Bystolic for High Blood Pressure User Reviews (Page 4)

• Fle...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 3, 2016

"I was taking carvedilol 3.125 mg bid, and it stopped working shortly after starting a stressful job and a death in my family. I wasn't able to get it under control, so my cardiologist started me on Bystolic 10 mg qd. I was pleased with its quick results, bringing my BP down to the normal range. Now I have realized that I am tired all the time, I have no sex drive, and I don't really care about much of anything. I can sleep all day on my days off. I have gained 30 lbs over the last year! I got my old rx filled today for the carvedilol, and along with diet and exercise, I'm hoping to get back to my old self again. I can't deal with the fatigue anymore. Not to mention the price of $60 per month."

• Tra...
• May 18, 2016

"Bystolic reduced the blood pressure, but it comes with a price. Chaotic sleep, low energy level, loss of interest in the previously enjoyed activities, and substantial weight gain. Weaning down from the whole pill to a half, and looking for natural ways to reduce my BP."

• BS7...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 24, 2013

"I have been on and off this medicine for two years now, finally reducing the dose to 1/2 of a 2.5 mg pill every two days. This is the only blood pressure medicine so far that I feel good and normal, no pressure in head or headaches, blood pressure good, UNTIL I start with severe pain mainly in my upper and lower back but also my neck, which eventually ends up in muscle weakness. This has happened numerous times over the past two years. Thus the stopping and starting again. I play tennis a few times a week, but when the weakness starts, I am in so much pain that I cannot play again for several days and eventually will start experiencing muscle strains or pulls or just can't adequately move my legs to run. Avapro, Benicar and Crestor caused the same problems."

• jud...
• December 30, 2009

"Have suffered from very labile BP for over 45 years. In spite of renal stent 2 years ago, BP occasionally hits 210/110 in the evening. Had to stop Avapro because of dizziness and sleepiness (was taking it in combo with Norvasc and Cardura). The problem has persisted. Just started Bystolic 10 days ago, and most of the time my BP is good, but nighttime highs still occur. When they do, I use Nitrostat to bring it down. I'm taking 10 mg of Bystolic in the morning and 2 mg of Cardura in the evening, however, I am still suffering the same dizziness and sleepiness as I did with Avapro. My doctor wants me to reverse and take the Bystolic in the evening (to sleep off the side effects) and the Cardura in the morning. I'm getting discouraged!"

• Ton...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 19, 2020

"I have been taking Bystolic for 3 years for high BP and mitral prolapse. I'm 62. It was very effective at first for BP. The dosage raised over time from 5 mg to 20 mg. Now, less effective for BP - prolapse has evidently not worsened. I frequently feel tired now. I exercise regularly but require more effort when on this drug. My other complaint is chest pain and low heart rate, face rash, and I often have a pounding heart sensation. My goal is to lose 25 lbs (I'm 5'11", 218 pounds) in the hope that I can stop taking this med. The side effects are numerous for me, and I worry about the longer-term impact since it slows your heart rate so much. I will be seeking advice for an alternative med. The chest pain is the most worrying symptom (my stress tests/calcium scans are good)."

• Pic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 25, 2019

"I'm a 30-year-old male, former college athlete, large frame and build. Fourteen months ago, I started Lisinopril and another beta blocker on a recommendation from my cardiologist PA after determining I have essential hypertension and was having issues with panic attacks and tachycardia. After about a month, I complained of the side effects of the beta blocker and it switched me to Bystolic 5 mg. I noticed that I slowly began to gain weight, but I thought it was possibly just a lifestyle problem. My instances of tachycardia and also my blood pressure both went down with the medication. The side effects I learned to live with were sleeplessness, dizziness, foggy memory, severe dehydration, especially after alcohol or a big meal, some ED, and just overall lethargy and cloudiness. And the weight gain. But I hung on to Bystolic out of fear for my cardiovascular system."

• Tom...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 20, 2018

"I have been taking Bystolic since May of 2017. It seemed to be working, on occasions, it would spike to 130-140, but for the most part, stayed in the 115-125 range. Two weeks ago, it started running in the 140s-170s for some unknown reason! The lower range is still in the 60s-70s range. What is going on? My heart rate stays between 42-49. The lower the heart rate, the higher the pressure!"

