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Switching from Metoprolol to Verapamil - any problems with that?
I saw my cardiologist’s NP yesterday to ask about switching from Metoprolol to Atenolol because of the dizziness I’ve been experiencing. Instead, they’ve decided to switch me to Verapamil. I have some misgivings. Not much of a taper off Metoprolol was advised, just cut my dose in half for 2 days & then start on Verapamil. I’d appreciate hearing how others handled a similar switch in medications. Thx
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Interestingly, I was taking Verapamil, a calcium blocker, before a septal myectomy and then was prescribed Metaprolol, a beta blocker, after surgery. Surgery changes circumstances and I really can't give a valid story of my experience which was - no problems. Perhaps someone in the discussion has experience with this specific switch, I could find no links for you . Your doctor may have that answer for you.
@walkinggirl
Thank you, Linda…so you went the other way with your meds. But good to know Verapamil worked well for you for a good long while.
I can relate to your dizziness with metoprolol. When I was initially diagnosed, that was the prescription I was given and the cardiologist kept adjusting down the dose, but I couldn't tolerate it. I was switched to the verapamil 120mg extended release twice a day. I have been on it almost 20 yrs now. I had my septal myectomy one and a half years ago at Mayo, Rochester. They kept me on the verapamil, and added the metoprolol post surgery, but after 3 months I was able to discontinue it. I have great energy and exercise tolerance now, so you might find the verapamil much easier to tolerate, as I did. Best of luck.
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1 Reaction@joyrcc
Thank you for sharing your positive experience! I’m feeling more hopeful about the switch.
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1 ReactionHi @danafitz . My situation is not exactly as you described but similar. In case it helps: I was on Metopralol (beta blocker) for a while about ... 15(?) years ago. I was suddenly falling asleep at my desk, while driving, etc, after being awake for only about 6 hours. (The details are a little fuzzy since it was so long ago). I got switched to Diltaizem (Tiazac), a calcium channel blocker. I don't remember there being any fade-out-fade-in period between the two. If the memory is correct I just stopped the Metopralol one day snad started the Tiazac the same day, but again, that may not be 100% accurate. After a short time the problem disappeared completely. I've been on the Tiazac every since with no problem. So not exactly the same as you but close. Hope that is useful. Good luck with the switch.