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Toprol XL / Antenol - is there a difference

houston
0 Recommendations

Does anyone know the difference between Toprol XL and Antenol. I am having too many affects from Toprol XL. Is it worth it to try and switch?

Explore topics in this discussion:

Asthma Toprol XL Surgery Atenolol Blisters Beta blockers Angina Pain Metoprolol Stent

17 replies

Nancy-in-KC

Houston, about 4 and a half years ago I was put on Toprol after my first stents. I could not tolerate it so they took me off and left me off of any kind of Beta Blocker. Fast forward to my recent ICD implant, the doc now wants me on a Beta Blocker. I told him of my experience with Toprol. He decided to put me on 12.5mg of Atenolol. I was resistant because of my experience, but he insisted that it was necessary because of the rhythm issues. So I have been on it for two days now and not having the major symptoms I had with Toprol. I am also on a smaller dose, so that may make all the difference. I do know that all Beta Blockers are not created equal, but I do not know what those differences are. This is worth a discussion with your doc. It is miserable to be fighting against medication reactions.

Let us know what you find out.

Nancy

beckym

Hi Houston--I think they are two different drugs. I took the Toprol XL generic which is called Metoprolol Succ ER on my bottle. This drug made me feel like someone had hands around my throat and was squeezing for about 10 minutes after taking it. I stopped it with doctors OK and started taking Tenorman generic which is called Atenolol. This one doesn't bother me at all and gives the results my doctor wants. Both dosages were 25 mg.
Good luck and hope this one works for you.
Becky

houston

Dear Nancy and Becky,
Thank you so much for the information! The doctor put me on Toprol XL because of blockages, heart rate, and angina. He also wants my blood pressure to 110 or lower. He said with my medical condition I need it. I just can't take the side affects from it. I am going to ask him to try Atenolol when I see him. He had also given me a calcium channel blocker which I was not taking. I may just take it and stop the Toprol until I see him. I will let you know what he has to say. He is out of town for a month. You have helped me than I can tell you both. This is a wonderful site.

Nancy-in-KC

Houston, I know this is frustrating for you, but I have always been advised not to start or stop meds without first consulting with my doctor. There can be side effects to suddenly stopping medication as well. If you are having an extremely difficult time with the symtoms, is there any way you can get in touch with his service this weekend and speak to him or a nurse?

Nancy

joy2day

My understanding is that beta blockers are drugs that you need to wean yourself off. Please check with a doctor before stopping your Toprol --- Does your dr. have a backup contact?

houston

Dear Nancy,
I don't think I can call anyone on Sunday. I have gotten extremely short of breath. I will go on the cal. channel blockers he gave me. I also wear a 0.4 nitro patch. I will try tomorrow to see if I can get any information from someone at the office. Thanks again.

houston

Dear Joy,
Thanks for the information on beta blockers. I will call the drug store tomorrow, and maybe they can give me some information. No, my doctor does not have a back up. They usually tell one to go to the ER on the weekend.

searchingsoul

Houston,
There are different types of betablockers which act on the the heart , blood vessels and the bronchus musculature in the lungs. Some betablockers are more cardioselective versus others. The currently recommended cardioselective betablocker is Bystolic (generic Nebivolol) which has fewer side effects. People with a history of asthma or reactive airway disease should avoid betablockers as they can cause bronchospasm.
I don't know when you had your stent put in but some times this can lead to stretching pain or spasms and you calcium channel blocker will help with the reduction of the spasms/ anginal pain in addition to decreasing your blood pressure.
Also, don't ever feel that you cannot get in touch with your doctor. He should have someone to cover his practice for him, when he is not around. Even if it is midnight!

BarbaraGale

Just curious, but what kind of side effects are you all experiencing?

Kennarina

Apparently toprol and atenolol are 'first cousins' in pharmacy-talk, but that doesn't mean they are identical. Changing meds is very common, especially at first when sorting out which one is doing what it's supposed to be doing with the least amount of side effects. Many of us have had to change medications a number of times before we hit the jackpot.

But don't self-diagnose without talking to a professional! And I agree with comments re your doctor - away for a month without a locum or a referral on his answering machine re who is taking over his patients for a MONTH!?!? Unheard of!

XOXOXO



http:myheartsisters.org

Ecksunbeam

Dear Houston,

I don't have the article handy to reference, but I read it's not good for heart patients to do both a beta blocker and a calcium channel blocker together unless it is ABSOLUTELY necessary--one or the other. You may wish to inquire about this.

May the Blessings Be!

Sherrie

houston

Dear searchingsoul,
Thank you for the information about Bystolic. I am surely going to ask about it. I had open heart surgery, and the grafts are filling up. That is why I am getting symptoms again. Your information is really helpful. It is good to know what the cal. channel blockers do too. I thought I would be rid of the nitro and other medicines. I am going to copy down what you have written. Are you medical?

houston

Dear BarbaraGale,
The side affects that I experienced at first was a very sore tongue - sort of felt like blisters and fatigue. I also developed a bad cough (very deep) and brought up mucus. I put up with these things, but recently I really got short of breath or chest pressure that concerned me. I felt like my chest was heavy and could not get enough air. I started taking the nitro pill.

houston

Dear Kennarina,
I know that I should not be making the decision about the medicines, but I just got so sick. I could not get anyone over the weekend, but I will get someone on the phone tomorrow. For some reason the ER seems to be where they want one to go.

houston

Dear Sherrie,
I also read that taking Toprol and cal. channel blockers together is not recommended anymore. I guess some doctors still do it. Mine for one. I just had to stop Toprol. I am still taking the cal. channel blocker and of course the nitro patch. I know he told me that all the grafts had filled up 60% -70% in 07. He said I would know when they were worse when I got more symptoms. I think I am at that point now! Thanks again.

Kennarina

Good grief.....

<< "....but recently I really got short of breath or chest pressure that concerned me. I felt like my chest was heavy and could not get enough air. I started taking the nitro pill.... " >>

If your nitro pill on top of your nitro patch are not addressing those symptoms, get yourself to the E.R. immediately! This may or may not have anything to do with your toprol, and more to do with these symptoms warning you about those 60-70% blockages!

Please call 911 as soon as you finish reading this!!!!!!!!!!!!

XOXOXO




http:myheartsisters.org

houston

Dear kennarina,
The bad episode that I had passed, but I will take your advice and go to the ER if it happens again. I called, and the nurse told me the same thing you did. I appreciate your help.

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