• Net...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 27, 2018

"Am so, so scared and tired with no hope in the future. I have a 15-year-old daughter. I was on 2.5 mg, and they increased my dose to 5 mg in October. Since then, I've had no proper sleep. My GP reduced it to 2.5 mg again, but I need more to go to 1.25 mg or swap for another one. My lack of sleep interferes with everything. Please, please any help, ideas."

• Nan...
• May 7, 2016

"It never helped my blood pressure, it caused nightmares and rapid weight gain. Ten pounds gained without changing diet. Severe pain in hip. Fatigue I had never had before. I felt as if I were what I would expect a 90-year-old to feel like! I started walking and took myself off the medication, and now my blood pressure is 106/76."

• Dur...
• May 25, 2014

"I have limited experience with any other blood pressure medications, but reading the comments, I see the patterns I've experienced on Bystolic (10 mg before bed every night). Intermittent restless sleep, occasional neck and shoulder pains, inconsistent blood pressure readings ranging from an ideal 120/80 to spikes around 160/100. Intermittent bouts of extreme fatigue. I think my problem might be either inconsistent dose effectiveness (i.e., some of my pills might not be as strong as they're supposed to be), or I need to be on smaller doses twice a day to even out the effects. I'll check with my doctor."

• nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 26, 2012

"Too expensive, caused depression and restlessness, caused nightmares every night."

• Car...
• November 16, 2009

"I am a 57-year-old female who had a heart attack and a stent put in. I was prescribed Bystolic along with Norvasc to treat my hypertension. I didn't feel too bad at first, but after about a month on Bystolic (which my insurance won't pay for, nor does my local hospital have it to give to me when I am admitted), I had dizziness, low heart rate (41), and feeling like I was going to faint. I am uncomfortable taking this drug, as the above-mentioned symptoms caused me to be hospitalized 3 times since the heart attack and even had to have another cath to check the stent (which was fine). I will say it did keep my blood pressure low, but the side effects hinder my quality of life."

• Sis...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 9, 2021

"After reading all these comments, it now makes sense as to what I've been feeling. Was on Bystolic 2.5 mg for PVCs and higher BP than it should be for about 2 years. After taking the pill, my heart would speed up more and pound for about an hour, and I too have neck pain, or heaviness, I should say. Recently, after a back injury, my BP went up from pain, and I had a racing heart like 137. Cardio increased the dosage to 5 mg for now, and now I have the vivid dreams and insomnia. Did not have that with the 2.5 dose. Going to report to the doctor on my next visit in 3 weeks. I mentioned perhaps taking another beta blocker, especially due to the insane cost of this drug, but so far the doctor has not mentioned changing the drug but did give me a 3-month supply. The primary doctor says she can just give me another beta blocker cheaper, but I don't want to go against the cardiologist. I'll see how it goes if things change."

• Mar...
• November 8, 2019

"I have been on Bystolic 2.5 mg for about 5 years. I read a previous comment about becoming depressed after starting on this drug. I too suffer from depression and have also gotten to the point where no one and nothing interests me. For about 3 weeks now, my blood pressure has been all over the place, and I increased my dose to 2 pills a day. I still wake up with high blood pressure. I am going to a cardiologist to change my medication and hopefully finally get out of this slump I have been in for way too many years. Btw, I also suffer from bad migraines, which, according to my doctor, were supposed to be minimized with Bystolic. They have actually gotten worse over the years."

• vli...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2019

"Just started Bystolic 5mg. My fluttering is not well controlled, but then I have not taken it regularly. When I first started taking it in the morning, it made me sleepy and listless all day - I'm a cop, and that did not work for me. Now I take it after lunch, and that seems to help (my decision - did not consult the doc). I seem to have rapid heartbeat incidents right after taking it and sometimes when laying down at night. Since it's new, I will give it time - tried Lisinopril, but it made me cough - for quite a while AFTER I stopped taking it. BP seems ok, so I will stick with it until the next doctor visit."

• PTC...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 12, 2018

"This drug had some weird effects for me. I'm 21 and was on 5 mg for one year. I felt tired a good amount of the time, but I tried to remain active and exercise. When I did exercise, my endurance was great. I went from running 15 minutes a few times a week before this drug to running 45-50 minutes 4-5 times a week, and I never really wore out. I think it was because it increased nitric oxide bioavailability. I just never wore out during exercise, but always felt like I could take a nap. Just weird. Also had the vivid dreams and made me apathetic. Just not something I wanted to be on long term."

