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I started Propranalol for svt's today...however,
T4MEE posted:
think there is an underlying problem, and was wondering if it was safe to take 30 - 60 mg of Propranalol for this. I have had 2 episodes of svt's over 160, but mostly they are 120 or so. Sometimes several times a week, sometimes once a week. i am scared and confused and i worry that the Propranalol may reduce my bp too much. I normally am 105/70, but lately my pulse has been in the 80's/90's. After taking the meds today, 10 mg in the am, 10 mg in the afternoon, and 10 mg tonite, i feel my pulse is really low and i have a dull pain in my chest. Is this normal til I get used to the meds? Thanks for your input.
3 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:I started Propranalol for svt's today...however,<i>think there is an underlying problem, and was wondering if it was safe to take 30 - 60 mg of Propranalol for this. I have had 2 episodes of svt's over 160, but mostly they are 120 or so. Sometimes several times a week, sometimes once a week. i am scared and confused and i worry that the Propranalol may reduce my bp too much. I normally am 105/70, but lately my pulse has been in the 80's/90's. After taking the meds today, 10 mg in the am, 10 mg in the afternoon, and 10 mg tonite, i feel my pulse is really low and i have a dull pain in my chest. Is this normal til I get used to the meds? Thanks for your input.</i>
CardiostarUSA1 responded:
Hi:
Wondering if it was safe to...."
Matters of safety can not be properly addressed via the Internet.
"Worry that the propranolol may reduce my bp too much."
Since beta-blockers are designed to lower the heart/pulse (H/P) rate and blood pressure (BP), it is essential to closely monitor this.
Normal resting range H/P rate is 60-100 beats per minute (BPM). Average resting H/P rate in men is 72-78 BPM and in women is 78-84 BPM. Under 60 BPM is bradycardia (slow heartbeat).
Normal resting BP is under 120/80, with 110/70 or 115/75 reported as being optimal/ideal. Under 90/60 is defined as low BP (hypotension).
If/when H/P rate and/or BP becomes too low, symptoms may/can occur, which includes lightheadeness or dizziness, confusion, weakness, or even syncope (temporary loss of consciousness (includes fainting, passing out).
About beta-blockers
This class of drug is notorious for causing problems (mainly due to side effects, which includes fatigue, tiredness, lack of energy, weakness, lethargy), though this can not be predicted or pre-determined.
There are two broad categories of beta-blockers, lipophilic and hydrophilic. Studies in the past have showed that lipophilic beta-blockers, includes propranolol, are more likely to cause central nervous system-related side effects (e.g., bad dreams, nightmares or hallucinations), than hydrophilic beta-blockers.
Beta-blockers are also considered selective or nonselective, that is, the selective type technically only affects beta 1 receptors and non-selective type can affect both beta 1 and beta 2 receptors.
Selective = typically (though not always), a decrease in systemic side effects, non-selective = typically (though not always), an increase in systemic side effects.
Eveyone is biochemically and metabolically different. An individual's metabolism responds differently to beta-blockers. Also, a problem with this drug is that some beta-blockers are known to cross the blood brain barrier easier than others.
Though ominous sounding, this barrier is actually a body-friendly network of blood vessels and cells that filters blood flowing to the brain.
For example, it is reported that propranolol (non-selective) crosses the barrier rather easy and this is apparently why it causes more central nervous system side effects such as nightmares, hallucinations and depression, than the beta-blockers that do not cross into the barrier (low penetration characteristics) as easy.
Non-selective beta-blockers may/can increase lipids and worsen blood sugar tolerance. They might also exacerbate respiratory abnormalities in those with reactive airway disease.
About side effects
It is said that medicine is a science of uncertainty and an act of probability. For many, prescription drug-therapy, is a hit or miss, trail and error affair.
Side effects may/can diminish or disappear as the body adjusts itself to the drug, though sometimes, one will simply not be able to tolerate a certain drug (or drugs) at all, at any dose.
Factors and conditions such as age height, weight, gender, genetics and metabolism may/can come into play in determining who experiences side effects and who does not.
Pharmacogenomics is the study of the interplay between genes and drugs which helps to explain why prescription drugs have different effects in different individuals. Genetic variation in one or more genes may be the basis for a therapeutic failure or for an adverse drug reaction.
Without lowering the dosage (unless that is applicable), sometimes, taking a particular prescription drug at a different time of the day or taking it with food may/can improve the side effect-related situation.
