Clash0501 Posted January 11, 2014 Report Share Posted January 11, 2014 So Cardizem, the channel blocker I was on didn't seem to help so the EP is trying me on Nadolol.I spoke with his nurse over the phone and she called it in. It is 20mg twice a day, which seems fairly high. I was first on Toprol xl at 25mg but my blood pressure fell to low. Then pindolol which did the same thing.It was after 5 when the px was called in and for now I am only going to take 10mg in the morning and 10mg the next dose just because I don't want to have bp issues over the weekend. I hope I am doing the right thing. I have an appt with the EP on Tuesday so I can discuss it with him there.The most fearful part for me is not knowing what is dangerous and when to seek help as far as falling bp, or low heart rate, which of course kicks in my anxiety. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenniferInOhio Posted January 11, 2014 Report Share Posted January 11, 2014 I've taken nadolol for almost 3 years. I take 5 mg in the morning and 5 mg in the evening. I wonder if they are starting you on 20 mg because of your dosage with the toprol? Maybe your Dr didn't want to drop you too low too soon? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chaos Posted January 11, 2014 Report Share Posted January 11, 2014 I've been on nadalol for a year. I have the 20 mg tabs but am prescribed to take 10 mg. Sometimes even that seems like too much so I break off parts of the half tablet and take half to 3/4 of the half tab. It's been a good med for me as it's got an extended release action (whereas the propanalol I was on before was short acting) but I do have to play with the dose a little bit to keep my BP from tanking too much. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kayjay Posted January 11, 2014 Report Share Posted January 11, 2014 I'm also on nadolol. I have taken 40 mgs but for some time now I've only been taking 10-20 mgs per day.I don't bother splitting the dose anymore because it is a long acting beta. I recomend a pill cutter. If you need to adjust the dose. Over time I think nadolol has been the most helpful medication. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clash0501 Posted January 11, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 11, 2014 Thanks so much for the responses. While on the Cardizem, it wasn't controlling my HR so he had upped me from 120 to 240, this was all over the phone after hours. Then when I called him and told him about the flushing, heart rate still high, he asked what I was taking. He said that was a high dose and I tried to remind him it wasn't that way with the BBs he had tried me on but he just kinda fluffed me off and said to give him the night and call in the morning. The next morning his nurse caught him between procedures so I think he just went of the cuff, not remembering that I couldn't even tolerate 12.5mg of Toprol XL nor 5mg of pindolol.Anyway, I used a pill cutter and cut the twenty in half, so I took half this morning and then half just now. So far so good, pressure has dipped a bit after first dose but not too much. I'm assuming there is a point that if it gets too low I should contact the on call or seek care? Would it be right that it is different for everybody? Any experiences with this?Also, I started the nadolol last night. Up until then I had not had anything but a heart rate that would hit the mid 120's when standing and a feeling of fatigue in my legs if I stood to long. About an hour after the dose I stood up to take my heart rate and it moved to 120 in the first five minutes, then all of the sudden it plunged to 74, I felt a feeling of dizziness and that I was going to pass out. Is that normal?And not to just keep going on and on but being such a newbie, one more question. I started wearing compression stockings today. Not knowing which I bought the thigh high. I put them on when I was going vertical to run errands and such but then took them off when we got home. I was feeling so fatigued, I went to take a nap and felt I shouldn't wear them lying down. Is this right? So much to learn and such a steep learning curve, thanks to each of you for all your support! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kayjay Posted January 11, 2014 Report Share Posted January 11, 2014 It takes time to adjust to a beta. It made me worse in the short term but absolutely helped with my hyper pots. It's certainly not a quick fix. Your body will adjust to the fatigue. I had more episodes of low Bp when I started the beta blocker. You are supposed to start with a low dose and adjust slowly. You also shouldn't suddenly stop taking it. If you decided to stop definitely check with your doctor and ask how to do it safely.Nadolol does more than help with heart rate. It helped with my "fight or flight" surges, sweating, chest pain, and shortness of breath. If I am remembering correctly it took a few months for me to completely adjust to the medication.I hope it helps you.I can't speak to the stockings. I think they are helpful but uncomfortable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clash0501 Posted January 11, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 11, 2014 Thanks, kJay. It is all just so much to take in and I feel a bit lost, so this place has been a source of great comfort and support. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenniferInOhio Posted January 12, 2014 Report Share Posted January 12, 2014 I was told not to wear compression stockings while lying down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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