Atenolol to Verapamil

[Equestriansrock]

I just started seeing a new cardiologist due to issues with my insurance and seeing my old cardiologist who was out of state. I live in Delaware and am on state insurance and, while they tell me I can see a specialist in Maryland who I was seeing for years, I always ended up with a bill they wouldn't cover. After dealing with this a few times, I decided to just switch to a doctor in my own state. I had been on the atenolol for about 7 or 8 years now, since I was diagnosed with HCM. However, I was beginning to become frustrated with the common side effect of tiredness and lack of energy. This is especially annoying when I feel too tired to get out of bed to attend classes or go to work. I also have a very active boyfriend in the air force who likes to go out and do things, like taking our dog to the park or bowling (which might not sound strenuous, but for having no energy, they were). His latest idea for fun is to go sky diving, which I assured him, my doctors would not allow, :D . So when I explained all this to my new cardiologist he suggested trying new meds, and was surprised when I told him that all I had ever been on was the 25mg of atenolol, and had never tried anything else. So he suggested I stop taking the atenolol, which I had already done weeks ago. I was in one of my phases where I had stopped taking it. I have done this a few times, for about a week or two at a time, in my years of taking the atenolol, to get a break from the tiredness. However, I find that the severe dizziness that comes with discontinuing the atenolol is not such a pleasant feeling either. He decided to put me on 120mg of verapamil instead and see how that goes. I was just wondering if anyone else has made this switch or experienced any negative side effects from the verapamil. I'm a little hesitant with seeing a new doctor but am also grateful that he is trying to improve my quality of life as my old doctor just shrugged my complaints away. I realize that there are going to be side effects with any drug, but to be 21 years old and sleeping my life away didn't seem quite right. To me, taking the risk of being off the meds once in a while to be able to function was worth it, but I'm hoping I wont have to do that with the verapamil. Any input on this drug would be helpful as I'm not sure about my new cardiologists experience in treating HCM although he said he is very familiar with it.

[Lisa Salberg]

First of all - LOVE the screen name - my daughter is a rider - jumping up to 3 feet now.
Please call the office and lets see what we can do to find you someone in your network.
Take care,
Lisa

[Cynaburst]

The most common side effect of Verapamil is constipation, so you should be sure to drink alot of water and eat lots of fiber...you might even want to look into taking some kind of fiber supplement, but you can try first eating lots of salad and fresh fruit and see if that does the job.

By the way, I just wanted to comment on your name. I am also a horse person. I have not ridden in about 10 years, but when I was your age that was all I did. I used to show horses all around the southeast all through my teens and twenties.

[bulybuly]

Is verapamil a calcium channel? I'm wondering because Halina's doc has talked about trying her on a calcium channel blocker instead of atenenol--but she doesn't seem to have side effects from the atenenol (25 mg x 2 per day)---any thoughts anyone? trying to figure out whether there is a reason to switch...better long-term outcomes?

[Equestriansrock]

Thanks, yeah I can't say my doctors have been too thrilled about my hobby, but I argued, half-truthfully, that it isn't a very cardio sport. As long as all you do is sit in the saddle it isn't, but chasing a loose horse around the ring and lifting feed bags, hay, tack and water buckets can be. I left those parts out of my defensive speech. I figure it keeps me in shape and active, although since my mare passed away I haven't done much riding except for at a local rescue group. I did ride for the university of Delaware equestrian team for the year I attended there, and that was fun. I rode this cute little pony that I absolutely adored for our practices, since my mare was not in any shape to jump. Once I finish my degree I'm probably going to look into getting another one, although I'm thinking I might just do a lease on one. I've discovered this thing called vacation and it's rather nice, lol. Congrats to your daughter though, it really is a wonderful sport and hobby. Jumping is immensely fun despite the danger, but thats all part of the appeal.

[LindaSo]

Like the new Avatar too ! Welcome to the HCMA message board. I would agree that a call to Lisa at the HCMA office would be of benefit to you. Actually, probably one of the best calls you can ever make. It appears from your post that you have been aware of your diagnosis for a long time and hopefully also know that Atenolol is not a drug that you can stop cold turkey. You have to taper off it, so please be sure you follow you MD's instructions for stopping this drug.
With that being said, Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker. It is used for the same purpose as the Atenolol, but usually doesn't affect the HR. the way bb's do. Depending on what your current HR is, you may find that it will be higher than before. I have been on a large dose of Verapamil for 2 yr and really don't have any problems with it, other than "terminal" constipation. Yep, it can be a killer. So, you may be trading one problem for another, but it is worth a shot. Honestly, if you do have issues with this particular side effect, PM me and I'll give you all the various things that you may try to get ya movin'. Other than that, I have had no problems with this drug......... and had HORRIBLE side effects with Atenolol. Just goes to show that each of us tolerates things differently.
Good luck !

[hocmdoug]

This is a very interesting discussion. I was on Metoprolol, but I found it too hard to tolerate. Actually, I had been on this several times before with equally bad results.

I asked my cardiologist about Verapamil but was brushed aside. I have done well on amlodopine for blood pressure control, but I hear it may increase obstruction....Wow, what you don't know can really hurt you. The complexities of medications can be mind-boggling.

[Reenie]

I have been on verapamil myself and I didn't have the debilitating constipation many have had. Everybody reacts to drugs differently and you might not have any adverse side effects. It sounds like you're on the right path and your doctor is listening to you. That's a large part of the battle!

[AnjelicaJones]

Hi Equestriansrock :)

Welcome aboard. I read your post and the part about the dizziness when getting off the Atenolol sounded very familar to me. My best friend was recently diagnosed with HCM and he was prescribed Atenolol (25mg) just like you. He started taking it in April. At first he seemed ok with it but then the constant lack of energy became too much for him to take. Last week, he decided to stop it cold turkey. Ever since then, he has been experiencing SEVERE dizziness. Seeing as you have gone down that road before, on several occasions, I wanted to ask you about your experience. How many days does your dizziness usually last? How long does it take before the effects of the drug wear off and you fully recover? Your input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

AJ

[Equestriansrock]

AJ, on the several occasions that I did stop taking the atenolol the dizziness never went away completely. After two weeks or so I would give up and continue taking it again. Now that I have started taking the Verapamil, I still have the dizziness but not as bad, usually just when lying in bed or making sudden movements. I have only been on the new medication for a few days so I will let you know when it stops, if it does. Your friend should really talk to his doctor about trying some other medications. I'm thinking the dizziness is partially due to your heart not having the help it needs to function more regularly and means we are at risk for more severe symptoms. But I don't blame him for not wanting to take the atenolol, the lack of energy is a killer, especially when you have very active friends.

[AnjelicaJones]

I will definitely pass this information on to my friend and I am sure he will find it useful and comforting because it will remind him that he is not alone (and neither are you by the way). Good luck with the Verapamil and please keep in touch!

Thanks again! :)

AJ

[Equestriansrock]

Thanks, I definately will.