Sometimes, changing to another same-class drug or taking a lower dose of the drug along with another class of drug (for a combo-action) may/can impove the side effect-related situation.
Take good care,
C*
Wondering if it was safe to...."
Matters of safety can not be properly addressed via the Internet.
"Worry that the propranolol may reduce my bp too much."
Since beta-blockers are designed to lower the heart/pulse (H/P) rate and blood pressure (BP), it is essential to closely monitor this.
Normal resting range H/P rate is 60-100 beats per minute (BPM). Average resting H/P rate in men is 72-78 BPM and in women is 78-84 BPM. Under 60 BPM is bradycardia (slow heartbeat).
Normal resting BP is under 120/80, with 110/70 or 115/75 reported as being optimal/ideal. Under 90/60 is defined as low BP (hypotension).
If/when H/P rate and/or BP becomes too low, symptoms may/can occur, which includes lightheadeness or dizziness, confusion, weakness, or even syncope (temporary loss of consciousness (includes fainting, passing out).
About beta-blockers
This class of drug is notorious for causing problems (mainly due to side effects, which includes fatigue, tiredness, lack of energy, weakness, lethargy), though this can not be predicted or pre-determined.
There are two broad categories of beta-blockers, lipophilic and hydrophilic. Studies in the past have showed that lipophilic beta-blockers, includes propranolol, are more likely to cause central nervous system-related side effects (e.g., bad dreams, nightmares or hallucinations), than hydrophilic beta-blockers.
Beta-blockers are also considered selective or nonselective, that is, the selective type technically only affects beta 1 receptors and non-selective type can affect both beta 1 and beta 2 receptors.
Selective = typically (though not always), a decrease in systemic side effects, non-selective = typically (though not always), an increase in systemic side effects.
Eveyone is biochemically and metabolically different. An individual's metabolism responds differently to beta-blockers. Also, a problem with this drug is that some beta-blockers are known to cross the blood brain barrier easier than others.
Though ominous sounding, this barrier is actually a body-friendly network of blood vessels and cells that filters blood flowing to the brain.
For example, it is reported that propranolol (non-selective) crosses the barrier rather easy and this is apparently why it causes more central nervous system side effects such as nightmares, hallucinations and depression, than the beta-blockers that do not cross into the barrier (low penetration characteristics) as easy.
Non-selective beta-blockers may/can increase lipids and worsen blood sugar tolerance. They might also exacerbate respiratory abnormalities in those with reactive airway disease.
About side effects
It is said that medicine is a science of uncertainty and an act of probability. For many, prescription drug-therapy, is a hit or miss, trail and error affair.
Side effects may/can diminish or disappear as the body adjusts itself to the drug, though sometimes, one will simply not be able to tolerate a certain drug (or drugs) at all, at any dose.
Factors and conditions such as age height, weight, gender, genetics and metabolism may/can come into play in determining who experiences side effects and who does not.
Pharmacogenomics is the study of the interplay between genes and drugs which helps to explain why prescription drugs have different effects in different individuals. Genetic variation in one or more genes may be the basis for a therapeutic failure or for an adverse drug reaction.
Without lowering the dosage (unless that is applicable), sometimes, taking a particular prescription drug at a different time of the day or taking it with food may/can improve the side effect-related situation.
Sometimes, changing to another same-class drug or taking a lower dose of the drug along with another class of drug (for a combo-action) may/can impove the side effect-related situation.
