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geezmk
Member
36 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 27 2010 : 7:51:48 PM
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I was looking at www.webmd.com did a search for beta-blockers and saw this -
May 24, 2010 -- Beta-blocker medications, which are not commonly prescribed for patients with chronic lung disease, may actually be of benefit to them, according to a new study.
The medications, prescribed for high blood pressure and cardiac disorders, may help lengthen survival and reduce respiratory flare-ups, according to a team of Dutch researchers.
Interesting article, type in beta blockers in the search field, then scroll down.
Does anyone have any experience with beta blockers and COPD? I take Metoprolol and can't remember if I felt better or worse before starting it.
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tsainta
Member
41 Posts |
Posted - Jul 28 2010 : 12:23:35 AM
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| My experience was bad. I have a high asthma component and my breathing was adversely affected by anti-glaucoma beta-blocker drops once a day! My opthamologist told me that it was a common side effect of beta-blockers. Luckily, after 13 years no glaucoma has developed. |
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CarolCA
Contributing Member
USA
606 Posts |
Posted - Jul 28 2010 : 12:34:30 AM
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| There are some Beta blockers which work differently and can be used. One is Metopropol and the other is Cardizen. These are selective blockers and are not supposed to affect the lungs like some of the BB's. When I had eye laser procedure they opted not to give me the BB drops because of my Emphysema. It was to keep the pressure down which sometimes goes up with this procedure. I was under the impression that there were Glaucoma drops now that were not BB's. I have not heard that BB's might help with with flare ups. I was given a low dose one for my premature beats when I was going thru a spell of them. I guess I have them all the time based on my monitor but I only feel them on occassion and that seems to come in spells. Am off them now. They are common for people with COPD. I think the warnings on BB's were more asthma related but then many of us have some asthma component. |
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Helen-CO
Rookie
19 Posts |
Posted - Jul 28 2010 : 10:52:00 AM
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| Cardizem (Diltiazem) is a calcium channel blocker. My cardiologist prescribed it for afib. |
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CarolCA
Contributing Member
USA
606 Posts |
Posted - Jul 28 2010 : 1:05:42 PM
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| oh, you are right. I just remembered that that was the first one they tried for my irregular heart beat and was thinking Beta. I was taking a really low dose but it gave me headaches and made me very tired, crummy feeling and I was only taking 15mg as I remember, breaking one in half. I know there is another BB but not sure which. I had to stop the BB also cause it was turning by toe blue and my palms of my hands bright red and that was at 12.5 mg. Thanks for correcting it. |
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Helen-CO
Rookie
19 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2010 : 09:38:51 AM
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It's interesting you mention those Cardizem side fx, Carol, since they're the same ones I complained to my cardiologist about. He insisted most patients have no problems and said I was spending too much time on the 'net. When my heart rate fell to 40 I decided to let my internist handle my heart issues and it's going well. She approves of patients researching online thru reliable sources (like
WebMD).
I thought beta blockers were contraindicated for COPD but have read several studies lately that indicated they might help. I'm going to ask about them at next appt. |
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CarolCA
Contributing Member
USA
606 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2010 : 2:51:31 PM
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| I get so tired of doctors pooh-poohing side effects. They ought to know that we all respond differently. Just with a minimum Beta my toe would turn blue after showering because of have vasal spasms in that toe. Even at that they doubted it was from that but it was, no doubt now since I have tested it. I am sticking with my PCP/Pulmo for everything but specific problems that require a specialist now. After over 10 years he knows me well. My friend, however, a tiny little thing compared to me has had no problem with her CCB but my PCP really doesn't like them because of side effects.. |
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Beta Blockers
