Reducing Toprol/Adding Verapamil

[Cynaburst]

Hey everyone,

I have been having more angina and my specialist and I think that I am maybe taking too much Toprol without it helping that much. Therefore, we are going to try adding Verapamil, but I have to reduce my Toprol first. I am currently on 200 mg. a day, and am to reduce to 100 mg. a day (in 2 50 doseages) before starting to add the Verapamil.

How have you all stepped down your BB? In what increments and for how long did you stay at each middle step?
I am nervous about going too fast as I tend to have strong reactions to changes in meds.

Also, re: Verapamil: Is generic ok? Any issues when adding? I am to add 120 mg. to my morning Toprol.

[dyvergreg]

I went from taking just Toprol to taking both, Toprol and Verapamil, we did this over a 2 week period. Yes it made a diffrence but over some time now not sure how much of a diffrence it has made. Still having pain, I have an appointment coming up and have to talk to my Dr. about this, not going to ignore it.

[LindaSo]

Cyn,
I had no problems with the generic form of Verapamil.
L

[Largehearted]

Dr. Lever recommended the addition of Verapamil which was overseen by my local cardiologist. We didn't reduce the BB, but over months we added the Verapamil incrementally.

Leon

[mtlieb]

Sorry to hear about your increased angina. I dropped my atenolol in 25mg increments and stopped at each dosage level for a month or so before going down again. I'm sure I dragged it out longer than necessary but I wanted to avoid rebound effects and give my body plenty of time to adjust. Since my aim was to achieve a permanent reduction in beta blocker, I didn't care too much how long it took. If I recall correctly, when I came off Toprol six years ago it was in 50mg increments.

[Chris_in_shed]

I started straight on 480mg of verapamil without problems, I get the generic stuff and the manufacturer changes everytime i get some more. I've also been on up to 960mg a day without problems - although combined with disopyramide you need to eat lots of chocolate raisons to keep pooing :)

Chris.

[Cynaburst]

I can't even imagine the combination of verapamil and disopyramide....I was on diso a few years back before my myectomy and I was quite dry! I spent alot of time thinking about the side effects.......so I can't even imagine what the two together are like. I hope I never find out!

[badger]

Cynthia,

We see the same specialist but prior to me seeing him my cardiologist stopped me cold turkey on the Toprol and switched me to Verapamil. I was shocked he did this and I questioned him about it. He assured me it was ok to do. I don’t recommend it though.

Verapamil was a blessing. I finally started to feel better. It wasn’t the entire answer for me but finally I knew we were on to getting me the right treatment. My sister has also had good results with Verapamil.

I have had no problems with the generic Verapamil. I take 360mg. If you want to discuss further, please PM or email me.

[Cynaburst]

Well, it looks like I may be adding Diltiazem instead because my local cardio is concerned about the Verapamil and Dr. Ommen doesn't really have a strong preference. Meanwhile, I am still reducing the Toprol for a few weeks, so to be continued...