Take good care,
C*
Report This| Share this:I started Propranalol for svt's today...however,Hi:<br /><br /><i> Wondering if it was safe to...."</i><br /><br />Matters of safety can not be properly addressed via the Internet.<br /><br /><i>"Worry that the propranolol may reduce my bp too much." </i><br /><br />Since beta-blockers are designed to lower the heart/pulse (H/P) rate and blood pressure (BP), it is essential to closely monitor this.<br /><br />Normal resting range H/P rate is 60-100 beats per minute (BPM). Average resting H/P rate in men is 72-78 BPM and in women is 78-84 BPM. Under 60 BPM is bradycardia (slow heartbeat).<br /><br />Normal resting BP is under 120/80, with 110/70 or 115/75 reported as being optimal/ideal. Under 90/60 is defined as low BP (hypotension).<br /><br />If/when H/P rate and/or BP becomes too low, symptoms may/can occur, which includes lightheadeness or dizziness, confusion, weakness, or even syncope (temporary loss of consciousness (includes fainting, passing out).<br /><br /><b>About beta-blockers</b><br /> <br /> This class of drug is notorious for causing problems (mainly due to side effects, which includes fatigue, tiredness, lack of energy, weakness, lethargy), though this can not be predicted or pre-determined. <br /> <br />There are two <u>broad categories</u> of beta-blockers, lipophilic and hydrophilic. Studies in the past have showed that lipophilic beta-blockers, <b>includes propranolol</b>, are more likely to cause central nervous system-related side effects (e.g., bad dreams, nightmares or hallucinations), than hydrophilic beta-blockers.<br /> <br /> Beta-blockers are also considered selective or nonselective, that is, the selective type technically only affects beta 1 receptors and non-selective type can affect both beta 1 and beta 2 receptors.<br /> <br /> Selective = typically (though not always), a decrease in systemic side effects, non-selective = typically (though not always), an increase in systemic side effects.<br /> <br /> Eveyone is biochemically and metabolically different. An individual's metabolism responds differently to beta-blockers. Also, a problem with this drug is that some beta-blockers are known to cross the blood brain barrier easier than others.<br /> <br /> Though ominous sounding, this barrier is actually a body-friendly network of blood vessels and cells that filters blood flowing to the brain.<br /> <br /> For example, <b>it is reported that propranolol (non-selective) crosses the barrier rather easy and this is apparently why it causes more central nervous system side effects such as nightmares, hallucinations and depression</b>, than the beta-blockers that do not cross into the barrier (low penetration characteristics) as easy.<br /> <br /> Non-selective beta-blockers may/can increase lipids and worsen blood sugar tolerance. They might also exacerbate respiratory abnormalities in those with reactive airway disease.<br /> <br /><b> About side effects</b><br /> <br /> It is said that medicine is a science of uncertainty and an act of probability. For many, prescription drug-therapy, is a <b>hit or miss, trail and error affair</b>.<br /> <br /> Side effects may/can diminish or disappear as the body adjusts itself to the drug, though sometimes, one will simply not be able to tolerate a certain drug (or drugs) at all, at any dose.<br /> <br /> Factors and conditions such as age height, weight, gender, genetics and metabolism may/can come into play in determining who experiences side effects and who does not.<br /> <br /> Pharmacogenomics is the study of the interplay between genes and drugs which helps to explain why prescription drugs have different effects in different individuals. Genetic variation in one or more genes may be the basis for a therapeutic failure or for an adverse drug reaction.<br /> <br /> Without lowering the dosage (unless that is applicable), sometimes, taking a particular prescription drug at a different time of the day or taking it with food may/can improve the side effect-related situation.<br /> <br /> Sometimes, changing to another same-class drug or taking a lower dose of the drug along with another class of drug (for a combo-action) may/can impove the side effect-related situation.<br /><br />Take good care,<br /><br />C*
T4MEE replied to CardiostarUSA1's response:
thank you for this information. i thot propranalol would be good because i heard it was sometimes used for anxiety. i used to take paxil and i know you are not supposed to take paxil and propranalol together because of something in the liver. the medicine has slowed my heart rate down and i took your advice and am taking my bp and heart rate 3 or 4 times a day and keeping a record of it. i did notice that it feels like i have stuffed up ears and a whooshing feeling from time to time. i have also been having stomach issues and i think that is what may be causing a lot of my problem. i had taken 4 antibiotics in 6 weeks for blood in the urine and that is when my upper stomach started hurting. then i had an endoscopy and had a nodule removed from my esophagus, which was benign. after that i had double vision and had to have a spinal tap, which did not heal, so i had to have a blood patch. the following week i ended up in the er with chest pain. they did blood work, ekgs, nuclear stress test and all was ok. one report said enlarged heart but my cardiologist was not concerned (plus he did an echo and said i had a few minimal leaky valves). of course he also said i was fine and wasn't having psvt's but after an event monitor got it, he changed his mind. anyway, after that, i had an mri and i am allergic to the dye, so they gave me 64 mg of medrol before the test and i still broke out in hives. so i got more steroids in the er and was sent home with more. after 4 days on them at home i started having horrible pounding heart beats, so i went off of them (with the doctors ok). since then my heart rate when i get up is between 105-130 and slows by the afternoon to around 90's. it was during this time that i got my first terrible psvt--160bpm that wouldn't stop. we live so far out in the sticks that i had my husband drive me to the hospital and by the time i got there it had slowed to 100 and they did some blood work and sent me home. the following week i bent over to pick up a piece of paper and they went to 140, but didn't last long. the next day, i burped and thats when it recorded the 170's..my cardiologist never called me, so i called him (i was a crying mess). in the meantime, i saw a different cardiologist and when he got the records, he prescribed the propranalol. i have so many alergies to meds and i had taken that many years ago, so i asked him for that one again. i also have a solid thyroid tumor that is benign, my thyroid tests have been negative and ovarian cysts that i am having surgery for. now i have terrible chest pain that moves up to the right side of my neckand my back. at night as i am just about to fall asleep i get these "shocks" usually in my stomach that wake me up and this goes on for hours until i give in and take xanax. i still can feel my heart beating if i lay on my left side and i have pvc's and i can tell when my heart wants to start to race, but i guess the propranalol is keeping that in check. i am totally miserable and i feel like my whole insides are sick--i feel like i have a mild fever, but i don't. i told my husband that my heart feels sick--thats the best way i can describe it. i am thankful though, that the psvt's are under control. i really do appreciate all the time and effort you put on here. thanks so much. God bless.
