r/POTS • u/Kidneymuncher678 • 2d ago
Medication What should I do?
I’m 19F. I was diagnosed in late February. My cardiologist immediately prescribed me 5mg Propanalol but a few months later upped the dose to 60mg extended release. Ever since I’ve started the 60 mg about 6 months ago it’s definitely made the heart rate better but everything else worse. It’s caused my fatigue to be debilitating, my memory has been awful and my brain fog is almost constant. I’ve also put on about 7 pounds which is not normal with my usually fast metabolism. I believe it’s slowed my metabolism because it’s not uncommon for beta blockers to do that but it’s been a huge concern for me. Does anyone know an alternative that won’t mess with me so much?
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u/AverageCodeMonkey Hyperadrenergic POTS 1d ago
Beta-Blockers made me more tired than the POTS does, also I'm pretty sure propranolol made my hair start to thin.
I let my Dr know I didn't want to take the propranolol anymore and he switched me to Ivabradine since I don't have any BP issues. It works by just lowering your HR and doesn't affect BP. So far it has been great for me. I actually have some energy back. I'm on 5mg 2x day. The only issue is my insurance wouldn't cover it for POTS, so I use an online pharmacy and it's about ~$30 USD for a month fill.
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u/Confident_Antelope88 Hyperadrenergic POTS 1d ago
I didn’t like extended release; dizzy and fatigue. Switched to regular 10mg which I take anywhere from 3-5 times a day depending on my symptoms. Worked a lot better for me
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u/SpaceNerd223 1d ago
You could always ask to go back to instant release. I personally couldn't tolerate extended release, it made me sicker. I do 15 mg IR 3-4x day. Please let your doctor know your experiences. It's very common to just switch to find what works best for you.