Beta blockers with Asthma
Hi everyone, I’ve been on metoprolol Succinate ER for 8 year 25 mg no problems. So recently my blood pressure went up super high so they doubled my metoprolol to 50mg . It brought down my blood pressure but then my asthma started acting up. At first I thought it was a coincidence because I always get sick at this time of the year but now 1 1/2 after the other issue am sick again. So now I am beginning to think that maybe the Dr. needs to change my BP medicine to a calcium channel blocker. Has anyone experienced this type of problem and if so did it help you with your asthma ? Hope everybody is doing well , Happy Holidays.
Hi
- I wanted to jump on and leave a link that may help. I personally do not use metoprolol (anymore) and/or calcium channel blockers but thought some information in articles could help until others chime in. From what I understand higher levels of metoprolol worsen asthma attacks. And calcium channel blockers are a bit safer to use when asthma is in the mix of health concerns.
https://asthma.net/triggers/medication-related-triggers
Sending you thoughts of better health. I do hope others log on and help you out. Rebecca (Team member)Thanks for responding. And sorry about the link. Sometimes it pops up highlighted blue and you can click on the link. This time it did not - if you copy and paste it in the address bar the information will load on screen. Wishing you well. https://asthma.net/triggers/medication-related-triggers Cheers for the holidays! Rebecca (team member) - see this time it is underlined and you just need to click on it. The site is quirky. Rebecca
Hi.
Happy Holidays to you. I see you received a response from my colleague Rebecca above, and I have to say I agree with her insights. I’d like to add my own perspective as well. I’m glad to hear you did so well on metoprolol for so many years. However, as Rebecca mentioned, higher doses of beta-blockers like metoprolol can sometimes cause bronchospasm and trigger asthma flare-ups. It’s definitely worth discussing this with your doctor. They may decide to switch you to another type of blood pressure medication, such as a calcium channel blocker, which can be a better option for individuals with asthma.
Personally, I take an ACE inhibitor called lisinopril for blood pressure, but I’ve also heard that calcium channel blockers are asthma-friendly and work well. What do you think? Let us know how it goes! John. community moderator.
No problem with the slow reply -- as you can see above, I’m guilty of that too sometimes. Life can get incredibly busy. I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear friend and your daughter-in-law’s father. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, and extend them to the rest of your family as well. I should have mentioned earlier that transitions between medications, especially blood pressure meds, can sometimes bring side effects like anxiety. I experienced something similar a few years ago when I had to switch medications. It’s never easy to manage those challenges, but it’s worth noting that side effects like anxiety, headaches, and that "on-edge" feeling can often be temporary as your body adjusts.
It’s good to hear that your doctors have been monitoring your situation and adjusting the plan to find what works best for you. It sounds like reducing the metoprolol dose was key to settling your asthma issues, even though it’s been a bit of a balancing act with the diltiazem. Hopefully, the adjustment back to 120 mg of diltiazem and adding the 25 mg of metoprolol will bring you more stability without the unpleasant side effects. Wishing you all the best as you continue navigating this process. Please keep us updated on how things go -- we're here to support you. And a belated Happy New Year to you as well! Best regards, John Community Moderator
I’m deeply sorry to hear about the loss of two important people at the beginning of the New Year. I hope you and your family can find strength, comfort, and support in one another as you navigate this difficult time.
I was happy to hear that you didn't give up on managing the medications you believed were increasing the asthma symptoms. And as John mentioned side effects can occur such as what you went through when switching meds or increasing or decreasing doses. Sometimes we find we have to "play around" with the dosing of meds to get the right combination. I'm pleased you endured the process, and that your physician was right by your side each step of the way.
It’s impressive to see your commitment to managing your conditions effectively. Many people struggle and either give up or settle for the side effects of their medications. I'm truly glad that you’ve taken a stand for your well-being and advocated for yourself. Happy New Year. Rebecca (team member)
OMG...I am also on a beta blocker ... I have been on it for years.I keep asking my Pharmacist to review my medication as I also take Ibuprofen 3 times a day and both Paramedics and ER consultants constantly question why someone with my severe asthma was still on this
The pharmacist who works with my GP keeps saying that it's ok to take. What is the difference between Bronchospasmans stopping breathing. Why would I be asked if I have sleep apnea in ER following a lifethreatening asthma attack. Iam 55 kg and don't fall into the risk groups. I am finding so much out from this forum. Thankyou all xHey there! These are good questions. As Lauren expanded on beta blockers and asthma as well as bronchospasms, I wanted to touch on the question about being asked if you have sleep apnea following a life-threatening asthma attack. From what I understand - sleep apnea is a huge risk factor for those with asthma as it exacerbates it. Here's a link to an article on our site that explains it quite well. https://asthma.net/living/is-there-a-relationship-between-asthma-and-sleep-apnea-or-snoring Another short explanation is at this link. Hope it helps you understand. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2637171/ Sending holiday cheer your way. Warmly - Rebecca (team member) Thank you . Happy New Year ! As far as I know I don’t have sleep apnea but then again I’ve never been tested. Very interesting article. I will talk to my pulmonologist on my next visit .