Report This| Share this:I started Propranalol for svt's today...however,thank you for this information. i thot propranalol would be good because i heard it was sometimes used for anxiety. i used to take paxil and i know you are not supposed to take paxil and propranalol together because of something in the liver. the medicine has slowed my heart rate down and i took your advice and am taking my bp and heart rate 3 or 4 times a day and keeping a record of it. i did notice that it feels like i have stuffed up ears and a whooshing feeling from time to time. i have also been having stomach issues and i think that is what may be causing a lot of my problem. i had taken 4 antibiotics in 6 weeks for blood in the urine and that is when my upper stomach started hurting. then i had an endoscopy and had a nodule removed from my esophagus, which was benign. after that i had double vision and had to have a spinal tap, which did not heal, so i had to have a blood patch. the following week i ended up in the er with chest pain. they did blood work, ekgs, nuclear stress test and all was ok. one report said enlarged heart but my cardiologist was not concerned (plus he did an echo and said i had a few minimal leaky valves). of course he also said i was fine and wasn't having psvt's but after an event monitor got it, he changed his mind. anyway, after that, i had an mri and i am allergic to the dye, so they gave me 64 mg of medrol before the test and i still broke out in hives. so i got more steroids in the er and was sent home with more. after 4 days on them at home i started having horrible pounding heart beats, so i went off of them (with the doctors ok). since then my heart rate when i get up is between 105-130 and slows by the afternoon to around 90's. it was during this time that i got my first terrible psvt--160bpm that wouldn't stop. we live so far out in the sticks that i had my husband drive me to the hospital and by the time i got there it had slowed to 100 and they did some blood work and sent me home. the following week i bent over to pick up a piece of paper and they went to 140, but didn't last long. the next day, i burped and thats when it recorded the 170's..my cardiologist never called me, so i called him (i was a crying mess). in the meantime, i saw a different cardiologist and when he got the records, he prescribed the propranalol. i have so many alergies to meds and i had taken that many years ago, so i asked him for that one again. i also have a solid thyroid tumor that is benign, my thyroid tests have been negative and ovarian cysts that i am having surgery for. now i have terrible chest pain that moves up to the right side of my neckand my back. at night as i am just about to fall asleep i get these "shocks" usually in my stomach that wake me up and this goes on for hours until i give in and take xanax. i still can feel my heart beating if i lay on my left side and i have pvc's and i can tell when my heart wants to start to race, but i guess the propranalol is keeping that in check. i am totally miserable and i feel like my whole insides are sick--i feel like i have a mild fever, but i don't. i told my husband that my heart feels sick--thats the best way i can describe it. i am thankful though, that the psvt's are under control. i really do appreciate all the time and effort you put on here. thanks so much. God bless.
T4MEE replied to CardiostarUSA1's response:
sorry, i forgot to mention that i also have had a cough that comes and goes for 2 months--feels like i have just one drop of water in my lungs--sometimes i can get it up and its clear and sometimes not--but i have to cough really hard to produce it. hmmm and they ask me if i am anxious????? 
Report This| Share this:I started Propranalol for svt's today...however,sorry, i forgot to mention that i also have had a cough that comes and goes for 2 months--feels like i have just one drop of water in my lungs--sometimes i can get it up and its clear and sometimes not--but i have to cough really hard to produce it. hmmm and they ask me if i am anxious????? <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0">
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