Beta Blocker / Calcium Channel Blocker combination

[Dee]

Dylan will be starting a combination of his beta-blocker with a calcium channel blocker (probably verapamil). I'm wondering if anyone has had any experience with this? and what kind of side effects, long-term effects can be expected? and anything else regarding this combination?

His PC talked to us about the necessity of watching his heart rate closesly and the possiblity of needing a pacemaker with this.

Thanx ahead of time!

Dee

[Lisa Salberg]

for many years I was on Beta blockers alone... last fall I added a calcium channel blocker, I feel much better, but know that verapimil can be tricky so I do watch it carefully. I am a short term "good" story...
about 12 yrs ago I was taken off beta blockers and put on calcium channel blocker .. that landed me in the ER with a heart rate of 140.... that was then this is now... and all is well.
Lisa

[Largehearted]

After an episode of HCM related A-fib landed me in the hospital 4 years ago I was put on Varapimil along with the beta-blocker I had been on for years. The main side effect I notice is the tendency to get lightheaded more easily. Perhaps I am a bit more easily tired, but that could also be HCM or old age creeping up on me. Since being on this medication regimen and banning caffeine from my life I have had only one minor episode of A-fib, so the control it gives me over erratic heartbeats is certainly better than before. When I have a bout of A-fib my heart rate is very erratic and I am immediately aware that something is way off! So I am pleased to not have that problem.

Hope things go well for your son.
Peace,
Leon

[Reenie]

I have never been on beta blockers and calcium channel blockers at the same time, but I have tried both. I tolerate both meds well, but take the calcium channel blockers because I have asthma and the docs don't want to fool with beta blockers just in case they might make the asthma worse. Good luck to you and Dylan.

Reenie
:)

[Rich Miller]

Hi I was on atenolol and verapimil ,but i am also v-paced to compesate obstruction.it just wore me out all the time and everytime i would try to do anything.then after 5 yrs of tinkering with meds and still just going downhill, had cath done and found heart to now be extremely weak. dont know if it was the meds or the pacing . so good luck . well here is my 2 cents but then again even thats for free !!