| Michael 2005-01-18, 10:10 pm |
| I've been taking Lopressor (generic name is Metoprolol) which I
understand is one of many drugs called "beta blockers" for 3 months
now. I also take Laroxyl and Epitomax (Topamax in the US). Dec 10 my
dr. doubled my Lopressor from 50mg to 100mg and added the Epitomax.
Around Christmas I got a virus which hit me harder than usual and
lasted for over 10 days. I was totally wiped out. I finally got over
it, but I had breathing problems that remained, which I thought was
just some bronchitis left over. However it got so bad that I couldn't
even say a phrase without gasping for air! Just walking would send my
heart racing and make me sweat like I had done a work-out. It was
then that I started suspecting my medicine. So I called the doctor.
I thought it was the Epitomax because that was the new medicine he
added but he said it was the Lopressor and he said to go back to 50mg.
This was Monday night. So in fact Tuesday I didn't take it at all.
I figured it wouldn't be any worse than if I accidently "forgot". I
know it's not good to stop this medicine but I was ready to go to the
hospital, thinking I was suffering severe asthma or mild heart attack
(I also had chest pains). It came on so gradually I had no idea it
was the medicine. I was really worried. Well tuesday I was just as
bad, despite not having the medicine. I guess it takes a couple days
to get out. Wednesday morning I felt better so I took 50mg like he
said. Wednesday afternoon I started having trouble again although not
as bad as before. He told me on Monday that if I continued to have
problems with 50mg that I could stop it totally, which I'm ready to
do.
I'm curious if anyone else has had this problem with a beta blocker?
It's too bad because it seemed like it was the one medicine with the
least side effects. and was working well for me. I'm hoping I can
stay at 50mg. I don't understand, I was at 50mg for over 2 months
without any problems at all. Does this make sense or is there
something else going on?
-Michael
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