by fatigue like I've never known. After about 6 hours awake I would be falling asleep at my desk, behind the wheel, in meetings - simply could not function. After a few months I was switched over to Diltiazem/Tiazac (calcium channel blocker) and the problem went away almost instantly. I am on Camzyos and have since been put on Losarten as well and have had no trouble at all with the combination. It may be worthwhile for your husband to ask his doctor(s) whether a calcium channel blocker instead of metoproplol could be considered. But as I've said many times, my advise is worth what you paid for it - trust your experts, not me.

I initially started on beta blockers for treatment of Obstructive HCM-caused me to be very spacey—did not function well using this med—switched to a channel blocker (verapamil) which I tolerated much better-no more “spacey” -some fatigue but manageable. Just recently started getting increasingly uncomfortable symptoms—tightness and pain around my ribs and lungs when I exerted myself. My mayo cardiologist just increased my dosage of verapamil—processing the possibility of a septal myectomy this winter..

@kerk Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a forum where you can meet others with similar health issues. It is not a place to get professional medical care. Remember that we are all walking chemical labs and your husband's reactions to medications is unique to him. What does his doctor say when you talk about these concerns? I am assuming he has been diagnosed with HCM and these medications were prescribed to treat that condition.

@boatsforlife gave a good suggestion on what to ask the doctor based on his experience. I was taking Verapamil for many years before I needed a septal myectomy, have been taking 50mg of Metoprolol each morning since. No noticeable side effects unless I am having them without realizing that is the case.

Anxiety (very, very understandable) could have an effect, indeed, that stress takes a toll on our bodies. Medications may take a while to have the full intended benefit. If he stops a medication, discussing that first with his doctor may avoid unintended consequences. You both may find it helpful to read about both medications, that may generate other questions for his doctor. Beware and do not get panicked because every little thing - even by just one person in 10,000 is listed. The most common side effects of the medication are at the bottom of the articles. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/losartan-oral-route/description/drg-20067341 and https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/metoprolol-oral-route/description/drg-20071141

Please share how the doctor responds to your questions. When is his next appointment? Please be sure to write down the questions you both wish to ask.

@cpaddyo Welcome to Connect! Thank you for sharing your experience with a beta blocker and switching to a calcium blocker. I see you posted elsewhere, too! We are looking forward to hearing about your experiences.

I'm sorry that your husband, and you, are going through this. Being tired and spacy is hard, and being anxious can be exhausting too. When I was first diagnosed last year with oHCM I was started on Metoprolol which I found exhausting, like boats for life posted " was instantly hit by fatigue like I've never known. ". I was so tired I felt barely fucntional and depressed about that. On sharing with my Dr. they switched me pronto to Verapamil, which I also felt very exhausted on. In consult with my medical team I was switched to Camzyos about a year ago, that has helped me with the SOB, and the tiredness is not bad as with the prior medications. I do have a fatigue side effect; about half of each day I feel pretty well normal energy, the other half the day I am tired, low energy, need to lay down and rest for 30-60 minutes a day. I too have had times of wondering if the tiredness is worth it, so I can relate to what your husband is thinking (about can he just quit the medication). Can he look carefully at the results of the tests he's been given, if on Camzyos, the many ECHO's and view assess these with someone on his medical team? A review of the data with the medcial experts on his team might yeild some insights, and certainly it's very important for them to know how badly he is feeling, his doubts, and questions; and to discuss options.

I am newly on 5 mg of Camzyos.
Suffering from major slow down. Not only my legs, but even my driving has slowed down. I am 84 usually have a short nap in the afternoon but now I feel tired all day. I had the first echocardiogram four weeks in and now we have two more to go. After that, I will find out for the doctor if it is helping.

judbuds, dear...Hang in there. I was 5 mg new to Camzyos last October. First two weeks were great...energy and feeling normal then my room started to spin. I was afraid I'd get dizzy while driving. The good news was i had my echo one month into the start of the med. My gradients, etc. had vastly improved and the dosage was lowered to 2.5 and administered at bedtime instead of morning. Dizziness literally ceased overnight. November through February were tough though...such fatigue even though I typically sleep well. Pushed myself through holiday prep...it was a blur. Started to level out in the winter, through spring and summer...Don't have peak energy but echos have been stable. The key for me is to recognize when I am at my worst and best and make those my productive hours. I am 74 and still work. Feel awful upon arising, have a coffee and healthy breakfast and usually ready to get going two hours later. Next slump is later afternoon...3-ish...Usually have tea and a nice snack then able to get a second wind well into the evening. Sometimes I sleep for an hour after tea & snack.
I've learned my pattern and grab the productive hours: cook, clean, work, run an errand, etc.

I am tired all day too and I've never felt that way. You are early in your treatment...your medical team has a close eye on you and will adjust as they review your data. Surround yourself with positive people, hobbies, activities and take advantage of the times when you feel a bit better. Prayers and hugs for you, dear lady!