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How To Switch From Lopressor To Bystolic?

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Posted on Tue, 25 Nov 2014
Question: I've been taking Lopressor 50mg twice daily
Diltiazem 180mg twice daily
Valsartan 100mg once daily
for 15 + years. I'd like to switch from Lopressor to Bystolic, to reduce the miserable side affects. Can I just start taking Bystolic and stop Lopressor or how should I proceed
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (18 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Who has authorized this switch? Your doctor?

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear of the miserable side effects you have been experiencing for the past 15years. I am questioning why this switch had not be done a lot earlier. Though it sounds a good plan, I will like to know if the treating physician is on board for this change. If yes, good and if not, please get him informed and involved.

If it is an authorized switch, stopping lopressor and starting bystolic is safe. What are your symptoms? Why are you so sure that it is lopressor and not any one of the other drugs?

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (11 minutes later)
I have no treating physician at present since my health insurance expired and I can't afford to see a cardiologist. I've read a lot about how much more effective the 3rd generation beta-blockers such as Bystolic are. I know people who switched and have had the side effects of Lopressor/metopropol type beta-blockers relieved with the benefits of this newer beta blocker.
That's what is motivating my wish to change.
Thank you
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Keep me updated!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Your information on the side effects profile of these medications is correct. I am so sorry to hear about your insurance that expired. These are not over the counter medications and am wondering if you would be able to get them without a doctors' prescription.

What are your blood pressure numbers? Let me have a look to see whether we are on the right tract or not and what suggestions/adjustments should be made. Remember that exercise, low salt diet, optimum weight, no smoking, minimal levels o alcohol and a healthful lifestyle would be added tools to keep your blood pressure well controlled.

I wish you well and hope to hear from you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (22 minutes later)
My BP averages 132/75 Pulse 60. I take it every day.
I exercise regularly
use a low salt diet
don't smoke and am generally fit and healthy besides BP.
Side effects are fatigue ( can't stay awake a whole day)
Moderate swelling of left ankle
Stiffness of joints, leg pain.
Saw a cardiologist and had echocardiogram a year ago, he said my heart was in good shape other than the paroxysmal afib.
I've been getting my medications from XXXXXXX for 10 + years and can get generic Bystolic if I switch from the generic Lopressor I take
I just wanted to get some advice on how to make the change from Lopressor to Bystolic.
Thanks again
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (42 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I am happy you can get your drgus by self!

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the detailed information.

I wish you well and never hesitate to if talk to me if need be.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Ivo Ditah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3984 Questions

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How To Switch From Lopressor To Bystolic?

Brief Answer: Who has authorized this switch? Your doctor? Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear of the miserable side effects you have been experiencing for the past 15years. I am questioning why this switch had not be done a lot earlier. Though it sounds a good plan, I will like to know if the treating physician is on board for this change. If yes, good and if not, please get him informed and involved. If it is an authorized switch, stopping lopressor and starting bystolic is safe. What are your symptoms? Why are you so sure that it is lopressor and not any one of the other drugs? I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.