Off medication and have no energy....

[Lonelymom]

I have acute arrhythmia or something like that basically my heart rate stays between 110 and 160 at resting unless I am on my medication. The doctor put me on blood pressure pills to lower my heart rate and I have been on them for over a year now. They are working great but the problem is I ran out right before christmas and the doctor will not refill them unless I make an appointment. I no longer have health insurance since my DH lost his job and my company does not offer it to me since I am only part time.  I know it is important to keep up with your health and I do plan to go see a doctor when I get paid end of next week. Problem is since I have been off my medication I have no energy at all. I eat right but exercising is little to none because when I get off work I am so tired I fall asleep real early.

Is my lack of energy because of not taking the medication?

[Lonelymom]

Thank you for your advice. Yes I am hoping the primary care physician will prescribe me the medicaiton until another cardiologist is found.

My biggest caffeine problem is chocolate as well and I crave it a lot!  My cardiologist is concerned over my heart rate staying high but feels it is the caffeine causing it and won't listen when I tell him I am not drinking caffeine anymore. A minor heartattack will scare anyone away from caffeine!

[Jerry_NJ]

Your primary care doctor may be willing to give you a short term (30 days say) prescription while you search for another cardiologist.  Ask too for a generic if it isn't already generic.  I take Metoproolol beta blocker, still a bit pricy but less being a generic.  I haven't looked, there may be something on Walmart or other $10 special offers that would work.  Not trying to get you to change brands, just exploring...

I drink decaf coffee, only a couple of cups in the morning, but I do have a cup of Lipton's black tea too.  I drink decaf soda too.  I still have AFib, but think the caffeine would make it worse.  My biggest caffeine  problem is chocolate.  

Some people do have a resting HR in the neighborhood of 100 and it isn't a problem.  I think anything over 100 is considered tachycardia and should be treated, the more over the more the need for treatment.

If you can figure out what it is that lets you get more energy when taking a beta blocker, get it patented - it will be worth a fortune if it can be administered to others.

[Lonelymom]

Yes it is a beta blocker and surprisingly enough I have the opposite affect when on it. I have energy and feel great but when I stop taking it and yes it was cold turkey I am dragging hiney to do anything. Even getting up and getting ready for work his hard.

The cardiologist is the one refusing to refill without seeing him first. He had me pinned as a caffiene aholic and that was my problem and once I stopped drinking caffiene I would get better. To his surprise that is not the case! I drink water all day long and have decaff tea with supper. I am going to see my regular physican ( a new one at that) next week and hope he will refer me to a new cardiologist one that will take what is going on more serious!

[Jerry_NJ]

I assume your medication is a beta blocker, and the body does have to adjust to taking and stopping.  If you stopped "cold turkey" that may cause some problems, and I'm surprised your doctor wasn't willing to give you a small dose allocation to hold you until you can get/afford an appointment.  

That said, it is my guess that the tiredness will pass, but the high HR is a concern.  I'd take an aspirin with a meal (If you stomach can take it) each day and discuss that too with your doctor when you get an appointment.

As you must know, beta blocker to have the undesired side effect of fatigue - so I am surprised stopping that medication can cause the same side effect.  Just my "foot note" on your post.