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Suggest Treatment For Fatigue And Anxiety When Diagnosed With Hypertension
Question: I have had palpitations lately, and more recently twinges in my chest. I have high blood pressure and I take 20mg Toprol xl each night. I also have marginal sleep apnea. I tried. C Pap 2 years ago but didn't like it and stopped using it. Recently, I've been really tired and so my doctor suggested we try Citolopram. That made everything worse. Then I tried ambien to get better sleep but I didn't like that either. I'm 61 ( male) and am in good shape 6'4", 220. I work out every day, basically cardio.
I can't believe how tutted I am all the time. We've considered that I might have anxiety, could it be low testosterone? I was wirried about my heart so 2 months ago I did a heart halter for 24 hours and it came back fine. I've been pretty healthy all my life, except for a bout with Lyme Disease about 10 years ago.
I worry about the chest pains, fatigue and light headedness I experience at times. Any thoughts on this?
I can't believe how tutted I am all the time. We've considered that I might have anxiety, could it be low testosterone? I was wirried about my heart so 2 months ago I did a heart halter for 24 hours and it came back fine. I've been pretty healthy all my life, except for a bout with Lyme Disease about 10 years ago.
I worry about the chest pains, fatigue and light headedness I experience at times. Any thoughts on this?
Brief Answer:
Discussion follows
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
You are on a beta blocker Toprol XL which reduces the heart rate and controls palpitation and blood pressure. However it may be contributing to your sleep apnoea symptoms and tiredness as it is not fully beta 1 selective. If possible discuss with your doctor to change over to a more selective beta1 blocker like Bisoprolol or Nebivolol.
The sleep apnoea is more if you sleep on your back. So ensure that you sleep on the side. Many people start with sleeping on their sides and then turn over to their backs.There is a simple way of preventing this if you can sew a tennis ball on the back of the shirt portion of your pyjama.
Andropause with decrease in Testosterone blood levels is known to produce fatigue and lassitude. This can be checked and corrected. It is also often associated with anxiety and/or depression.
Do get back to me if you have further queries.
Discussion follows
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome and thanks for your query.
You are on a beta blocker Toprol XL which reduces the heart rate and controls palpitation and blood pressure. However it may be contributing to your sleep apnoea symptoms and tiredness as it is not fully beta 1 selective. If possible discuss with your doctor to change over to a more selective beta1 blocker like Bisoprolol or Nebivolol.
The sleep apnoea is more if you sleep on your back. So ensure that you sleep on the side. Many people start with sleeping on their sides and then turn over to their backs.There is a simple way of preventing this if you can sew a tennis ball on the back of the shirt portion of your pyjama.
Andropause with decrease in Testosterone blood levels is known to produce fatigue and lassitude. This can be checked and corrected. It is also often associated with anxiety and/or depression.
Do get back to me if you have further queries.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I've been on Toprol xl for 10 years. I've always had the fogginess, just not the palpitations and chest twinges that I've felt recently. I want to feel better than I do now. I'm very active - business owner, travel for fun a lot. Why have these symptoms gotten worse or in some cases why have they now developed? Changing beta blockers might help? I'm most worried about the ongoing fatigue, chest twinges, nervousness. It's like my adrenaline is overflowing and then I'm tired at the same time. My energy level is low. Please advise. Thanks!!
Brief Answer:
discussion continued
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your response.
The betablocker I have suggested is more specific for your symptoms.
It may be worthwhile to check your blood testosterone levels and as one grows in age, there can be a deficiency which can be corrected.
Increase your sympathetic nervous system hormones gives you a 'fight or flight' feeling and betablockers can help reducing this.
Relaxation techniques like yoga can help in addition to healthy wholesome food and exercise.
Take Care,
discussion continued
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your response.
The betablocker I have suggested is more specific for your symptoms.
It may be worthwhile to check your blood testosterone levels and as one grows in age, there can be a deficiency which can be corrected.
Increase your sympathetic nervous system hormones gives you a 'fight or flight' feeling and betablockers can help reducing this.
Relaxation techniques like yoga can help in addition to healthy wholesome food and exercise.
Take Care,
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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