• Tj ...
• January 31, 2018

"Started 5 mg Bystolic in July 2017. Lowered my BP to unsafe levels, 90/50, as well as my heart rate, 47 bpm. Could not sleep well, 3-4 hours nightly, and had a jittery feeling throughout the day. Reduced dosage to 2.5 mg. Even at that dose, I experienced unsatisfactory results. Started breaking the 2.5 mg in half, and I'm sleeping better, and my BP runs around 112/60. Still have the jitters, however. I run daily and have difficulty getting my heart rate above 110. It seems there's a price to pay for many medications, often more than I'm willing to accept. Quality of life issues."

• Cry...
• June 11, 2016

"Been on Bystolic for labile hypertension for one year. Medication is somewhat assisting with the high readings, but severely detrimental with the lows (91/55). Cardiologist said this is the best medication for labile hypertension, but I believe it makes me drop too low at night. Only on 2.5 mg and doctor wants to increase because I still get readings of 120/92 in the mornings. May have to search for new medication because this one is not ideal for labile hypertension."

• Anonymous
• January 2, 2012

"49 yo male, generally healthy including normal blood pressure. I had a bare metal stent placed in a main artery and have been on 2.5 mg of Bystolic for 3 months now. For the most part, I feel good. The subtle changes to my body I have noticed include uncertainty, forgetfulness, fatigue, and working at a slower pace. Never having been on any medications prior to my procedure, I became concerned and phoned my cardiologist. Their reply: 'Oh, we hear that all the time from patients on the drug, it's normal. Your body is adjusting as it would to a pair of new eyeglasses.' It didn't make me feel any better."

• MRS...
• July 13, 2011

"I recently switched physicians and was placed on Bystolic after being on Benicar for over a year. Benicar did not control my blood pressure, but since being placed on Bystolic, I felt the difference immediately. I had problems with palpitations, uncontrolled blood pressure, sweating, hot flashes, and racing heart. I am now much calmer and my blood pressure is under control. The only side effect I am having (after being on this prescription for a week) is tiredness and a loss of appetite. I do get a little dizzy about an hour after taking the medication, but Benicar did the same."

• adv...
• December 6, 2009

"I understand this medicine is relatively new and very expensive. Not covered in some cases. While I have been on it only 3 weeks, I experience insomnia. Have to take Tylenol PM. Feeling cold all the time. Cramps have increased in legs, knees, and hands, mostly at night. Unable to walk as much without muscle pains. Take 5 mg daily. Hope this helps."

• Anonymous
• September 3, 2009

"I'm a 48-year-old female with hypertension in the 160/95 - 190/100 range. I am sensitive to a lot of medicines. The 5 mg of Bystolic fluctuated my blood pressure from 113/60 to 190/100, and it was never constant. My heart rate also slowed to 42. I had to pretty much drop my exercise routine due to the unpredictability. I also had bouts of confusion, generally feeling removed from the things around, almost a surreal feeling. After almost 3 weeks of it, I am going off of it. I can barely function in my job. I was switched to Tekturna today and hope that the side effects are reduced and that I can function clear-headed again. It may be great for others, but not for me."

• I O...
• July 23, 2009

"This medicine does an excellent job of lowering blood pressure but does a poor job of lowering pulse rate, trying to lower atrial fibrillation."

• Big...
• July 11, 2009

"I was placed on Bystolic and Flecainade to control atrial flutter. It took three weeks for this combination to work, but it did, and my heart rhythms became stable and stayed that way. I later had an ablation, which cured my atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation. I experienced several of the common side effects: low libido, near impotence, and chronic diarrhea, which has resisted all efforts to correct. Recently, I decided to discontinue it and did so. Pulse went from 70 to mid-80's and blood pressure crept up, so did a taper per the literature. After being off it for a week, pulse rates as high as low 90s, blood pressure going up daily to 140's. Have started taking it again. This medicine is quite difficult to get off. Keep this in mind when considering whether to take it."

• Anonymous
• February 21, 2009

"I was getting sporadic bouts of extreme diarrhea and didn't realize why until I checked the side effects of this drug. I'm only on 5mg."