Re: calcium channel blockers vs. beta blockers

[Guest guest]

I take both a beta blocker and a calcium channel blocker, but I found in the

beginning that drugs in each group are not all created equal. Even within

each class there are variations in effectiveness with different individuals.

For example, I initially took Atenolol, beta blocker, but found that

Tenormin, its brand name counterpart, was more effective at controlling afib

symptoms and preventing afib. When I started Verapamil four years ago, my

doctor first prescribed the short acting 80 m.g. pill to be taken three times

daily. Then he switched me to Calan, the long acting, time release version.

Immediately my afib frequency and intensity worsened. I asked to return to

taking the Verapamil short acting tablet three times a day. This is more

inconvenient than taking the time release, but in my experience overcoming

afib is all about inconvenience and worse. Supposedly Calan and Verapamil

are the same drugs as are Atenolol and Tenormin, but for this afibber they

had very different effects. I take the drugs which are most effective for

me, even if they cost more.

in sinus in Seattle (15 minutes of afib in 213 days of straight sinus)

[Guest guest]

I take both a beta blocker and a calcium channel blocker, but I found in the

beginning that drugs in each group are not all created equal. Even within

each class there are variations in effectiveness with different individuals.

For example, I initially took Atenolol, beta blocker, but found that

Tenormin, its brand name counterpart, was more effective at controlling afib

symptoms and preventing afib. When I started Verapamil four years ago, my

doctor first prescribed the short acting 80 m.g. pill to be taken three times

daily. Then he switched me to Calan, the long acting, time release version.

Immediately my afib frequency and intensity worsened. I asked to return to

taking the Verapamil short acting tablet three times a day. This is more

inconvenient than taking the time release, but in my experience overcoming

afib is all about inconvenience and worse. Supposedly Calan and Verapamil

are the same drugs as are Atenolol and Tenormin, but for this afibber they

had very different effects. I take the drugs which are most effective for

me, even if they cost more.

in sinus in Seattle (15 minutes of afib in 213 days of straight sinus)

[Guest guest]

Trudy and Others..

Go to www.medcohealth.com and choose Drug Information. Then do a

seach on calcium channel blockers. Gives a wide array of info on

advantages and disadvantages and comparisons to beta blockers.

btw: I was on calcium channel blocker (cardizem) at first and beta

blocker was added in early evenings to control flutters. Finally

coming off of cardizem (1 day, no problems so far) since I'm on

tikosyn. Side effects of cardizem are, IMO, way worse than toprol if

toprol is taken in the evenings when drowsiness is not as bad of a

problem.

Cheryl

<snip>

>...what factors determine which of these meds to take?

<snip>

[Guest guest]

Trudy and Others..

Go to www.medcohealth.com and choose Drug Information. Then do a

seach on calcium channel blockers. Gives a wide array of info on

advantages and disadvantages and comparisons to beta blockers.

btw: I was on calcium channel blocker (cardizem) at first and beta

blocker was added in early evenings to control flutters. Finally

coming off of cardizem (1 day, no problems so far) since I'm on

tikosyn. Side effects of cardizem are, IMO, way worse than toprol if

toprol is taken in the evenings when drowsiness is not as bad of a

problem.

Cheryl

<snip>

>...what factors determine which of these meds to take?

<snip>

[Guest guest]

I am very interested in this subject too. My cardiologist put me on a

calcium blocker from the beginning, and it is not clear why. My afib is

there constantly, but not so severe as most........chronic/persistent.

Harry

calcium channel blockers vs. beta blockers

> The question about calcium channel blockers reminds me of something I

> meant to ask.

>

> When I was first diagnosed with afib, my internist put me on a

> calcium channel bocker. The cardiologist changed that to a beta

> blocker.

>

> I felt much better on the beta blocker, but that may have been

> because of the effect it has of reducing anxiety.

>

> I am wondering what factors determine which of these meds to take?

> Possibly a calcium channel blocker would help without the lethargy

> effects of a beta blocker?

>

>

>

>

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